‘I’m not going to become boring’
Whether he’s sporting rainbow grillz or performing in an all-white suit with a bleeding heart, J Balvín is all about expressing himself through his clothes.
“Comfy but elegant” is how the Colombian reggaeton star describes his personal style. “What defines me and my style is my personality,” he tells USA TODAY in an interview conducted in Spanish. “It’s all in your attitude” and how you carry yourself.
Balvín is teaming up with Miller Lite for a clothing line inspired by the vibe and culture of the bodega (or corner stores), available now online.
Growing up in Medellín, Colombia, the “In da Getto” singer frequented bodegas as a kid and has fond memories. “The bodegas were my favorite place to be,” he says. “(My friends and I) would sit outside and eat salchichón con limón (a Colombian sausage dish). That was my place.”
Balvín recalls people-watching and daydreaming outside of his local bodega. “A lot of my dreams came out of there,” he adds.
The streetwear collection, dubbed BodegaWear, is Balvín’s latest fashion collaboration with a major brand. He’s currently working on his second shoe release with the Jordan Brand and has two Guess collaborations under his belt. In 2018, he made his debut as a fashion designer with a collection for the clothing brand Gef France. “Of course,” Balvín wants to work on his own clothing line at some point, “but we have to do it the right way.”
The line includes a white and navy blue varsity jacket, a gray hoodie, slides, socks and a bucket hat, and all pieces are adorned with Balvín’s signature pops of color.
Balvín’s Colombian roots also play a significant role in how he dresses.
Colombia is a