Sir Lewis Hamilton and his Impact on the Fashion World.
Written by Lucy Ashburner
Sir Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities go far beyond what he’s able to do between lights out and the checquered flag on a Sunday afternoon. The Mercedes driver may be the most decorated athlete in the history of Formula 1, holding an astounding seven world championships to his name – but beyond the limits of the racetrack, he is a renowned global fashion icon.
Standing out
Hamilton’s phenomenal records are not the singular feature which separates him from his counterparts on the grid. Even in 2023, he remains the sole black driver in the history of Formula 1, something which has set him apart from his competitors since his go-karting days. Hamilton, who was knighted in 2021, has openly expressed the fact he received racial abuse, particularly in the early period of his career, which he spoke about first hand in a BBC interview in 1997, explaining that he was frequently referred to with “racist names”. This led him to make any and every attempt to blend in with the crowd. However, as his life has progressed, he began to express his individuality – something which is heavily reflected in his eccentric fashion choices.
Paddock couture
There is simply no denying that Hamilton has almost single-handedly redefined athlete style as a whole. Motorsport has often been associated with hyper-masculinity, and before him, there were minimal examples of athletes exploring fashion in depth. However, Hamilton has flipped this narrative around, as he debuts outrageously fabulous ensembles week in, week out between the months of March and November. This of course, isn’t always well received by the traditional Formula 1 viewer, and a level of disapproval has surrounded his ostentatious wardrobe- which earned him a place on the New York Times 93 most fashionable people in 2022.
However, to the relief of the rest of the world, this is something that Hamilton has risen above, as he continues to turn the paddock into his runway, flaunting looks from fashion houses such as Loewe, Versace and Valentino. Hamilton’s fashion choices go far beyond creating a talking point in the media. Whilst men dressing expressively and actively involving themselves in the fashion industry has become more widely accepted in recent years, there still continues to be certain stigmas surrounding it.
Hamilton- who has collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger on multiple occasions – has utilised his immense platform to counteract the stigma and challenge the social pressures on men to conform with what is classified as ‘normal’. His outlandish style has also received a stamp of approval from his competitors, as Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc revealed in an interview with Gazzetta that he ” has really good taste and a lot of courage”. His open use of clothing as a form of self-expression has established Hamilton as a trailblazer for young boys who wish to express themselves in a similar manner.
Off season
Some may argue that Hamilton – who has 103 race victories to his name – is even larger than the sport itself. Whilst this may always be up for debate, there is no denying that he has established a name for himself outside of the world of motorsport – particularly in the world of fashion. He’s a regular in the front row at the four major fashion weeks – held biannually in February and September – and boasts impressive connections with major figures in the industry, such as Law Roach, who previously worked with him as a stylist. Speaking of which, the pair were photographed alongside at each other at the Met Gala in 2021 – at which Hamilton hosted a table for emerging black designers. He admitted to Women’s Wear Daily that it was “important” for him to “be able to offer more opportunities for underrepresented people”. It’s no secret that the fashion industry has long been white dominated, and figures such as Hamilton are taking immense steps to change that.
What is his impact on the fashion industry?
Hamilton has left an everlasting impact on the fashion world – and will forever be immortalised as a trailblazer for black men in the industry. For one, his style is irrefutably unique, painting him as a fashion icon and a trendsetter by all accounts. The impact he has made is perpetuated by his race, and the fact that he is an incredibly successful athlete in a traditionally very under-commercialised sport. He has perpetuated the contemporary mindset that fashion and sport can be placed hand in hand, whilst also inspiring black creatives and men in general to embrace clothing as a symbol of individualism. Whilst Sir Lewis Hamilton is a name which will forever be etched in the record books of Formula 1, he is consistently proving that his talents go far beyond the racetrack. When the inevitable day arrives in which he greets the checquered flag for the final time, he has another great legacy just waiting to be set in stone -in the world of fashion.
