Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has shared a heartfelt message after marking a significant personal and cultural milestone: co-chairing the prestigious 2025 Met Gala.
This year’s event, themed around the rich history of Black fashion and dandyism, saw Hamilton take on a leadership role alongside fashion icon Anna Wintour and fellow co-chairs Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, and A$AP Rocky.
Hamilton made a striking appearance in an ivory outfit designed by British designer Grace Wales Bonner. The ensemble included a cropped jacket, high-waisted trousers with coattails, a bow tie, and a white beret by Stephen Jones Millinery. The look was completed with a sash adorned with cowrie shells—symbols of identity, spirituality, and ancestral memory in African culture—and cufflinks shaped like Whirligig African Daisies.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Hamilton posted on Instagram:
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to co-chair this year’s Met. This year’s theme speaks to royalty, spirituality, and the sacred power of adornment. Materials like ivory and cowrie aren’t just beautiful—they carry ancestral memory. They are markers of identity, protection, and reverence.”
He continued by expressing his appreciation:
“I’m deeply grateful to the Costume Institute at The Met, to Grace Wales Bonner, to the incredible co-chairs, and to everyone who continues to honor the legacy of the Black Dandy. We’ve always been here. We’ve always been fly. And now, we’re seen.”
Hamilton also gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the look came together, revealing that the process took three months of collaboration with Wales Bonner and his longtime stylist Eric McNeal. The designer herself shared that the design incorporated deep symbolism, including baobab flower motifs, mother-of-pearl buttons, and storytelling through jewelry and special trims.
In another post, Hamilton praised Bonner’s artistry and vision:
“From the moment I heard the theme of this year’s Met Gala, I knew I wanted to work with Grace Wales Bonner. This look has taken months of research and development. Every detail has been deeply considered—there’s a lot of emotion and meaning woven into this. This is more than a suit. This is ancestral history. Stylish, spiritual, and sharp. Thank you, Grace.”