99% Art, 1% Patience: Bruno Mars’s Three-Hour Wait for the Perfect Velvet Jacket

For most artists, arriving fashionably late is a cliché. For Bruno Mars, it’s part of the creative process. According to his Silk Sonic bandmate Anderson .Paak, Mars once delayed a major premiere by three full hours—all for the love of one thing: a vintage velvet jacket.

The Delay Heard ’Round the Stage

In a recent interview, Anderson .Paak shared the story with a laugh, perfectly capturing the mix of admiration and exasperation that comes with working alongside one of music’s most meticulous performers. The delay reportedly took place before one of Silk Sonic’s earliest high-profile appearances—either the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards or the Soul Train Awards, both of which marked key moments in the duo’s introduction to the world.

The reason? Mars was determined to find, fit, and finesse the perfect vintage velvet jacket before stepping on stage. While most artists might have settled for something close enough, Mars wasn’t satisfied until the look matched his precise vision.

“99% Art”: The Method Behind the Madness

As Anderson .Paak jokingly described it, working with Bruno Mars means embracing “99% art and 1% patience.” The comment, though humorous, underscores the essence of Silk Sonic’s perfectionism—an aesthetic and sonic devotion to the spirit of 1970s funk, soul, and R&B.

From the smooth harmonies and lush arrangements of “Leave the Door Open” to the immaculate choreography and retro visuals, every detail of the Silk Sonic project reflects a painstaking attention to artistry. That includes wardrobe.

The duo’s coordinated velvet suits, bell bottoms, gold chains, and aviator sunglasses aren’t just stage costumes—they’re extensions of the music itself, meant to transport audiences into a carefully constructed world of old-school glamour and groove.

Anderson .Paak: The Laid-Back Counterbalance

For Anderson .Paak, who is known for his relaxed energy and playful personality, Mars’s perfectionism is both a challenge and a source of admiration. “He’s serious about every detail,” .Paak has said in multiple interviews. “It might test your patience, but the result is always flawless.”

That balance—the fusion of .Paak’s spontaneity and Mars’s precision—is what makes Silk Sonic work. Their chemistry feels effortless, but behind the scenes, it’s built on an almost obsessive commitment to excellence.

The Art of the Wait

In an industry where speed and instant gratification often dominate, Bruno Mars’s three-hour wardrobe quest feels almost radical. But it also explains why Silk Sonic’s debut album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, wasn’t just a nostalgic tribute—it was an immersive experience.

Every note, every lyric, every outfit was designed to evoke the lush sophistication of an era defined by soul, showmanship, and style.

As Anderson .Paak summed it up best: “That’s Bruno—99% art. The rest of us just have to keep up.”

And if that means waiting three hours for a jacket, the results suggest it’s always worth it.