Romanian designer Rafaela Pestrițu creates Shakira's World Cup 2026 final halftime costumes

Rafaela Pestrițu, a fashion designer from Slatina, Romania, coordinated the production of 40 custom outfits for the dancers who performed with Shakira during the halftime show of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The show took place on 19 July at the New York‑New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) before the second half of the Spain‑Argentina match, marking the first halftime performance ever staged at a World Cup final.

Pestrițu’s team worked against a one‑week deadline, collaborating with a family‑owned factory in Slatina. The costumes featured a dominant yellow palette, bespoke prints, layered fabrics, drapery, and hand‑applied beads and fringe to allow freedom of movement under intense lighting and choreography. The designer, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, previously created looks for international artists such as Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, BTS and Charli XCX, and the World Cup project represents a major milestone in her career.

The rapid, high‑profile assignment highlighted Romanian craftsmanship on a global sports‑entertainment stage.