The political power behind Kendrick Lamar's Superbowl jeans

In the most anticipated performance of the year, Kendrick Lamar (joined by SZA) brought to the stage an eclectic performance filled with deep history, messages and styling that left people talking about it for weeks.

Styled by Taylor McNeill, Lamar sported bootcut Celine jeans, as well as a custom leather Martine Rose Varsity jacket that spelled out “Gloria”. Lamar’s sporting of bootcut jeans has caused division and envy in equal measure on social media with fans taking to TikTok in hopes of replicating Lamars iconic look. One TikTok user posted: “ Kendrick Lamar’s flared Celine jeans were the true winner of the 2025 Super Bowl”.

So what is the significance of Kendrick Lamars’ jeans? The likes of Vogue have highlighted that this indicates the move towards reintroducing the Y2K style that characterized the 2000s with Gen Z being reintroduced to the style. However, this was more than a fashion statement and the reintroduction of a style. Lamars’ performance was full of political and historical nuance leaving many in awe at Lamar's sucess of weaving the two together.

Lamars’ choice of bootcut jeans points towards the rich history of black empowerment that has characterized fashion for years. The jeans have a rich history in the black culture. Gaining popularity in the 1960s-70s one can not discredit the nod to the black panthers who were commonly seen wearing these styles of jeans, an organisation which fought against systematic oppression. The act of wearing these jeans was a bold move in Lamars’ embedded political messaging signalling a homage to the revolutionary movements of the past whilst pointing at a now politically hostile contemporary-society.

One cannot forget SZAs iconic addition to the performance, wearing red from head to toe, styled by Alejandra LaPilusa. Joining Lamar to perform “Luther” from his 2024 album “GNX” and their joint hit “All the Stars” from the 2018 soundtrack “Black Panther,” SZA sported a monochromatic outfit consisting of a leather jacket by Born x Raised, a lace and mesh corset, laced-up leather pants by Los Angeles designer Ashton Michael and red-high top sneakers. Accessorising with a fur accent at her hip, layered rings, and a diamond tennis necklace with a “Lana” nameplate by Lana Jewelry.

Is this a signal of a return to political messaging through mainstream performance?

Edited by Charlotte Colley