J Balvin is redefining the meaning of dad fashion.
Whether the Latin Grammy winner is rocking an edgy black cargo skirt or a tuxedo adorned with a kaleidoscope of jewels, he's constantly pushing the boundaries. So, it's no surprise the Colores singer—who welcomed a baby boy named Rio with girlfriend Valentina Ferrer last June—isn't letting old-school stereotypes about dads impact his style.
"Being a dad is a huge role. It's a top priority," he exclusively told E! News. "But you still don't have to become or act like a dad. I don't want to start wearing boring clothes because that's how a dad is supposed to act."
As he put it, "I just want to be a cool dad. I'm still looking for what's next, for the new vibe, color, shapes."
"I just want to see my child really fresh," the Colombian artist continued. "I see him really fresh and I'm like, 'OK, I gotta keep up with you.'"
J Balvin, whose real name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvin, isn't just talking the talk either.
The award-winning singer teamed up with Miller Lite to launch an electrifying BodegaWear clothing line, which features bold Varsity jackets, tees and hoodies with vibrant artwork and cool accessories—like a bucket hat that doubles as a beer holder.
According to the "Una Nota" singer, he wanted to "bring my DNA to Miller Lite."
"I think fashion is a way to express yourself without even talking," he shared. "People will be like, 'If I was famous, I would wear this.' But it's not about being famous. Since I was a kid, I was wearing whatever I wanted."
For J Balvin, it's all about being "true to yourself" even if others don't quite understand your style. He recalled how early in his career not very many people accepted his bold looks. But despite being criticized for his attire, he continued to wear what felt authentic to him.
"It took me a while in the beginning because I started going to all the Latino awards, and I was the one who was going with colored hair, sometimes wearing these things that they weren't used to [seeing] in Latino entertainment before," he explained. "Of course, I got criticized because they were like, 'This guy's crazy. Where's his mind at?' And they might be right. But my mind was always to get people to see that we're more than Latinos. The fact that we can make space in this world."
He continued, "But it didn't hurt me because I knew where I was headed, and I still know where I'm headed."
"I'm dressing the way I'm dressing because I feel that it is good," he said. "If you feel a kind of way with what I'm wearing…well, either you like or not, but there's nothing for you to feel disrespected about."
Limiting people's fashion, especially when it comes to having a machismo mindset, J Balvin noted, "That's old school. We're in the future right now."
Fans can get their hands on the BodegaWear collection here.
Plus, know that with each purchase of the line Miller Lite will donate all proceeds of its sales to Accion Opportunity Fund to help support bodegas, corner stores, and Latino-owned businesses.