The Style Evolution of Lewis Hamilton

Sir Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion (or eight depending where you are from!), is celebrated not only for his extraordinary prowess on the racetrack but also for his impeccable and ever-evolving sartorial sense. Over the years, his personal style has undergone a significant metamorphosis, elevating him from a sporting superstar to a global fashion icon. His fashion journey is a testament to his personal growth, awareness, and unrelenting desire to transcend boundaries. This evolution has been shaped by collaborations with eminent designers, his work with various artists and brands, his notable appearances at prestigious events like the Met Gala, and his venture into his own streetwear brand.

In the nascent stages of his career, Lewis’ wardrobe was predominantly utilitarian, reflecting his focus on performance. As a young driver making his debut in 2007, his attire mainly consisted of team-branded apparel—polos, jackets, and caps. The emphasis was on comfort and practicality, suitable for the high-octane environment of Formula 1. This period, including a particular incident on social media, after which he was seen on a prominent magazine's cover page in a kilt, laid the foundation for his foray into fashion.

As he began to establish himself as a formidable force in Formula 1, he started to experiment with his clothes. Around 2010, he introduced more tailored pieces into his wardrobe, such as fitted blazers and designer jeans, signalling a shift towards a more polished and refined look. This period marked the beginning of his journey toward developing a distinct personal style and using the paddock as his personal runway to experiment with a variety of fabrics, colours, patterns and designers.

Lewis' style took a significant leap around 2015, characterised by bold choices and high-end fashion statements. He began collaborating with top designers and attending major fashion events, such as the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week. His outfits became more eclectic and daring, featuring vibrant colours, unique patterns, and luxurious fabrics.

"I kind of describe my style as an evolution," Lewis reflected. "It’s whatever makes you feel great. The trick is about self-expression."

A pivotal moment in his fashion journey was his partnership with Tommy Hilfiger in 2018. The TommyXLewis collections merged his love for streetwear with high fashion, introducing dynamic designs that emphasised sustainability and inclusivity. These collections were well-received, showcasing Lewis’ commitment to blending style with substance. It also led to prominent designers building relationships with him and having him as an ambassador, for example - Pierpaolo Piccoli in his former role at Valentino had Lewis alongside Zendaya in his famous PINK PP collection’s campaigns.

Lewis’ appearances at the Met Gala have been particularly notable, each outfit a testament to his bold fashion choices and willingness to push boundaries.

- **2015**: For his first Met Gala, themed "China: Through the Looking Glass," Hamilton wore a black and blue suit designed by Topshop, marking his entry into the world of high fashion.

- **2016**: At the "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology" Met Gala, Hamilton stepped out in a Dolce Gabbana blue patterned tuxedo with a bowtie, a look that highlighted his growing confidence and willingness to experiment.

- **2018**: Celebrating "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," Hamilton donned an all-white Tommy Hilfiger suit with Loriblu boots, embodying divine elegance with a hint of eccentricity.

- **2019**: Embracing the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme, Hamilton wore a metallic two piece with zig zag hand embroidery by Tommy Hilfiger, along with diamonds and a headband in a celebration of camp & flamboyance.

-** 2021**: Lewis attended the Met Gala celebrating "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion '' in an outfit that was as much a political statement as it was a fashion one. He wore a custom Kenneth Nicholson ensemble featuring a black suit with a sheer, lace train and a white shirt. This look was a tribute to Black designers and showcased his commitment to using fashion as a platform for change. Hamilton invited Black designers Edvin Thompson, Kenneth Nicholson, and Jason Rembert to join him at his table, making a powerful statement about diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. "We’re living in a time where diversity and inclusion is so important, and that’s why I started this organisation [The Hamilton Commission] within my own sport," said Lewis. "I realised it’s very similar in the fashion industry. A lot of young brands and designers don’t have the same opportunities, so that’s what really set me off."

-**2024**: Lewis’ Met Gala outfit was inspired by one of the UK's first black gardeners, John Ystumllyn, who was abducted as a child in western Africa in the 18th century and raised in north Wales. "Through adversity, he really triumphed," said the F1 star. His attire for the event, themed "The Garden of Time," included thorns representing the pain caused by the slavery trade and a poem stitched into his Burberry jacket by Children's Laureate Wales poet Alex Wharton. The poem, titled "The Gardener," is inspired by Ystumllyn's life after arriving in Wales. "I did a lot of research and I came across this 18th-century gardener who, through slavery times, came across from Africa to Wales and became the first black gardener in Wales. Through adversity, he really triumphed, so that’s where the inspiration really came from."

Lewis’ collaboration with stylist Law Roach marked a turning point in his fashion evolution. Law, known for his innovative and daring approach, helped Hamilton experiment with bolder looks, incorporating complex patterns, oversized silhouettes, and statement accessories. This partnership brought a new level of versatility and confidence to Hamilton’s style. Since 2022, Lewis has been styled by Eric McNeal and has shifted more towards monochrome outfits also, a lot more vests and jackets. The ideology shift from Law’s aesthetic to Eric’s is visible although not drastically distinct, keeping in mind Lewis' stylistic sensibilities.

Also, in 2023, Lewis launched his own streetwear brand, +44. The brand embodies his vision of sustainability and inclusivity, offering a range of clothing that blends contemporary streetwear aesthetics with eco-friendly practices. +44 has been praised for its stylish and thoughtful designs, especially the collaborations with Takashi Murakami and Hajime Sorayama, further cementing Lewis Hamilton’s influence in the fashion world.

Lewis Hamilton's style evolution mirrors his growing awareness and activism, prioritising eco-friendly brands and often speaking about the importance of sustainable practices. He also undertook a one of a kind activity in 2021, wherein he co-wrote a poem with George The Poet and each line was imprinted on a t-shirt created by a rising artist of colour.

His journey from utilitarian racing gear to a global fashion icon is a testament to his relentless pursuit of self-expression and individuality. As the legend himself puts it, "It's taken me a long time to get fashionable—and a long time to actually convince the teams to change. I wasn’t able to wear my own things. And then I started going to fashion shows. I really love the fashion shows because there’s a very diverse audience—so many different people from different walks of life, all dressed in their own styles, with no apologies. So it’s been a fun journey. And now, all of these other drivers are starting to express themselves in their own way.” Lewis continues to evolve his aesthetic sensibilities whilst being the face of one of the biggest sports. His shift from Mercedes’ Brackley to Ferrari’s Maranello makes the writer wish for just a tinge of Rosso Corsa and homage to the iconic prancing horse whilst remaining true to himself.