Lewis Hamilton, the celebrated Formula 1 world champion, made a striking entrance at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, just hours after competing in the Miami Grand Prix. Co-chairing the prestigious event alongside Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, Hamilton showcased his flair for fashion with an ensemble that paid tribute to Black culture and history.
Arriving in a custom-designed outfit by Wales Bonner, Hamilton donned a cream-white tuxedo styled by Eric McNeal, complemented by a matching beret and adorned with gold accessories, including a stunning brooch at the lapel. The outfit, which also featured bespoke jewellery from Briony Raymond, included several rings and a striking brooch, exemplifying Hamilton's commitment to fashion as a form of self-expression.
This year’s Met Gala theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," with the accompanying dress code of "Tailored for You," focused on the rich history of Black Dandyism and menswear. Hamilton’s look was not just about aesthetics; it was a thoughtful exploration of identity and cultural heritage. He expressed his hopes for the gala, stating, “Naturally, I hope this year’s Met Gala sparks conversation and reconfirms the connection between fashion and self-expression, and how deep it runs in Black culture.”
Hamilton's fashion journey has been shaped by his admiration for iconic figures such as James Baldwin, Nelson Mandela, and André Leon Talley. In a recent interview with Vogue, he reflected on his inspirations, saying, “I lived vicariously through magazines and music videos and films... I saw how their image was so important to them, and how they presented themselves through fashion.”
The 40-year-old driver’s arrival at the Met Gala marked his eighth attendance but his first time co-chairing the event. His relationship with Anna Wintour, which blossomed after they met at the 2024 Wimbledon tennis tournament, has played a significant role in his fashion evolution. “We just realized we had so much more in common,” Hamilton told GQ, highlighting their shared interests beyond fashion.
Hamilton's ensemble this year was a culmination of months of preparation. He and his stylist, Eric McNeal, meticulously crafted the look, which included an ivory suit with a cropped jacket, high-waisted trousers, and a white bow tie. The outfit was adorned with Art Deco-inspired brooches, and the trousers featured curtains of white pearls down the sides. Hamilton's beret, crafted by Stephen Jones, added a final flourish to this sophisticated look.
In discussing the significance of his attire, Hamilton noted, “We spent three months on research and two months bringing it to life. Nothing about it was rushed. What makes it special is that it’s not just about fashion—it’s about meaning.” He emphasized the importance of each detail, from the cowrie shells lined in his sash—symbolic in African culture—to the garnets in his accessories, representing his birthday month.
Reflecting on his journey to the Met Gala, Hamilton recalled his first invitation in 2015 and how his perspective has evolved over the years. In 2021, he took a stand by inviting a group of Black designers to the gala, aiming to amplify underrepresented voices in fashion. “I no longer wanted to just be another person in the room,” he shared, illustrating his commitment to fostering opportunities for Black talent in the industry.
Hamilton's presence at the Met Gala is not merely a fashion statement; it’s a platform for dialogue about diversity and representation. He has consistently used his visibility to highlight the achievements of Black individuals and the importance of celebrating Black history. As he noted, “If you think about where we are in the world—and particularly in the States, in terms of people pulling back on diversity—I think this Met Gala sends a really strong message that we must continue to celebrate and elevate Black history.”
The Met Gala serves as a microcosm of the larger fashion world, where trends are set, and cultural conversations unfold. Hamilton's contributions to this dialogue are significant, as he continues to challenge the status quo and redefine masculinity in fashion.
As the night unfolded, Hamilton stood out not just for his attire but for the powerful message it conveyed—a celebration of identity, heritage, and the ongoing conversation about diversity in fashion. His role as a co-chair of the Met Gala underscores the importance of representation and the influence of fashion as a tool for self-expression and social change.
