“What you wear matters,” Usher tells Vogue during the final wardrobe fitting for his hotly anticipated Super Bowl 2024 halftime show. “It makes people feel something.” Those words just rang resoundingly true as the R&B superstar delivered an instantly-legendary performance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—dressed in custom Dolce & Gabbana.
“Fabric and the embellishment of garments is something that they really do unique, and I wanted to have a little bit of that,” Usher says of his desire to work with the Italian house. The performer has worn Dolce & Gabbana on several occasions throughout his illustrious career; but never quite like this.
“We start with a beautiful dramatic overcoat with crystals and beadwork, and things that feel very opulent,” costume designer Tanja Caldwell says of Usher’s opening look. “We want it to speak to what Vegas culture is, and what it has been.” The white coat, awash in silver beaded embellishments and dramatized with a train, indeed echoes the grandeur and glitz that define Las Vegas. Paired with side-pleated pants and Portofino sneakers, it’s one of several layers that was made for the performance. “There’s a story that’s being told through the wardrobe,” Caldwell says. “We’re kind of unraveling Usher throughout the night.”
Among pieces designated for a grand reveal is a jeweled top dripping in crystal fringe. Inspired by a Dolce & Gabbana gown with the same beadwork, the piece, stylist Brookelyn Styles says, speaks to Usher’s fondness of clashing masculine and feminine styles. Ever the showman, Vogue‘s winter 2024 digital cover star looked to designs that he could change in and out of quickly, in a way that makes the audience “feel like something magical” is happening on stage.
While Usher’s Super Bowl performance officially marks halftime between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers matchup, it also caps his now storied Las Vegas residency. “We played 100 sold out shows here in Las Vegas,” he says. “For my 101, we get a chance to have this crescendo together.” Suffice to say, he’s dressed for the occasion.
Director: Nina Ljeti
Director of Photography: Brandon Widener
Editor: Evan Allan
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