The Making of Ledisi’s Super Bowl 2025 Outfit With Stylist Mickey Freeman
Interviewer: Kris Fraser
In the vibrant setting of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, Grammy-winning artist Ledisi delivered a soul-stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often heralded as the Black National Anthem. Her performance was not only a musical triumph but also a visual masterpiece, highlighted by a striking all-white ensemble that seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary flair. This meticulously crafted outfit was the brainchild of Mickey Freeman, who collaborated with emerging designers to encapsulate the essence of Ledisi’s heritage and the song’s profound significance.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative process behind Ledisi’s Super Bowl attire, exploring the inspirations, collaborations, and cultural narratives that informed its design. From the symbolic choice of colour to the selection of designers Minh Le and Sylvester West, we uncover how each element was thoughtfully chosen to honour Ledisi’s roots and the broader themes of unity and resilience.
What was your inspiration for Ledisi’s look?
The inspiration for Ledisi’s look stemmed from a desire to convey elegance and grace, reflecting the angelic figures often celebrated in Black culture. The all-white suit with a dramatic train symbolised both beauty and the weight of cultural heritage.
How did you choose Minh Le as the designer?
I chose Minh Le of her namesake brand, 831 MinhLe, after months of discussions with Ledisi and careful consideration of various design options. Minh is an up-and-coming talent from Vietnam whose work I have followed and admired. I felt it was vital to spotlight emerging designers who bring fresh perspectives and creativity to the fashion world, especially on such a significant platform as the Super Bowl. I just knew that she would be able to bring my vision to life.
Minh’s design aesthetic perfectly aligned with the vision I had for Ledisi’s look. Her ability to blend timeless elegance with modern sophistication resonated deeply with our goal of creating an ensemble that was not only striking but also meaningful. I was impressed by Minh’s innovative approach and her keen understanding of how to craft tailored garments that make bold fashion statements.
By choosing Minh Le, I aimed to provide her with the opportunity to showcase her skills in a high-profile setting, reflecting Ledisi’s desire to uplift and support fellow artists. This collaboration was not just about creating an outfit; it was about forging connections within the fashion community and celebrating the diversity of talent available. I believed that Minh’s unique vision would enhance Ledisi’s performance, and after sharing my concept with Minh Le of how I envisioned the design to look, I was excited to see how her creativity would come to life in the final design.
Why did you think white was the correct colour choice for this look?
I believed that white was the perfect colour choice for Ledisi’s look for several reasons. First and foremost, white is traditionally associated with purity and peace, which aligns beautifully with the themes of the performance and the powerful message of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This anthem holds deep significance in the African American community, celebrating resilience, hope, and unity, and the colour white embodies those ideals. Not to mention, Ledisi was insistent that this be the colour of her look.
Additionally, white represents a sense of honour and pride, particularly in the context of the cultural heritage we were celebrating. Ledisi wanted her performance to resonate not only with her personal journey but also with the broader narrative of the African American experience. By choosing white, we could convey a message of dignity and respect, reflecting the weight and beauty of her cultural roots.
Moreover, I couldn’t overlook the visual impact of the colour white against Ledisi’s beautiful brown skin. White has a striking way of standing out against darker tones, creating a stunning contrast that enhances the overall aesthetic. This choice would draw the audience’s attention and highlight Ledisi’s presence on stage, allowing her to shine both as an artist and as a representation of her heritage.
White is associated with the women’s suffrage movement and equality. Knowing Ledisi would be singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem, how did that also inform the colour choice?
The choice of white for Ledisi’s look was particularly poignant given its association with the women’s suffrage movement and the broader themes of equality and empowerment. White has long been a symbol of the fight for women’s rights, representing the ideals of justice, equality, and the pursuit of a more inclusive society. By choosing this colour, we were able to draw a parallel between the historical struggle for women’s suffrage and the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality within the African American community.
Knowing that Ledisi would be performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem, added an additional layer of significance to the colour choice. This anthem is a powerful call for unity, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity, echoing the sentiments of empowerment that white symbolises in the context of women’s rights.
The connection between these themes deepened the meaning of Ledisi’s performance, allowing the ensemble to serve as both a tribute to her cultural heritage and a statement about the importance of equality for all. By wearing white, Ledisi not only honoured her roots and the cultural narrative surrounding the song but also aligned her performance with a broader conversation about justice and equality. This powerful symbolism made the colour choice even more impactful, ensuring that her performance resonated with audiences on multiple levels, both culturally and socially.
When Ledisi first approached you to style her for the Super Bowl, what was the first thought that went through your head?
My first thought was one of honour and excitement. I felt privileged that Ledisi, a long-time client, trusted me to bring her vision to life for such a monumental event.
What were some specifics Ledisi had for you as the stylist when she was helping conceptualise her look?
When Ledisi first approached me about styling her for the Super Bowl, she had a clear vision in mind: the ensemble had to be white. This specification was non-negotiable for her, as she wanted the colour to symbolise purity, peace, and the profound cultural significance associated with her performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Ledisi granted me creative freedom to develop the overall concept, which was incredibly empowering as a stylist. As we began our collaboration, I presented her with several ideas that varied in style and execution. Each concept was carefully crafted to resonate with the themes of pride and cultural heritage, which are crucial to Ledisi’s identity as an artist and performer.
After reviewing these options, she was cautiously optimistic about one particular design that featured an all-white suit with a dramatic train. This look not only fulfilled her colour requirement but also connected deeply with the elegance and grace often celebrated in Black culture.
Ledisi emphasised that the look needed to be more than just a fashion statement; it had to echo the thematic elements of her performance. We discussed how the ensemble should reflect her personal journey and the cultural narrative she wanted to convey to the audience.
How was the look reflective of her New Orleans heritage?
The look created for Ledisi was deeply reflective of her New Orleans heritage, which she wanted to celebrate during such a significant performance. New Orleans is renowned for its rich cultural traditions, vibrant music scene, and unique fashion sense, all of which played a crucial role in shaping Ledisi’s identity as an artist.
The dramatic train of her all-white suit, along with the overall elegance of the ensemble, served as a nod to the grandeur and festivity that characterise celebrations in her hometown. Ledisi was very intentional about ensuring her outfit resonated with her roots while also paying homage to the broader African American experience.
Ledisi also wanted to incorporate other local talent into her glam team, emphasising her commitment to uplifting artists from her region. This collaborative spirit culminated in Ledisi’s decision to bring on New Orleans-based designer and tailor Sylvester West shortly before the big event. Sylvester’s expertise was invaluable in perfecting the final alterations to her look as well as customisations to the shoes that complemented her ensemble.
As her stylist, I was dedicated to ensuring that every detail of her look honoured Ledisi’s request for an impactful and meaningful representation of her artistry. By integrating elements that celebrated her heritage and embracing the contributions of local artists, we crafted a performance outfit that was not only visually stunning but also rich in cultural significance.
What was your reaction when you saw the performance for the first time and Ledisi wearing the look?
My reaction was one of awe and pride. Seeing Ledisi on stage in the stunning ensemble brought to life the vision we had conceptualised together, and it was a deeply moving moment.
You’ve done a lot of red carpet styling. How does that differ from a performance moment like the Super Bowl?
Performance styling differs from red carpet styling in that it needs to convey a deeper narrative and connect with the audience on an emotional level, especially in a high-stakes environment like the Super Bowl.
Custom look by 831 MINHLE
Fashion stylist: Mickey Freeman @TheOnlyAgency
Fashion assistant: Kris Fraser
Tailors:
Sylvester West and Aynai Sy
Customized Shoes by @__officialwest