By Julia Labrada
When tasked with styling a Super Bowl halftime show, especially one performed by a pop-culture trailblazer and reigning top artist on Spotify’s global charts, brands like Versace, Prada, or Miu Miu might be some of the first to come to mind. This year, however, stylists threw a complete curveball at society’s expectations for such a high-profile show. As the field of Levi’s stadium cleared in preparation for this year’s highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, the stadium cheered and viewers at home raised their TV volume, looking forward to one thing: the entrance of Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny. Soon, the “King of Latin Trap” entered the scene, donning a custom, all-white outfit designed by the last brand any fashion nerd in the audience could have expected… Zara?
On the surface level, this choice may be slightly confusing, but the show’s underlying message of unity puts it well into perspective. The fast-fashion brand, Zara, although undoubtedly controversial, is commonplace among most malls, making it highly recognizable. The key significance of the choice to showcase this brand lies in the fact that it’s relatable. While most viewers are able to recognize high-end brands, few have ever entered a luxury store and even fewer have purchased an item from one. Zara, on the other hand, is the opposite: a broader audience can recognize the brand, walk into one of the stores, and even purchase some clothing, creating a sense of relatability between the Latin musical sensation and the average Super Bowl viewer. By wearing an outfit designed by such a relatable brand, Martinez Ocasio’s connection to his fans amplifies his show’s message: “We’re all people despite our differences.”
Beyond consumer relatability, the white outfits worn by Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin are also correlated to a broader theme: Liberty. Connecting to the individual liberties symbolized by the white stripes of the Puerto Rican flag, this year’s performance marked the liberation of Spanish music from being a small component of mainstream culture to a global headliner. Marking a turning point in pop culture, on top of being the first Spanish-language-dominant performance in Super Bowl history, this year’s show will also be remembered as the second-most streamed halftime show following Kendrick Lamar's 2025 performance.
Of course, it would be impossible to ignore Lady Gaga’s cameo in a show-stopping blue dress designed by Brooklyn-native, Raul Lopez. The look was paired with red heels, matching red nails, and completed with a custom red flor de maga brooch by Piers Atkinson. Gaga’s wardrobe not only highlighted Puerto Rican culture through her brooch, but also cast a spotlight on an independent designer with a reputation for blending his Dominican heritage with the streetwear of Brooklyn.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was full of cultural statements in every aspect of the performance. From the music itself, to the set-dressing, and even the cultivated fashion pieces, Benito used America’s biggest stage to make a statement about cultural expression and community. Whether you tuned in for the show, game, or commercials, we hope you enjoyed your Super Bowl experience!