Tonight, millions of people around the world will tune in to watch the US Super Bowl LIX. Whilst some will be genuinely interested in finding out whether the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs, others simply want to witness the mega spectacle that is the halftime show. Because, whilst technically a sporting event, the Super Bowl is also a mega music moment, and therefore, a mega fashion moment too — such an important occasion clearly calls for some larger-than-life outfits.
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Two years ago Rihanna made sartorial Super Bowl history with her Loewe breastplate, red jumpsuit and surprise pregnancy reveal, an outfit that will undoubtedly feature in any eventual retrospective of the singer’s illustrious life in looks. Meanwhile, 2021 saw Snoop Dogg don a paisley cobalt tracksuit and 51-year-old Mary J. Blige perform some daunting choreography in a mirrorball leopard print two-piece, though many of the other rappers opted for simple get ups (boring!).
The 2020 show was most interesting — Shakira and JLo took to the stage, sporting an array of feather and crystal-adorned ensembles. Shakira opted for no less than five different custom outfits created for her by Peter Dundas, accompanied by a pair of $20,000 boots covered in Swarovski crystals. JLo meanwhile stuck to a series of iridescent custom Versace looks, created for her by the brand's atelier in Milan.
JLo's wardrobe highlight was a silver fringed salsa bodysuit accessorised with a feather cape representing the American flag on one side, and the Puerto Rican on the other. The flag featured 40,000 individually sewn feathers, and each of the 2000 stars on the American side had 40 Swarovski crystals sewn on. This is football with a side of couture. Previous years have seen the likes of Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Prince and the Rolling Stones take to the stage in an array of designer creations.
From the Givenchy capes and headdresses Madonna wore in 2012 to the crystal-embellished Versace bodysuit Lady Gaga rocked in 2017, the half-time slot is a moment of sartorial theatre like no other. In amongst all the triumphs of spandex and sequins, however, some years have seen some dressing disasters. Back in 2004 for example, Janet Jackson experienced a major wardrobe ‘malfunction’ onstage after Justin Timberlake exposed her breast during a performance. Mid-way through singing the lyrics "bet I’ll have you naked by the end of this song” from his hit “Rock Your Body,” the former N-Sync star tore off a piece of Jackson's top, revealing her nipple to millions of viewers.
Despite the misdemeanour, Timberlake — who also featured in 2001's half-time show alongside Britney Spears — was invited back for a third time to headline the 2018 show alongside P!nk, who sang the US national anthem. Jackson on the other hand was vilified in the press. How quickly can you say: double standards?. This year's halftime performance will be headlined by none other than 22-time Grammy award-winner Kendrick Lamar, who is set to showcase his long catalogue of rap hits (plus his Drake beef spectacular, Not Like Us) on the Super Bowl stage this evening.
