Lewis Hamilton has revealed his second Dior capsule collection, which includes over 20 pieces merging workwear, streetwear, and performance attire in bold and vivid color schemes. The collaboration continues from his ambassadorship with the French fashion house, following the exit of Dior Men’s artistic director Kim Jones earlier this year. This collection highlights Hamilton’s close partnership with Dior and his unique vision for modern fashion.
Details of the Collection Highlight Sophisticated Tailoring and Accessories
The latest capsule features a variety of items including bucket hats, backpacks, bomber jackets, and a cashmere jersey knit vest. Hamilton combined his personal style with Dior’s reputation for sharp, elegant tailoring, resulting in standout pieces such as a wool cavalry twill officer jacket and a multicolored zipped jacket paired with gradient track pants. On his social media, Hamilton shared images showcasing the Christian Dior Couture label with ‘South Africa’ embroidery, emphasizing the collection’s cultural significance.
The capsule also includes the B44 sneakers, which come in multiple colorways and feature detailed laces inspired by climbing ropes. The collection has already captured attention from diverse figures, including BTS member Jimin, who has worn pieces from it. Reality TV personality and Formula 1 fan Jason Oppenheim even engaged with Hamilton online to ask about a grey backpack featured in the collection’s photos.
Kim Jones on Collaborating and Promoting African Textile Craftsmanship
Before his departure from Dior Men, Kim Jones spoke about their shared connection to Africa, which influenced the collection’s development. He explained that some fabrics in the capsule were sourced from Burkina Faso and emphasized efforts to find sustainable materials across the continent. Jones highlighted plans to support education and training for future generations to work in fashion studios like Dior’s.
“Some of the fabrics were made in Burkina Faso. We’re working with someone who’s helping us source sustainable fabrics throughout the continent and really looking at what we can do to help get the next generation of people educated to be able to come work in a studio like this,”
—Kim Jones, former Dior Men artistic director
Hamilton’s Inspiration Drawn from Afrofuturism and African Travels
Hamilton has spoken about how Afrofuturism and his travels to Morocco, Senegal, Mozambique, Benin, and Madagascar deeply inspired this collection. He shared how the stories he encountered during these trips encouraged him to envision the future of Black culture through artistic expression, science, and philosophy.
“I heard so many incredible stories that inspired me to imagine the future of Black culture. The way we tell stories through art, science and philosophy is really special,”
—Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
“Seeing these ideas brought to life through color and movement inspired me. Being authentic to your style and communicating yourself through clothing is such a powerful feeling.”
—Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
Hamilton Advocates for Africa’s Inclusion in Formula 1 Racing
On the racetrack, Hamilton remains determined to bring a Formula 1 Grand Prix back to Africa, a continent he believes has been overlooked by the sport. Speaking at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, he emphasized the importance of adding African races instead of expanding elsewhere, highlighting the continent’s beauty and untapped potential.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,”
—Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
“There’s a huge amount of work that needs to be done there,”
—Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
“I think a lot of the world that haven’t been there don’t realise how beautiful the place is, how vast it is. And probably they don’t even know what the countries are doing still to those places in terms of holding back.”
—Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
Challenges and Progress in Returning Formula 1 to Africa
Efforts to bring the South African Grand Prix back to the Formula 1 calendar have faced obstacles due to the Kyalami circuit not meeting modern requirements. Meanwhile, Rwanda is emerging as a potential host for the sport’s return to the continent. At the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton reiterated his conversations with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who has committed to making an African race happen during Hamilton’s career.
“I’ve been speaking to him so much about getting the race in Africa and he’s really the one that’s promised that he’s going to make sure we get this done before I leave here, so that’s important,”
—Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
A Fusion of Fashion and Cultural Advocacy
Lewis Hamilton’s second Dior capsule collection goes beyond fashion, reflecting his passionate commitment to African culture and representation. By integrating his personal experiences, ties to Afrofuturism, and advocacy for Africa’s place in global motorsport, Hamilton continues to redefine his role not just as a racing champion but as a cultural influencer. This collection symbolizes a blend of artistry, heritage, and forward-thinking design that resonates with a global audience and underscores the growing importance of diverse narratives in fashion.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Race car driver Lewis Hamilton openly shares his passion for veganism. Additionally, he invests in businesses focused on plant-based products.
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton a vegan?
A. Lewis Hamilton says he showed skeptics they were wrong by thriving on a vegan diet. In 2017, Hamilton adopted a vegan lifestyle, even though his doctors advised against it. Since making the change, he has won four championships and noticed better energy levels. Hamilton is among several professional athletes who have successfully switched to plant-based diets.