Reed Selects: All-Time Super Bowl Lewks
Ahead of tonight’s big game (yes. I really just typed that. Let it sink it), and more importantly tonight’s Half Time Show, I thought we would take a look back at some of our favorite fashion moments from Super Bowl’s of yore.
My kind of Football Squad ala Victoria’s Secret (Image via Imugr)
Let’s start at the beginning shall we. Sports is not my forte. I actually have 34 years of anecdotal proof to back this claim. But when it comes to the Super Bowl, it seems that everyone and their dog is planning to tune in. Therefore, I have had manifest a way to make it fun for me too. And naturally my solution would come down to any and all pop culture moments and fashion musings contained within. So without further ado, why don’t we take a look at some of my favorite moments from Super Bowls past.
Image via People.com
Who: Lenny Kravitz
What: Halftime Show
When: 2015
Why: It might cause one to raise a well manicured eyebrow to know that Lenny is my numero uno Celebrity Crush. The man literally oozes sex appeal, and although I am normally allergic to wholistic lotions and potions (I imagine he wears these things), it would be well worth the swelling. The year that Katy Perry donned the halftime stage, clad in costumes designed by the ring leader of pop himself Jeremy Scott, it was in fact Kravitz’ appearance halfway through the performance that sticks with me to this day… for obvious reasons.
Image via CMT.com
Who: The Dixie Chicks
What: National Anthem
When: 2003
Why: There is just something about acapella that makes my shoulders shimmy. This was also one of the most subdued National Anthems we have every encountered, which was a somber yet powerful risk to take. Also I would be remiss to just not mention the styling happening here. it’s so early aught’s I’m def putting it in my MySpace Top 9. Second Row.
Image via Vogue.com
Who: Beyonce
What: Halftime Show
When: 2013
Why: No stranger to the Super Bowl (she’s performed both the Halftime Show and the National Anthem), Beyonce took the stage solo in 2013 and was so good, so epic, so wind machine on high perfect, that she blew the damn circuit board. And for good reason too. First of all, her stage was shaped like her silhouette. That’s reason enough to shed a tear, but you add in the fact that she reunited Destin’ys Child… Ok Bug-a-Boo, I see you. Then she ended the whole thing with a rousing rendition of Halo which made it hard to determine who, in the end, was more grateful for her performance, Bey or the World.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Halftime Show & National Anthem
When: Halftime 2017; National Anthem 2016
Why: So yes 100 percent these two performances land on this list because Gaga is the mother of all invention when it comes to a lavish stage moment and theatrical spectacle. However, since we all know that to all be factual and real, I want to rather focus on Gaga’s Fashion choices. But don’t you worry, I can sum each up in 1 factoid each.
Image via Vogue.com
Halftime Show: IT. WAS. THREE. LEWKS. IN. ONE. And three Donatella Versace looks at that. If you are ever bored, just google Lady Gaga Super Bowl fashion, it’s a black hole I fell down freely and gladly and I’d definitely do it again anytime.
Image via Vogue.com
National Anthem: Lady Gaga once again proved to make a patriotic statement outside the confines of normal fashion reality. Choosing a scarlet red lamé suit from Alessandro Michele’s first few collections for the house of Gucci, she also chose two different shoes to create the good ole red, white, and blue. Although this detail may seem small and insignificant, it is one that has stuck with me and therefore I want no lip about it. Do NOT @ me.
Image via the Pearly Gates of Heaven
Who: Diana Ross
What: Half Time Show
When: 1996
Why: This one is all about being an Icon and shouldn’t require a breakdown, but alas here it is.
12 Minutes.
4 costume changes.
1 massively Diva exit moment via Helicopter.
I literally could not care less who won this game, because they didn’t really win. Diana won. She always wins. And that makes me happy.
Image via Billboard.com
Who: Britney Spears
What: Half Time Show
When: 2001
Why: The fact that this even has to be explained is hurtful to both my pride and my face, but alas, here we are. This was the height of the pop music take over, and Brit Brit proved just why she belonged there. There is so much of this that makes me happy. for starters, the altered within an inch of their life football pants, standing ovation. This one like casually perfect braid is giving me hyper anxiety in the best way possible, but the Tube Socks. Like, guys… I did this. I straight up copied this and wore it to school and I have NO REGRETS. I like to think I was in AP Fashion even though that was for sure not a thing.
But there is one iconic moment that just stands out above the rest…
Who: Whitney Houston
What: National Anthem
When: 1991
Why: The Tracksuit. That’s why.
But in all seriousness, there has never been a more perfect, more effortless, more athleisured Super Bowl moment than this one. She set the bar for all performances to come. It’s like, damn Whitney, now we can only refer to pre Whitney Anthem, and post Whitney Anthem. That’s the new normal. And although I was only 7 years old at the time, I like to think I recognized this cultural shift, respected it, possibly journaled about it, and became a better youth because of it.
