[pullquote1 quotes=”true” align=”center”]America’s biggest stars steal show with fashion[/pullquote1]
Staff Writer
Let’s be honest, many of the some hundred million people weren’t even watching the Super Bowl on Feb. 3 to see if the Ravens or 49ers would win. But between Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and the surprise visit from the other two-thirds of Destiny’s Child, there was still a lot to look at.
Before the coin was flipped, Jennifer Hudson took the field looking flawless in black and white (and a little bit of green). The Idol winner, Smash actress, and award-winning superstar channeled all her talents into performing “America the Beautiful” with Sandy Hook elementary students by her side. Hudson, a spokesperson for Weight Watchers, worked her hourglass curves in a black leather turtleneck top by Monika Chiang and a white studded pencil skirt by L’Wren Scott that went just past the knee.
She kept it extra classy in black stockings and heels by Yves Saint Laurent. Most importantly, though, were the green memorial ribbons Hudson and the Sandy Hook chorus kids had pinned to their shirts. Before singing with them, Hudson tweeted, “Such a privilege to be performing with the Sandy Hook elementary chorus at the Super Bowl today.”
After Hudson, another female superstar took the field. Well, actually, Alicia Keys took the piano to sing the National Anthem in a field-skimming reddish gown. The dress, by Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaia, became far more interesting when the “Girl on Fire” stood up. The red gown featured a square neckline and modified mermaid shape. The bottom trumpet-bell part of the dress was more structured than typical, but followed the lines running down the entirety of the dress. Because of the interesting details of the dress, Keys kept her hair back and wore a single gold choker necklace. Between her dress, piano, and soulful voice, Keys had the red, white, and blues covered.
The main event for many viewers, however, was the halftime performance by America’s current, fiercest star, Beyoncé. The weeks leading up to the Super Bowl had fans wondering what she would sing and wear. On the fashion side, the singer wore Singer — Rubin Singer, that is. While the diva could have scored any huge designer’s gown, she went with this smaller designer.
If couture was what Beyoncé was after, Singer was the perfect choice, as he comes from a family of couture designers. He proved his lineage as he expertly crafted the black leather and lace outfits for Beyoncé and Michelle Williams. While Kelly Rowland went with Pucci, it was nonetheless a proud night for Singer. “It’s the biggest moment of my life,” he told New York Times, admitting, “everyone’s expecting Beyoncé to go with a major designer. She knows it’s a game-changer.” Singer also designed the outfits for the 100+ backup dancers who took to the field and stage with the former Destiny’s Children.
Although many loved her performance and costume, a certain well-voiced group was not as happy with it. In fact, PETA has been pretty upset with Beyoncé for all of 2013 — ever since she started the year in a mink fur coat at President Obama’s Inauguration. Between that and the little leather leotard-esque outfits, PETA was driven to voice that “everyone — including Beyonce — can make the decision today to stop wearing fur, leather, and exotic skins and instead choose the cruelty-free and ‘green’ fashion.”
Regardless of what the critics say, fashion and Sasha Fierce fans alike were pleased with the trifecta of female stars who performed at the 2013 Super Bowl. Jennifer Hudson’s moving song and figure-flattering look, Alicia Keys’ interesting dress, and Beyoncé’s empowering performance and outfit left the viewers happy and grateful the lights went out after they were seen.
Questions? Email Elizabeth at efurino@fandm.edu.