Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Style Statement: The Case for Bootcut Jeans

Kendrick Lamar, having cemented his dominance in the music industry with his scathing Drake diss track Not Like Us, took center stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 9. While his musical prowess remains undisputed, his fashion choice—specifically, his jeans—sparked discussion.

Lamar performed in a custom Martine Rose ensemble, paired with Nike Air DT Max ’96 sneakers. Meanwhile, SZA graced the stage, and Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, captivating the crowd. Yet, amidst these high-profile moments, one particular aspect of Lamar’s outfit stood out: his bootcut jeans.

At first glance, the flared silhouette seemed like an unusual choice for the typically sartorially sharp Lamar. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that this was no fashion misstep. The jeans in question? CELINE’s “Flared Surf Jeans in Summer Dazed Wash Denim,” a signature design by Hedi Slimane, retailing for a hefty $1,300.

Despite their high-end pedigree, bootcut jeans often teeter on the edge of divisiveness, reminiscent of the NTDenim aesthetic—a term used to describe jeans that, when paired with sneakers, create an unfortunate pooling effect. Yet, if anyone could make them work, it was Lamar.

Lamar has long been a trendsetter, seamlessly blending luxury labels like Willy Chavarria—his collaborator for a custom Super Bowl merch line—with indie designers such as Evan Kinori. His carefully curated style, often showcased through his private Instagram, makes even the most polarizing fashion choices appear intentional and effortless.

Bootcut jeans, known for their tricky proportions, can be notoriously difficult to pull off. The key lies in their fit—too long, and they drag awkwardly; too short, and they disrupt the silhouette. Pharrell Williams has embraced the flared cut since taking the reins at Louis Vuitton, yet even his influence has not made them a mainstream staple.

Unlike Pharrell’s exaggerated denim proportions, Lamar’s take was more refined—grungy yet deliberate. The response from fans reflected this sentiment. Social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising his execution of the trend and some even searching for purchase links—only to be deterred by the price tag.

Kendrick Lamar has proven time and again that he is more than just a music icon; he is a cultural force. If anyone can revitalize the bootcut jean for a new generation, it’s him.