Jennifer Lopez’s powerhouse performances and bold fashion choices have captivated the world for several decades, celebrating body confidence and Latina identity.
In her Netflix documentary Halftime, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Lopez opens up about her journey through fame, sexism, and self-doubt—including a shocking 2002 interview where she was asked about her butt on live radio.
This raw moment—and her unflinching response—highlights what fans have known all along: Jennifer Lopez has always owned her curves, using both her voice and her style to push back against double standards. Let’s take a closer look at how JLo turned public scrutiny into empowerment—and how her iconic footwear moments helped define her unapologetically glamorous image.
Jennifer Lopez embraces bold, body-positive stagewear that celebrates her curves and challenges outdated beauty standards (Credit: Frank Lewis / Startraksphoto / INFphoto / Kelly A. Swift)
How Growing Up With Curves Shaped Her Confidence
Lopez grew up around women with curves, so when radio host Billy Bush said, “People have raved about it for years. How do you feel about your butt?” in the interview, the performer was not impressed.
“I grew up around women with curves, so it was nothing ever I was ashamed of,” she said in response.
“They would never say to a guy, ‘Your d—k is really big,’” she told Variety in 2019 about receiving unwanted comments about the size of her butt.
Jennifer Lopez commands the stage in over-the-knee embroidered boots and a sheer tulle overlay, proving that fearless fashion and confidence go hand in hand (Credit: INFphoto)
Lopez Reflects on Her Career, Identity, and Self-Worth
The film referenced the media’s comments about her and said she often questioned whether she had a place in the entertainment industry.
“No matter what I achieved, their appetite to cover my personal life overshadowed everything that was happening in my career. I just had a very low self esteem. I really believed a lot of what they said, which was that I wasn’t any good—I wasn’t a good singer, I wasn’t a good actress, I wasn’t a good dancer, I wasn’t good at anything. I just didn’t even belong here why wouldn’t I just go away,” she remarked in the film.
“I’m Latina; I’m a woman, I expected this,” is how she replied to fiancé Ben Affleck when he questioned her about the media’s constant criticism.
Despite the backlash, the star figured out who she was and chose to “believe in that and not believe anything else.”
Jennifer Lopez turns heads in a vibrant, printed bodysuit while performing at the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, showcasing her signature blend of confidence, color, and stage-ready style on June 28, 2014 (Credit: INFphoto)
“In Hollywood, it’s a little bit of a novelty. But for us, who grew up where we grew up, it wasn’t that big of a deal! From when I was very young, my family would be like, ‘Jennifer’s got a [big butt].’ I was endowed in that area,” she said in a 2014 interview on Los Angeles radio station Power 106.
“In my family, curves were glorified and part of the culture,” she revealed in an interview with InStyle in 2018. She added, “It was just like, ‘Jennifer has a big butt, and it’s good.’”
Before we dive into her most iconic shoe moments, it’s worth remembering that Jennifer Lopez has never let public scrutiny define her. Instead, she’s used fashion—especially bold footwear choices—as a form of self-expression and empowerment throughout her decades-long career.
Throwback: Jennifer Lopez’s Iconic Shoe and Style Moments
Jennifer Lopez (with her signature J.Lo smoldering facial expression) arrives for a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman in New York City on January 30, 2012 (Credit: WENN)
In January 2012, Jennifer Lopez guested “The Late Show with David Letterman” to promote her latest Latin American reality talent show “Q’Viva! The Chosen”.
Jennifer Lopez, who split from her husband, Marc Anthony, in 2011, told Letterman what it was like to work with her ex-husband on Q’Viva! The Chosen.
“You know, it’s fun because we know each other so well, but it has its moments. The same things that…didn’t really work sometimes come up,” JLo said. “You’re talking and you don’t agree on something and you’re like ‘oh, be quiet!’…you’ll see it on the show a little bit!”
Jennifer Lopez pairs a fur-accented Alberta Ferretti coat with crystal-embellished platform heels, blending winter elegance with red carpet-worthy glamour outside the Late Show with David Letterman (Credit: C.Smith / Michael Carpenter / WENN)
Spotlight on Jimmy Choo ‘Kiln’ Crystal Booties
Jennifer Lopez has long used fashion—and footwear in particular—to make a statement and enhance her silhouette.
Nude heels, like the crystal-embellished Jimmy Choo ‘Kiln’ booties she wore for a guest appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, are one of her go-to style tricks for elongating the legs and creating a sleek, seamless look.
Jennifer Lopez puts her polished pedicure on display in sky-high Jimmy Choo ‘Kiln’ peep-toe booties featuring nude suede, towering heels, and crystal-embellished straps that elongate the legs and add instant red carpet glamour (Credit: WENN)
Jennifer Lopez Dazzles in Camilla and Marc and Jimmy Choo
We also spotted her in the fuchsia-pink color of these Jimmy Choo booties at the iHeart Radio Music Festival in Las Vegas.
Jennifer Lopez appeared at Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, on September 24, 2011, dressed in a Camilla and Marc Pre Collection 2011 dress and pink Jimmy Choo Kiln crystal-embellished mesh & suede booties (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
For the event, Jen donned a pretty youthful-looking piece that flaunted her curves—an all-white haltered body-con Camilla and Marc dress featuring a hint of pink.
Jennifer Lopez captivates in a curve-hugging, halter-neck white dress with a subtle fuchsia accent, blending youthfulness with allure (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
She then capped off with stunning and equally pink crystal-encrusted ‘Kiln’ heels from Jimmy Choo.
Jennifer Lopez’s striking pose highlights the unique design of her Jimmy Choo heels, combining glamour with modern fashion (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
I have issues with Jennifer Lopez’s unnecessarily fur-trimmed beige Alberta Ferretti coat (it has fur… in the pleats!), but I have none with the shoes.
If there’s one shoe style that Jimmy Choo has got on lock, it’s the jeweled evening sandal. And this Jimmy Choo ‘Kiln’ is the jeweled evening sandal perfected. Check out those colossal crystal rocks sewn on the suede and mesh vamp!
Jimmy Choo ‘Kiln’ Crystal and Suede Peep Toe Booties, $1,995