Lewis Hamilton’s Met Gala Evolution: From First Invite to 2025 Co-Chair
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AFI Insider
Would you believe Lewis Hamilton wasn’t always a Met Gala regular? It’s hard to imagine now, especially as he co-chairs this year’s event.
But like everyone, he had a first time, and for the F1 champion, that was the iconic 2015 gala celebrating China: Through the Looking Glass. Yes, the year Rihanna stunned in that golden cape by Guo Pei.
In his recent Vogue cover interview, Hamilton reflected: “Of course, I always wanted to go to the Met Gala, and I got invited for the first time in 2015. It’s always been a privilege to attend…”
Now, as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, which heralds the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition at The Met’s Costume Institute all eyes will be on him. Already one of the world’s best-dressed individuals, the added pressure of hosting only heightens expectations.
This year’s dress code, ‘Tailored For You’, invites attendees to reinterpret tailoring through a personal lens. As the countdown begins, we revisit Hamilton’s sartorial evolution on the Met’s hallowed steps.
Lewis Hamilton’s Met Gala Style Evolution
2015 - China: Through The Looking Glass
For his debut on the steps of The Met, he turned to the British high-street label, Topshop. He was forgettable, but the fashion bug bit, as that's when his style started changing.
2016 - Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology
He took things up a notch the next year, wearing a hi-tech Dolce & Gabbana suit.
2017 - Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art Of The In-Between
Lewis’s green velvet Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria tuxedo showed how he was taking the Met Gala seriously. While it wasn't on theme, it was still dressy enough to get him attention for his style.
2018 - Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination
This was a highly contentious theme, as many believed it could lead to attendees disrespecting the church. Lewis was angelic in a white suit by Tommy Hilfiger.
2019 - Camp: Notes on Fashion
Lewis once again turned to Tommy Hilfiger, and they co-designed this metallic zig-zag suit, worn with a headband.
2021 - In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Now too frequent an attendee not to have fun with the theme, Lewis partnered with LA-based designer, Kenneth Nicholson, to create a fun look. Lewis also did something great- he bought a full table and hosted three rising Black designers: Jason Rembert (Aliette), Edvin Thompson (Theophilio), Nicholson, and also Law Roach, Sha'Carri Richardson, Miles Chamley-Watson, and supermodel, Alton Mason.
2024 - Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
After skipping two years, Lewis returned in fine form, wearing a black ensemble by Daniel Lee for Burberry. The look paid homage to John Ystumllyn, an 18th-century Black gardener known for being one of the first black gardeners in the UK. He had a rose named after him in celebration of his life.
We are all waiting with bated breath to see who he will turn to on 5 May 2025.
AFI will have live coverage of the Met Gala from Friday, 02 May 2025. Follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook to follow our coverage of the exhibition, the pre-events, and the Met Gala.
Africa Fashion International (AFI) is a major sponsor of the fundraiser organised by Vogue, the Met Gala - the most prestigious and glamorous fashion event hosted by Dame Anna Wintour to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.