At the 2025 Met Gala, Lewis Hamilton did far more than just turn heads—he made a profound cultural statement. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion arrived early on the red carpet, exuding elegance and conviction in a custom cream-colored Wales Bonner ensemble, styled with meticulous care by Eric McNeal. From his satin bowtie to the gold brooch that sparkled against his vintage Briony Raymond jacket, Hamilton embodied the very essence of the event’s theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Lewis Hamilton redefines red carpet elegance as 2025 Met Gala co-chair with symbolic accessories
Wearing a matching beret adorned with a vintage brooch and gold jewelry that included multiple chunky rings and diamond earrings, Hamilton was every bit the icon he’s grown to become. But this wasn’t just about fashion—it was a statement of heritage, identity, and vision. “We’re both very thoughtful and intentional when it comes to fashion, and I hope that everyone else attending is compelled to really research and think deeply about what they’re wearing,” Hamilton shared with Vogue, speaking about his months-long collaboration with designer Grace Wales Bonner and stylist Eric McNeal.
Wales Bonner, celebrated for infusing cultural narrative into design, detailed the inspiration behind Hamilton’s look. “We brought together a range of influences, from Barkley L. Hendricks paintings to Black spiritual dressing… There are stories told through jewel adornments and special trims, with symbolism in baobab flower motifs and natural materials like cowrie shells and mother-of-pearl buttons,” she told Vogue.
While Hamilton’s fashion was an exquisite tribute to Black craftsmanship and storytelling, his role as a co-chair elevated the evening’s symbolism further. Alongside Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour—with LeBron James as an honorary chair—Hamilton was entrusted with helping shape the event’s direction and cultural impact. And for him, this wasn’t just a night of glamour, but a deeply personal journey.
“When I started my career I never imagined what I might be capable of beyond my sport,” he wrote on Instagram. “Growing up as the only Black kid on the track, so often that pressure got to me… Fashion is resilience, and I can’t wait to further explore and amplify our underrepresented voices.”
This marked the 10th anniversary of Hamilton’s Met Gala debut, and over the years, he has carved out a respected space in the fashion world. From his multiple collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger to his front-row appearances at global fashion weeks, the British driver has consistently challenged the perception of what an athlete can be off the track.
His commitment to change was powerfully evident in 2021 when, amid his intense title battle with Max Verstappen, Hamilton bought a table at the Met Gala and invited emerging Black designers to join. “Of course, everyone looked great, but I felt like that night opened up a dialogue about amplifying underrepresented voices and talent,” he recalled.
Now, as co-chair in 2025, Hamilton’s evolution from guest to host not only tells about his growing influence in fashion but also his unwavering dedication to cultural advocacy. “Having seen the hosts before, I remember I would look on and think ‘it would be cool one day to be a host,’” he told Vogue. “Anna’s been so gracious as to include me within that group.”
Lewis Hamilton didn’t just walk the Met Gala steps—he left behind a legacy woven in fabric, courage, and purpose.
Also Read:
“It wasn’t even anger”: Lewis Hamilton shuts down claims he was angry or disrespectful during heated Ferrari radio chat in Miami