DIOR'S COLLABORATION WITH LEWIS HAMILTON: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN DESIGN
words by NATALIE GAL
Lewis Hamilton, a Dior ambassador, is now collaborating with the brand on an exciting new collection inspired by Afrofuturism. This collection is undoubtedly a powerful intersection of cultural heritage, diversity, and Dior's timeless elegance.
First and foremost, we must delve into the concept of Afrofuturism. This concept, in essence, imagines future worlds (or alternate pasts) where Black people, their ideas, and experiences are central. It's about science fiction, fantasy, art, music, and concepts that celebrate Black identity, technology, and liberation. Instead of drawing solely from Western ideas, Afrofuturism builds upon African traditions, mythology, and historical challenges. What does this mean for fashion? The creation of styles that blend traditional African aesthetics with futuristic designs, envisioning what Black style looks like in a technologically advanced, liberated future.
We saw a hint of this theme in Hamilton's Met Gala outfit this year. For the event, he wore a custom ivory suit by Grace Wales Bonner. That look masterfully blended historical Black styles (like the Harlem Renaissance and Black dandyism) with modern elegance, clearly foreshadowing an Afrofuturist undertone.
The collection itself is distinctly Dior, yet perfectly true to Hamilton's personal style, personality, and ethos. Tailoring plays a huge role, with elegant jackets and coats paired with more casual knitwear. The result is a collection that's formal yet comfortable, diverse, contemporary, and truly universal. Accessories further elevate the pieces, like the B44 Blade adding a touch of sportswear chic. While the bags showcase Dior's top-quality, certified materials, designed to be eye-catching and merge flawlessly with the collection's overall aesthetic.