Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show outfit had an unexpected backstory that captivated many fans. The $1,300 Celine jeans he wore during the performance were originally intended for actor Timothée Chalamet. Both Lamar and Chalamet share stylist Taylor McNeil, who had picked out a few pairs of jeans for Lamar’s looks at the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl. When Lamar tried on a women’s size 29 pair, they surprisingly fit him perfectly, despite him usually wearing a size 33.
Lamar, known for his precise and intentional approach to his performances, explained that his halftime outfit was meant to convey the essence of sports culture. His jeans, which had fans debating whether they were bootcut or bell-bottoms, were actually “flared surf jeans in summer dazed wash,” according to Celine’s website. The extra-long length of the jeans was especially noticeable, which might have been due to the height difference between Lamar (5’5″) and Chalamet (5’10”).
Along with the jeans, Lamar wore a custom blue leather varsity jacket by Martine Rose, which had archival sports paneling and custom embroidery. He also sported a $68,000 Rahaminov diamond brooch pinned to his cap, adding a touch of luxury to his look.
The Super Bowl halftime performance marked a historic moment as Lamar became the first solo rap artist to headline the show. His set included hits like All the Stars and Luther, and he was joined by SZA for a powerful performance. In an unexpected twist, tennis legend Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, performing a crip-walk to Lamar’s track Not Like Us, which is a diss track aimed at rapper Drake.
Lamar also showcased tracks from his new album GNX, including Man at the Garden and Peekaboo, with actor Samuel L. Jackson narrating parts of the performance as Uncle Sam. It was a record-breaking Super Bowl performance that brought together unexpected collaborations and a standout fashion moment.