In a striking display of fashion that shook up the norms of celebrity style, Bad Bunny took to the stage during the Super Bowl halftime show clad in a strikingly simple yet elegant ensemble by high-street favourite Zara. The Puerto Rican sensation, making history as the first performer to headline the event entirely in Spanish, not only wowed audiences with his musical prowess but also with a wardrobe choice that prioritised accessibility over luxury.
A Shift from Luxury to High Street
Gone are the days when Super Bowl performers gravitated solely towards high-end couture. Instead, Bad Bunny’s choice of a monochromatic cream outfit—a collared shirt, tie, chinos, and a sport-inspired jersey emblazoned with his surname “Ocasio” and the number 64—signified a refreshing departure from the expected. This decision, especially notable given his recent appearance at the Grammy Awards in a tailored suit by Schiaparelli, showcases a deliberate pivot in his fashion narrative, embracing a more relatable style that resonates with a broader audience.
The significance of the number 64 remains a mystery, but fans speculate it may hark back to his mother’s birth year, adding a personal touch to his ensemble. Styled by the creative team of Storm Pablo and Marvin Douglas Linares, the look was understated yet impactful, allowing the silhouette to shine without the distractions of overt branding typical of such a grand event.
A New Definition of Luxury
In a striking contrast to his previous red-carpet appearances, Bad Bunny’s halftime outfit relied on cohesive styling rather than eye-catching logos. The choice to keep accessories minimal—opting for cream gloves and a luxurious Royal Oak timepiece by Audemars Piguet—introduced a subtle elegance without overshadowing the overall aesthetic. The watch, with its yellow gold case and malachite dial, provided a hint of opulence, demonstrating that luxury can be achieved through thoughtful curation rather than excessive embellishment.
Footwear added another layer to this fashion-forward approach. Bad Bunny debuted the BadBo 1.0 trainer, a collaborative design with Adidas, ahead of its official release, strategically placing the product in front of millions of viewers. This seamless fusion of performance and product launch exemplifies a clever marketing strategy that blurs the lines between fashion and function.
A Collaborative Stage
The performance, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, also featured Lady Gaga, who dazzled the audience in a custom Luar ensemble. Her vibrant cornflower blue dress, complete with Flamenco-inspired detailing, stood in stark contrast to Bad Bunny’s minimalist attire, showcasing the diverse range of fashion represented on the halftime stage. This moment highlighted the increasing intersection of sports, entertainment, and fashion during the Super Bowl, transforming it into a multifaceted cultural event.
In the lead-up to the game, the fashion industry was already buzzing with activity, marked by Thom Browne’s autumn/winter 2026 show and Abercrombie & Fitch’s showcase featuring NFL players and their partners. Such events reinforce the Super Bowl’s evolving identity as a platform for both athletic and fashion expression, elevating the event beyond mere sports.
Fashion as Identity
Bad Bunny’s choice to wear Zara not only placed the high-street brand in the spotlight but also reflected a deeper narrative within his artistic identity. For an artist often associated with maximalist style, his recent choices signal a shift towards embracing fashion as a personal extension rather than a superficial add-on to performance. By intertwining high-street design with luxury elements, he makes a compelling argument that fashion impact is not dictated by price but by perspective and intention.
Why it Matters
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance serves as a powerful reminder that fashion can be both accessible and impactful. As he champions the high street alongside luxury brands, he challenges traditional notions of celebrity style and encourages a more inclusive approach to fashion. In doing so, he not only redefines the parameters of what it means to dress for a global audience but also inspires fans to embrace their individuality, irrespective of price points. This cultural shift underscores the importance of authenticity in a world often dominated by exclusivity, making Bad Bunny a trailblazer for a new generation of artists.
