Lewis Hamilton’s couture joyride

(CNN) – lewis hamilton is putting a new spin on the term “fast fashion.” In recent years, the world champion pilot of Formula One he has slowly but surely intruded into the world of couture, using the racetrack and its accompanying appearances as his own impromptu clue.

At the F1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia last weekend, Hamilton was seen for the first time in candy-colored fleeces, satin slippers and wool trousers hand-embroidered with pearls from the Spring-Summer 2023 collection of Dior for men. A day later, the Mercedes driver stepped out in his most avant-garde look yet: a black tunic of rick owens and cargo pants paired with chunky boots.

The breadth and boldness of Lewis Hamilton’s wardrobe suggests he wants to be a driving force in the world of fashion. Credit: Lars Baron/Getty Images

These outfits are the work of the stylist Eric McNealwho was previously responsible for dressing Hamilton in ferragamo tie-dye silk tracksuits Acne Studios and a worn vest of Raf Simmons so peculiar that McNeal himself said he couldn’t do it. Since 2018, the Mercedes F1 Team has been officially sponsored by Tommy Hilfigera label Hamilton wears regularly, but while McNeal says he “loves” working with the American brand, it’s clear he hasn’t shy away from experimenting with other brands and edgier pieces.

So the set of rick owens Headline-grabbing Hamilton’s is far from her first brush with fashion. A longtime disciple of logomania, Hamilton was once known for his approach to “more is more” for branded streetwear and contrasting patterns.

Over time, her style has matured, as has her relationship with the industry; today she is a regular front-row presence at fashion weeks and on notable red carpets. At the 2021 Met Gala, Hamilton hosted a full table for black talent, inviting emerging designers to attend. Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson and Jason Rembert, among others. In 2022, she spearheaded a campaign valentine next to zendaya.

Lewis Hamilton in a pastel fleece on March 17, ahead of the F1 Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

For those not connected to the motorsports scene, blink and you may have missed the rise in Hamilton’s outfit. But if the evolution of the pilot’s style has eluded you, fear not: the @lewishamilton_style Instagram account exists to keep more than 20,000 followers in the loop about Hamilton’s seemingly oversized wardrobe. After all, he has to be on the right team.