How the Puerto Rican superstar’s minimalistic look communicated across all languages
Written by Olivia Longoria. Graphic by Micaela Alomía.
The beginning of 2026 has been monumental for Bad Bunny, whose off-stage name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS took home the first-ever Spanish-language album of the year win. Ocasio accepted his award in a Schiaparelli suit featuring a corseted jacket, which was the brand’s first-ever piece of men’s custom couture. During his speech, he gave a clear message: “ICE out.”
Ocasio has always bent the rules of masculinity in fashion. He graced the 2023 Met Gala steps with a 26-foot floral train and backless jacket. Fans and industry professionals predicted the LX Annual Super Bowl would be another opportunity to add to his repertoire of masculinity-challenging looks. When he walked onto the field on Sunday wearing a cream jersey and pleated pants made by Zara, with minimal bling, many were surprised.
Before the performance, I chatted with Karla Martinez, Vogue Latin America’s head of content. Martinez grew up on the border, which continues to influence her career today. “I think El Paso had a particular underground fashion scene in a way, and I think it helped me to look everywhere for inspiration. The bi-cultural element played a big part in the duality you see in El Paso,” Martinez said.
Football fans across America had a divided response when Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime entertainment. Many complained about the show being in Spanish, despite it being the first language for over 45 million people in the United States. “English is not my first language. But it’s okay, it’s not America’s first language either,” said Ocasio in a pre-Super Bowl press conference. Well, fashion is a language everyone can speak. “In the end, fashion can be used as a reflection of what is happening politically,” Martinez said.
With ICE raids across the country, a public celebration of Latin culture has never been more important. Bad Bunny delivered exactly that. His understated look created an opportunity for viewers to focus on the details of the show. The dancer’s outfits, the food stands and pawn shop, and the reference to Puerto Rico’s failing power grid all contributed to the story of Latino pride and resilience. Of course, the Zara look still had intention. The number 64 on Ocasio’s jersey represented the year his late uncle Cutito was born, who taught Ocasio much about the NFL. Guest appearances by Lady Gaga dressed in the colors of the Puerto Rican flag, and Ricky Martin singing a warning tale of the effects of colonization, helped Ocasio bring the performance home. Martinez discussed what her idea of success may look like for Bad Bunny after the show, saying, “for people to feel elated after the performance, identified and spoken to.”
Before the performance, I asked Matinez to predict Bad Bunny’s look in three words. She said, “Fashion forward. Symbolic, intentional.” Touchdown. For the fashion this time around, ambition took a backseat, and honesty took the wheel. Bad Bunny left viewers with a universal message: that the only thing stronger than hate is love.
Olivia is Writing MFA candidate who loves dogs, the perfect cup of coffee, and her curated collection of fun socks. Journalism was her first love and she hopes to pursue a career in it after graduation. Outside of writing for District, she can be found buying pasta at the farmer’s market, reading, or taking her dog, Joey Pepperoni, to the park.
