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Brooklyn designer says he had no idea Lady Gaga would wear his dress at the Super Bowl
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Feb 10, 2026
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Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Feb 10, 2026
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Bad Bunny’s kaleidoscopic Super Bowl halftime show served as both a tribute to Latin culture and a defiant political statement. Among its many standout moments was Lady Gaga’s surprise appearance, when the crowds parted to reveal the singer in a powder blue dress.
That dress, which was crafted by fashion designer Raul Lopez, whose brand Luar is his name spelled backwards, made its live debut before millions of viewers — including Lopez, who said he had no idea his creation would take the field.
We caught up with Lopez, who was born and raised in a Dominican family in Williamsburg, the day after the show to hear about how it all came together and how a jet-lagged text turned into a moment of Super Bowl history.
Gothamist: First of all, congratulations. How did this all happen?
Raul Lopez: I literally had landed from Europe and woke up at like 4:30 a.m. from jet lag and received a text message from [Lady Gaga’s stylists] Chloe and Chenelle [Delgadillo] being like, “Call me now.”
This was right before Grammy weekend, and they said, “Hey. We want to work on a dress for Gaga. She's doing a salsa number.” So they sent me some pictures and it was like Celia Cruz and some dresses from the '90s.
But they never told me that it was for the Super Bowl, because obviously they didn't want it to leak. But when I asked, “Is it for the Grammys?” They were like, “No, better.”
They said, “We want you to really incorporate your heritage and inspirations of how you grew up and the Caribbean.” I love including my heritage, but it was also a good way to play with my really ultra-femme side.
First they asked for yellow and then blue. I was like, “OK, is this a gender reveal?” It was a joke at the office.
They said she was doing a salsa number, so we had to make it where she could move, but [the dress would] still hug her body in the right way.
So you didn’t know what the dress was for until you saw it live?
No! I was at my friend’s house. They had a little viewing party, just burgers, caviar, fries, nuggets, hanging out here in Brooklyn. I was on the floor watching the show and then, kaboom: The dancers parted and there she was.
I just screamed, and everybody screamed, but they didn’t know what I was screaming about. I’m like, “She’s wearing the dress!” and then everybody started going crazy.
It was really beautiful, a super sweet, surreal moment. I think it was better not to know, it made it more fun and special.
Do you always watch the Super Bowl?
I do. Well, not the actual sport, but I always watch the halftime [show]. I’m not really a sports type of gal.
What did you think of her salsa dancing?
It was good! No, it was iconic. She passes. I mean, everybody loves her, but this was a nice way of showing that other side of her and how vast she is and her talents.
What other moments from the halftime show stood out to you?
Of course, I love the way it opened. For me, being Caribbean and knowing a lot of these specific details [Bad Bunny] was representing: the sugar cane, the cakes and the weddings and the piragua that you eat, the kid laying on the two chairs at the party, the little boy he gave his Grammy to … if you get it, you get it, and if you don’t, sorry for you.
For those who don’t know you and your work, how would you introduce yourself?
I’m the final boss of New York [laughs]. No, Luar is just a reflection of me and culturally it’s probably one of the most significant brands of this era to stand for actual community and the people and the culture.
I always say it’s like the YMCA of fashion: Everyone’s welcome as long as you have respect.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Tagged
Music
brooklyn
fashion
lady gaga
new york city
superbowl
Ryan Kailath
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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