For Usher, fashion has been an integral part of the storytelling that’s central to his music. He fondly remembers the now-iconic yellow full Versace look he wore as a 15-year-old for his 1993 music video, “Call Me a Mack,” that was selected because it helped to convey the precociously suave persona of the track. Now on tour, his fashion continues to be a valuable narrative device—a Rick Owens look evokes Burning Man during the act that features his early to mid-aughts foray into EDM, while sparkling suits from Celine and Dolce & Gabbana are nods to the debonair style he championed early in his career. Through this, he hopes that the tour’s fashion helps to make the shows a fresh and unforgettable experience for attendees.
“With a 30 year career, it’s not always easy to find ways to excite your audience,” Usher said. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with a lot of creative people to help me find very unique ways to create new, iconic stories.”
Photo: Xavier Scott Marshall/de la revolución
The audience, for their part, has been more than excited, whipping themselves into a veritable frenzy at the “Past Present Future” shows so far, particularly when Usher dons a luxurious red Ferrari faux fur coat, which is worn sans shirt with a pair of red pants and a matching “U” belt. On social media, videos have gone viral of women at his concerts screaming and ready to risk it all for him as soon as he starts crooning in the fur. After the first week of tour, he posted an Instagram carousel of clips of concert attendees losing it when he performs wearing the coat, wryly noting in the caption: “Y’all act up when this red fur comes on.”
“It’s a showstopper,” Usher admitted of the coat with a laugh. “You know red is a hot, fiery color, right? It’s fun, I just let it speak to what it makes them feel.”
According to Simmons, another look from the tour that’s proven to be a crowd favorite, though it’s far less flashy, is a streamlined outfit that consists of a pair of Fear of God Japanese denim jeans and a tank top, paired with a pair of boots and his classic “U” chain.
“In the show, there’s a lot of high octane, very heavy fashion moments, but there’s this moment where he completely strips down,” Simmons said. “It’s simple and clean, a very rock and roll, sex moment.”
As for proof that this outfit is a winner, Haynes says you need look no further than the audience’s response to Usher in it: “The ladies go crazy!”
Ahead, an exclusive look at how Usher’s “Past Present Future” wardrobe came together.
