Lewis Hamilton Honors African Heritage With Powerful Met Gala Statement

Lewis Hamilton has wowed at the 2025 Met Gala this evening as he empowers the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. With a suit designed by Wales Bonner and an accompanying beret. In an interview at the event, he discussed his inspiration for his outfit and work alongside Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour.

When asked about his feelings being being co-chair at such an important event to him, he said the following:

“Honestly, I think it’s really an extension of, you know, 2021, when I bought a table here and brought Black designers. I really created… it was an amazing evening.”

That meaningful first step of creating space for Black designers evolved into deeper collaboration with Vogue’s editor-in-chief. “After that, speaking with Anna [Wintour] and just starting to collaborate on what the Met could grow to and what it can one day be,” Hamilton explained.

Hamilton reflected on the moment he was invited to co-chair:

“We were in London, and she told me the theme. And I was so, so excited. And then she asked me to be the co-chair. And in that moment, for sure, I couldn’t believe it-I was like, ‘I’m gonna say no?'”

The Formula 1 champion has deep gratitude for the opportunity, stating:

“I’m incredibly honored, and she’s been amazing to work with. I’ve worked really, really closely with her on this, and even though I’m in season and I’ve been away working on-but to be involved-she’s included me on absolutely everything, and I’m just honored to be amongst the other amazing hosts.”

Hamilton’s custom Wales Bonner ensemble was created over five months – three months of research followed by two months of making. When asked about his look, Hamilton shared the symbolism embedded in his outfit:

“We’ve gone into great detail. We’ve got-obviously, the shells represent currency, ivory represents purity, Grace [Wales Bonner] is very, very much into spirituality, and we really wanted to pay homage to the culture, particularly from our culture of Africa, by the power of adornment.”

The cowrie shells Hamilton referenced have deep cultural significance in West Africa, where they were once used as currency. Now they symbolize importance representing wealth, power, fertility, and protection. The ivory color of his suit symbolizes purity, elegance, and tranquility across various cultures.

“It’s really inspired by Harlem Renaissance, and particularly Cab Calloway. And the white and white-the white and white portraits by Barkley Hendricks,” Hamilton continued.

Lewis Hamilton’s Entry to Fashion

When asked how fashion became such a large part of his life, Hamilton shared a deeply personal perspective:

“Well, when I was younger, I really felt like I had to conform, particularly in the world that I compete in. My father and I are the only people of color there, so there was this real pressure to conform.”

Hamilton’s relationship with fashion evolved into something empowering: “As I got older, I realized, I found my sense of self, got confidence from wearing fashion and how you can express yourself through what you’re wearing. And after that, I went on this journey. Fashion’s really helped me become the person I am today.”