Shakira, J.Lo, Ricky… The Latin Explosion Stars, Then and Now
See how Shakira, Jennifer López, Ricky Martin, and more Latin stars have changed their iconic styles over the years.
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Where were you in the 2000s? It's fun to look back! We’ll bet that you had at least one of these fashion items in your closet: some seriously low-rise pants, a rockstar jacket, mini skirt, ruffle dress or ballerina shoes. If you held on to them, congrats! Because Y2K fashion is back!
How were your favorite stars dressing back then? It was crossover madness. Many Latin artists who had already made a name for themselves in Spanish-speaking countries were making the leap to worldwide fame and recording in English. Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer López, Ricky Martin and Shakira, among others, took Latin music to new heights.
Let's take a look at how these five stars —who are still scoring hits today— have evolved, and how their styles have changed over the years. In some cases, time seems to stand still.
Gloria Estefan in 2001
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She and her husband, producer Emilio Estefan, paved the way for new generations with global hits like Miami Sound Machine’s “Conga.” Gloria's glamorous reddish hair and black outfits with sequins made the Cuban singer a style icon.
Gloria Estefan in 2024
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Black has remained Gloria Estefan’s color of choice, and she is once again rocking reddish hair. She has plenty of dresses and platform shoes in her closet.
Enrique Iglesias in 2000
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There is no forgetting Enrique's sad-boy look, with loose-fitting sweater sleeves that came down so far they covered his knuckles. He usually completed the outfit with jeans or cargo pants.
Enrinque Iglesias in 2022
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The boy grew into a handsome man, who kept his sporty look with casual shirts (now short-sleeved), jeans and his signature caps.
Shakira
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Remember the Colombian superstar’s ethnic period? Braids, feathers, tiaras... and all combined with seriously low-cut pants with lots of sequins and appliqués, and a top that showed off her abs of steel? The Y2K spirit personified.
Shakira in 2023
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It was many moons ago that Shakira began her successful career, and now she’s flying high again. Her style has fluctuated over the decades between urban and rock, with leather-effect combos like this one. And she is still turning heads!
Ricky Martin in 2001
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The Puerto Rican singer rocked this look when he performed at the inaugural Latin GRAMMYs: A black shirt (one of his favorite items of clothing) and tight pants to show off those dance moves. 1, 2, 3, step, Ricky!
Ricky Martin in 2024
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The global superstar continues to choose black, but now with more relaxed, elegant styles, like this shirt and baggy pants.
Jennifer López in 2001
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We couldn’t include just one of J.Lo’s Y2K looks, because it was such an iconic period. This white urban outfit, with low-rise pants, rhinestone belt, short top, a bandana and hoop earrings will live forever in our memory.
The Dress!
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Even if it’s not the Nuyorican star’s favorite, this green Versace dress she wore at the 2000 GRAMMY Awards is the most famous one in her closet. And it’s the reason they invented Google Images!
Jennifer López in 2024
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Urban but classy. That’s the relaxed, casual style often favored by the Bronx Diva, who loves simple, well-tailored clothes, in neutral colors and with a sporty feel.
