Lewis Hamilton, the renowned British racing driver, has candidly discussed his journey of self-expression through fashion in a recent interview featured in Vogue's May issue. At 40 years old, Hamilton, who is equally famous for his distinctive style as for his prowess on the racing circuit, recounted how he once struggled to conform to the conventional fashion expectations of Formula One.
In the interview, Hamilton reflected on the significant influence of limited exposure to diversity and fashion during his upbringing. He relied on magazines, films, and music videos for inspiration, ultimately finding role models in influential figures such as Cab Calloway and André Leon Talley. As he navigated the early years of his career, Hamilton began to explore his fashion sense, sourcing unique designer pieces from thrift stores.
However, a key moment of realisation occurred when he felt scrutinised by a racing executive. Hamilton recalled, "Just before I got to Formula 1, I remember being looked up and down by a boss, and he definitely wasn’t impressed with what I was wearing. I was probably in FUBU and Timbs. I remember thinking, Shoot, I’ve really got to fit into this mold. And my dad expected me to fit into that mold too." This encounter made him question whether he should compromise his personal style to align with prevailing industry standards.
In reflecting on his early experiences, Hamilton declared that the mandatory 'horrible' outfits he was initially required to wear, which consisted mostly of suits and official team attire, stifled his individuality. He stated, "When I first signed with F1 I was only allowed to wear suits and team kits, and it was horrible. I didn’t feel comfortable, and I didn’t feel like I was able to be myself." He ultimately resolved to assert his identity, saying, “Look, I want to turn up to the track in what I want to wear. I’m here now—you can’t get rid of me or change the way I dress.” According to Hamilton, this decision incited significant pushback from the sport.
Over time, Hamilton emerged as a style icon, inspiring fellow drivers to embrace their own unique fashion statements. As co-chair of the upcoming Met Gala, he is set to showcase the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," influenced by Monica L. Miller's book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." Hamilton expressed his hopes that the event would "spark conversation" and "reconfirms the connection between fashion and self-expression," particularly highlighting its importance within Black culture.
In a recent appearance at the Japanese Grand Prix, fans were taken aback by Hamilton’s new hairstyle. Following a mixed performance on the track – including a tenth-place finish in Australia and disqualification in China – many supporters noted a significant change in his appearance. That day, as he prepared for the race, he was seen adjusting his balaclava and, in doing so, revealed his hair in an unbraided state, contrasting with his usual braided styles. Fans quickly reacted on social media, noting the change and expressing enthusiasm for his new look.
Hamilton's evolution in both fashion and hairstyle continues to attract attention, affirming his enduring status in not only the world of racing but also in the broader cultural context of self-expression and artistry.
Source: Noah Wire Services