In his funk and jazz-infused R&B smashes, Bruno Mars has long channeled luminaries from earlier eras, including James Brown, Elvis Presley, and Prince, to mention a few. The same might be said for his extravagant dedication to attire that draws inspiration from bygone eras. The 15-time Grammy Award winner is an artist in every sense of the word, and it seems as though he is compelled to match his appearance to his music.
The pop star admitted to Vogue that his creative processes are similar to both music and fashion. According to him, when he writes a song, “I’m thinking about the emotion: What do I want people to feel?” In the same way, I approach my wardrobe by asking myself, “How do I want to feel when I put that jacket on?”
His defining looks were ’60s-inspired outfits and faded hair, dating all the way back to the star’s Doo-Wops and Hooligans era. When Mars’ “Finesse” single for 24K Magic was out, it was clear that he was channeling the ’90s, both in terms of the song and the way he looked (see: that iconic performance with Cardi B). Then, of course, Bruno’s patterned silk ensembles and Donatella’s “Versace on the Floor” gave a clear tribute to the 1980s. And if Bruno’s recent discography and Silk Sonic supergroup with Anderson Paak weren’t enough to establish his 1970s era, his eccentric patterns, large collars, and leisure suits certainly do.
Mars is larger-than-life on stage because of his sense of style and charm, regardless of the era, he is emulating. And yes, Google confirms that the living music legend is about 5’5″ tall. His button-down shirts with exposed chest hair, flared jeans, and neatly coiffed curls, however, are all references to the current iteration of Hot Girl Summer: Short-King Summer. The best-fit videos from the original Short King from the 1970s may be found below.
Mars wore orange-and-navy plaid pants, a blazer to the June 2022 BET Awards, and a blouse with a voluminous collar that matched them. He completed his look with aviator sunglasses, white boots, and a beige fedora. What aspect about it is the most ’70s? The sparse, hairless mustache. Big collars were one of the singer’s favorite trends when he revealed to Vogue at the time that he had a clothing line with Lacoste in 2021. He once said of a huge collar: “It has something lovely and powerful about it; it gives the wearer confidence and feels like a cloak.” At the 2022 Grammy Awards, Mars and bandmate Paak took the stage wearing a white bejeweled outfit evocative of Elvis Presley’s famed final performance in 1977. At the age of 4, Bruno used to perform in Hawaii with his family’s band and was well-known for his superb Elvis impersonation. Without a doubt, Silk Sonic is influenced by the ’70s; in fact, the band’s song “Skate” pays homage to vintage roller rinks. At the 2021 Grammys, the two gave their debut joint performance while wearing coordinated rust-colored suits, taupe button-down shirts, and large aviator sunglasses. Of course, gold chains are necessary, and Mars completed the ensemble with a matching gold wristwatch.
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