Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime look: The return of flares
Annapurna Rai | Feb 10, 2025, 23:01 IST
( Image credit : TIMESOFINDIA.COM )
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans featured flared jeans, sparking discussions on their comeback. While Lamar’s denim choice drew mixed reactions online, it signifies a potential fashion trend revival. Runway shows and red carpet events have also hinted at the resurgence of flared pants.
The Super Bowl halftime show has long been a cultural spectacle, not just for its electrifying performances but also for the unforgettable fashion moments that often accompany them. This year, Kendrick Lamar took center stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, delivering a high-energy performance that had fans buzzing. While the music undoubtedly stole the show, it was Lamar’s fashion choice—specifically his jeans—that ignited a conversation about the return of flared denim.
Unlike previous halftime headliners who opt for elaborate costume changes, Lamar kept his look understated. Dressed in a backward cap and a motorbike-style varsity jacket, he maintained a sleek yet relaxed aesthetic. However, it was his choice of denim that caught the internet’s attention. His washed denim pants, designed by former Celine creative director Hedi Slimane, flared subtly at the knee and trailed behind him as he moved across the stage.
The internet, as expected, was divided. Some social media users dismissed the look, playfully comparing Lamar’s jeans to those worn by early-2000s pop stars or labeling them as “women’s jeans.” Others embraced the style, recalling the flared jeans they wore as teenagers and hailing Lamar’s bold fashion statement. Regardless of the debate, one thing was clear—flared pants were back in the spotlight.
Recent runway shows have already hinted at a resurgence of this silhouette. At Paris Fashion Week, Louis Vuitton showcased a collection dubbed “dandy streetwear,” featuring various interpretations of boot-cut and flared pants. Pharrell Williams, the brand’s menswear creative director, further solidified the trend by donning leather flares on stage before switching to denim ones at Sacai’s show. Meanwhile, high-fashion labels like Rick Owens and Marni have also embraced the style, while celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Colman Domingo have sported tailored flares at major red carpet events.
While fashion week trends and Hollywood red carpets certainly influence mainstream style, hip-hop has always maintained its own sartorial identity. Yet, as the lines between streetwear and high fashion continue to blur, Lamar’s choice of denim could mark a pivotal moment for the return of flares in menswear. If the Super Bowl halftime show is any indication, what Lamar wears today could shape what’s trending tomorrow.
As one social media user aptly put it, “Kendrick single-handedly just brought back boot-cut jeans.” And with his track record of influencing both music and culture, it wouldn’t be surprising if flared denim soon becomes a staple in wardrobes everywhere.
Unlike previous halftime headliners who opt for elaborate costume changes, Lamar kept his look understated. Dressed in a backward cap and a motorbike-style varsity jacket, he maintained a sleek yet relaxed aesthetic. However, it was his choice of denim that caught the internet’s attention. His washed denim pants, designed by former Celine creative director Hedi Slimane, flared subtly at the knee and trailed behind him as he moved across the stage.
The internet, as expected, was divided. Some social media users dismissed the look, playfully comparing Lamar’s jeans to those worn by early-2000s pop stars or labeling them as “women’s jeans.” Others embraced the style, recalling the flared jeans they wore as teenagers and hailing Lamar’s bold fashion statement. Regardless of the debate, one thing was clear—flared pants were back in the spotlight.
Recent runway shows have already hinted at a resurgence of this silhouette. At Paris Fashion Week, Louis Vuitton showcased a collection dubbed “dandy streetwear,” featuring various interpretations of boot-cut and flared pants. Pharrell Williams, the brand’s menswear creative director, further solidified the trend by donning leather flares on stage before switching to denim ones at Sacai’s show. Meanwhile, high-fashion labels like Rick Owens and Marni have also embraced the style, while celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Colman Domingo have sported tailored flares at major red carpet events.
While fashion week trends and Hollywood red carpets certainly influence mainstream style, hip-hop has always maintained its own sartorial identity. Yet, as the lines between streetwear and high fashion continue to blur, Lamar’s choice of denim could mark a pivotal moment for the return of flares in menswear. If the Super Bowl halftime show is any indication, what Lamar wears today could shape what’s trending tomorrow.
As one social media user aptly put it, “Kendrick single-handedly just brought back boot-cut jeans.” And with his track record of influencing both music and culture, it wouldn’t be surprising if flared denim soon becomes a staple in wardrobes everywhere.