Meet the Memphis-raised designer behind Jackson State University's Super Bowl halftime show costumes

Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·3 min read

Along with the dazzling sights and sounds of Usher's halftime performance on Sunday, the marching band shined just as bright in outfits created by a designer from Memphis.

During the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas, Usher wowed crowds with the help of Ludacris, Lil Jon, Alicia Keys, H.E.R. and Jackson State University's marching band — the "Sonic Boom of the South."

Designer Patrick "Fresh" Henry was given the opportunity to create the costumes the band wore to perform during the game between San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

This is not the first time Fresh has had his designs on the Super Bowl stage. In 2022, performers in the band wore his designs while playing with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar during the Hip-Hop celebration concert.

Here is what we know about Fresh.

How did Fresh start designing clothes?

Fresh first learned how to sew when he was 13 years old despite discouragement from his parents. He moved to Memphis as a teenager and cites the city as inspiration for much of his current work. According to a Forbes profile, Fresh moved to New York when he was 24 but ended up moving back to Memphis to take care of his daughter and live with his brother. After a while, he decided he would take the trio and move to the west coast for better opportunities.

He started doing alterations for high end clients and figured if he could fix high end clothes that he could make them. In a short period, his father passed and his daughter went to live with her mother, and Fresh ended up turning to drugs and alcohol. He hit his breaking point when he used the last of his money to design for a client who never paid and ended up living in a homeless shelter.

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After this, he started working on designing his now typical stripe pattern to set his clothes apart from others. He took to Instagram where he posted clothes claiming to be a celebrity designer. It wouldn't take long for that statement to come true.

Within a year, Fresh was able to make his first million dollars and purchase a clothing factory he'd been working closely with.

Who has Fresh designed clothes for?

Fresh has made a name for himself designing clothes for some of the biggest stars in Hollywood and beyond. Clients of Fresh include:

  • Justin Bieber

  • Kodak Black

  • Brandi Carlile

  • Doja Cat

  • Kevin Hart

  • John Legend

  • Howie Mandel

  • Boyz ii Men

  • Barack and Michelle Obama

  • Billy Porter

  • Megan Thee Stallion

  • Jason Sudeikis

  • Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade

  • Mark Wahlberg

  • Deshaun Watson

  • The Weeknd

What is Richfresh?

Richfresh is Fresh's brand. He designs high end tracksuits that feature the usual striped design on them. He has options for block stripes or solid colors to purchase at his store online.

Most of the designs seen worn by celebrities are not available for purchase as they were either custom made or made in a limited supply.

What is HENRY Masks?

HENRY Mask is the company that Fresh started with his brother during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The company makes masks where buyers can subscribe to get the masks delivered on a schedule with new colors, patterns and designs. During the pandemic, the company donated masks to front line workers with purchases to help out during the difficult time.

Celebrities like Doja Cat, Jennifer Lopez and Lebron James were all seen sporting the designs. The company was able to create over 60 jobs and help workers maintain lifestyles during the pandemic.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Super Bowl halftime show had costumes made by Memphis designer