Lewis Hamilton At The Met Gala: 5 Iconic Looks And The Hidden Symbolism Behind His Co-Chair Style

Sir Lewis Hamilton has cemented his status not just as a Formula 1 legend but as one of the most consistently compelling and politically conscious attendees of the Met Gala. His appearances transcend mere fashion; they are meticulously researched statements that champion emerging talent and pay deep homage to Black history and ancestral heritage. As of today, December 18, 2025, his latest role as a Co-Chair at the most recent Gala confirms his powerful influence in the world of high fashion and philanthropy.

The F1 champion uses the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual event as a critical platform, transforming the red carpet into a runway for symbolic storytelling. From hosting a table for Black designers to debuting a look that took months of research, Hamilton’s commitment to the Met Gala theme is unmatched, making his outfits perennial highlights.

Lewis Hamilton: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton
• Born: January 7, 1985
• Place of Birth: Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England
• Nationality: British
• Ancestry: Grenadian descent (Paternal Grandparents)
• Profession: Formula One Racing Driver
• F1 Career Highlights: Joint-record seven-time Formula One World Champion (tied with Michael Schumacher), record holder for most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes.
• Current F1 Team (2025): Scuderia Ferrari (Signed from Mercedes)
• Knighthood: Knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to motorsports.
• Fashion Role: Co-Chair of the 2025 Met Gala.
• Stylist: Eric McNeal

The 2025 Co-Chair Look: An Ancestral Masterpiece

Lewis Hamilton’s most significant and recent appearance was at the 2025 Met Gala, where he was named an official Co-Chair alongside cultural heavyweights like Colman Domingo and A$AP Rocky.

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Theme and Dress Code

The 2025 Met Gala celebrated the exhibition "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," with the official dress code being "Tailored for You." This theme was a direct nod to the history and excellence of Black tailoring and design, a subject Hamilton has passionately advocated for throughout his career.

The Grace Wales Bonner Ivory Suit

For this monumental occasion, Hamilton worked with his longtime stylist, Eric McNeal, and collaborated with London-based British designer Grace Wales Bonner on a custom ivory suit. The look was a powerful ancestral tribute, designed to reflect his Grenadian roots and the spiritual significance of his heritage. The ensemble featured a cropped jacket, high-waisted trousers, and a satin bow tie, giving the traditional tuxedo a sharp, modern twist.

The attention to detail was extraordinary. The suit was adorned with intricate brooches and featured a custom beret by legendary milliner Stephen Jones. Most symbolically, the outfit incorporated cowrie shells and amulets—ancient symbols of purity, status, and protection in many African and diasporic cultures, including those of his Grenadian heritage. Hamilton’s choice of a Black British designer and a theme-specific look that paid homage to Black history was hailed as a perfect execution of the assignment.

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Lewis Hamilton’s Most Iconic Met Gala Looks and Statements

Beyond his 2025 co-chair role, Hamilton’s Met Gala history is a masterclass in using fashion for cultural commentary and social impact. His appearances consistently stand out for their depth and intentionality.

1. 2024: The Black Beaded Burberry Suit

• Theme/Dress Code: "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" / "The Garden of Time."
• Designer: Burberry
• The Look: Hamilton wore a stunning black beaded Burberry suit, which featured heavy, intricate embellishment that perfectly matched the "Garden of Time" dress code. His research for the look reportedly included finding inspiration in the story of the first Black gardener in Wales, linking the theme of nature and time to his own heritage and history. This subtle, historical reference is a hallmark of Hamilton’s approach to the red carpet.

2. 2021: The Platform for Black Creatives

• Theme: "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion."
• Designer: Kenneth Nicholson
• The Statement: This was arguably Lewis Hamilton’s most impactful Met Gala appearance. He didn't just wear an outfit; he bought an entire table and invited three emerging Black designers and creatives—including Edvin Thompson (Theophilio) and Kenneth Nicholson—to sit with him and showcase their work.
• The Look: He wore a custom black suit by Kenneth Nicholson, featuring a lacy white button-up shirt and a dramatic train that extended past his left knee. This move was a powerful, tangible act of using his celebrity status and financial resources to elevate underrepresented voices in the fashion industry, a gesture that resonated far beyond the red carpet.

3. 2018: The Papal-Inspired Statement

While not one of his most recent looks, his 2018 appearance remains a fan favorite for its bold adherence to the theme. The theme was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." Hamilton arrived in a classic black tuxedo with a dramatic, flowing black cape that featured heavy gold embroidery. The look was a clear, regal nod to the opulence and grandeur of religious vestments, proving his ability to commit fully to the theatrical nature of the Gala.

The Impact of Lewis Hamilton on F1 and Met Gala Fashion

Lewis Hamilton's presence at the Met Gala has had a dual impact: it has elevated the perception of Formula 1 drivers in the fashion world, and it has provided a major platform for marginalized designers. He has consistently refused to "dress like every other F1 driver," instead embracing a bold, experimental sense of style that fuses high fashion with cultural and political commentary.

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His collaboration with Black designers like Grace Wales Bonner and Kenneth Nicholson, and his commitment to themes like "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," are not coincidences. They are part of a deliberate strategy, curated with his stylist Eric McNeal, to shift the narrative and spotlight excellence outside of traditional fashion power structures. His Met Gala journey demonstrates a powerful evolution from a racing star attending a party to a cultural icon using his global platform to drive meaningful change in the arts.