I don’t know about everyone else, but I only turned the Super Bowl on at halftime for one reason and one reason only: Kendrick. Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to making statements with his music and performances, so it’s no surprise that he would be intentional with his style choices as well. A lot of people think “Not Like Us” is just a Drake diss track, but it has a deeper meaning, showcasing his love for where he came from and marking a new era for West Coast rap, as well as the strong unity and love for LA. Lamar has always had swag, but you can tell his style evolution is a direct reflection of his music, creative direction, intentions, and roots. It may be easier for me to see all of this as a long-time Kendrick supporter, but even those who aren’t fans of Kendrick can still recognize his style and understand that it can be used as an intentional expression of who he is.
I want to start by recognizing his stylist and team, specifically Taylor McNeil, who has worked with Lamar since 2020, as well as some other big names in the industry. Taylor McNeil has played a crucial role in this era of Kendrick’s life, delivering the style and messages that he wants through her styling. She has consistently paid homage to street style, specifically LA street style. Kendrick is known for highlighting Black creatives and up-and-coming artists, so it would be a shock if he weren’t wearing a piece we didn’t recognize. Dawned in a custom Martin Rose bomber jacket, Nikes, an unmissable chain with an "a" on it, and Celine bootleg jeans which have caused quite the stir industry-wide– he most definitely did not disappoint.
Analyzing his fit, I’ll start from the shoes up. He showed out in Nike DT Max Deion Sanders’ iconic ‘90s shoes. Next, the jeans that everyone was talking about, which nearly stole the show, were Heidi Slimane for Celine steel blue wash denim. On top of that, he wore a custom bomber jacket by British emerging designer Martine Rose that featured “Gloria” in big letters on the front, which is a song on his most recent album GNX, basically about his love and struggle for his art. On the back was PG Lang in big letters, which is Kendrick Lamar’s and longtime collaborator Dave Free’s independent creative communications company. Of course, another eye-catching moment was the bling around his neck, a direct correlation to one of, if not the most popular line from his hit song “Not Like Us,” in which he raps, “Trying to strike a chord and it’s probably a minor”—a direct callout to Drake, but also a genius lyric in its own right. Fellow musicians could recognize his chain as an "a minor." Lastly, it wouldn’t be Kendrick if he didn’t have a fitted LA Dodgers baseball cap on, so, of course, he had a blinged-out fitted. Overall, I would rate his outfit a 10 out of 10, and I’m eager to see what he and his stylist put out next.
For everyone still in a chokehold by the bootleg jeans, I wanted to shout out a few emerging designers who do some awesome work with denim, which could serve as an alternative to the Celine jeans.
1. HORDE STUDIO - Malone Flared Jeans
Closr’s very own Horde Studios does flare jeans in a fun and grungy way that could be dressed up or down.
2. MIMCHIK- Bootcut Jeans (Indigo)
These bootcut jeans emulate traditional Western bootcut deep blue denim but in a very flattering chic way.
3. ANN ANDELMAN
Blue Gothic Image Patchwork Jeans
Ann Andelman has a variety of styles and cuts of jeans, these two particularly offer a more grungy style approach to the traditional flare jean.
4. FAN FARE- Fora Oversized Upcycled Blue High Waisted Jeans
Fan Fare is a great sustainable option for denim, with many jeans using recycled denim you are sure to find a more eco-conscious jean alternative.
Denimist is an up-and-coming brand that mostly focuses on denim, but is not limited to. This brand leverages vintage denim styles for a modern look.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime look was more than just a fashion moment—it was a cultural statement. And while his Celine jeans might be out of reach, the next wave of emerging designers is already setting the stage for what’s next in denim.
With the help of his stylist, Taylor McNeil, Lamar continues to push the boundaries of style while staying true to his identity. Whether you’re a long-time fan or not, his intentional fashion choices serve as a testament to his legacy in both music and culture. The Celine jeans that stole the show draw attention to the flare jeans and with the flares spotlighted above from emerging designers you are sure to make a style statement just as Kendrick did.
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