Lewis Hamilton has announced a new venture away from Formula One. The F1 icon has partnered with renowned designer Kim Jones for Dior’s latest lifestyle capsule collection.
Hamilton, who has been a brand ambassador for Dior since earlier this year, marks his official foray into the fashion industry with this collaboration. Set against a striking bright blue mountain range, the influence of Hamilton’s passion for extreme sports such as snowboarding, skydiving, and surfing is evident throughout the collection. Commenting on his new venture to WWD, the British driver explained:
“I started snowboarding when I was 23 — quite late, really — but I go every year without fail.
“We want to make sure it has impact.”
The exclusive collection, designed with sustainability at its core, is composed of 80% sustainable materials, including the absence of any animal leathers, a request Hamilton passionately supported.
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“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.”
The Mercedes F1 driver also spoke in a separate interview with Wallpaper.com earlier in the year. He commented:
“Focussing on conscious choices and pushing boundaries with each piece, while merging my roots in Africa – drawing from their fabrics and believing in natural materials, as well as vibrant colours and powerful energy – has been so inspiring.”
Jones also commented on the collaboration, stating:
“We share a love of nature, a desire to celebrate Africa and an interest in the artisanal process and techniques that unite craftspeople in Africa with the savoir-fair of the Dior atelier,’ says Jones. ‘Added to that, this collection also reflects Lewis’ sporting side, his virtuosity and our functionality.”
The new collection will be available in-store and online starting October 17.
Hamilton has had a long history of bringing fashion into the world of Formula 1 and has had a long-term affiliation with Tommy Hilfiger as well as also working with Valentino. Fellow F1 driver Pierre Gasly has previously spoken about the doors in which Hamilton has opened in order for younger drivers to be free to express themselves. The French driver said:
“I think Lewis opened a lot of doors for all of us and it’s important to say, without him, it would be different these days.
“I think the mentality has changed slightly, especially if you look to other sports, NBA in the States it’s very different I think people have a lot more space to express themselves.
“I’ve always told him [that I respect him].
“Actually I get on very well with Lewis, I often thank him for sticking to his values and to himself all these years because now it’s definitely made the path smoother for us young drivers.”
