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The Fashion GOAT

Howdy, hi, hello. Welcome to Engine Failure, a Formula 1 culture newsletter that dives into what the fuck is really going on in F1. It’s written by me, Lily Herman.

Welcome to a bonus issue of Engine Failure! We're gathered here today for one reason and one reason only: A discussion of Lewis Hamilton’s Reputation Era. More specifically, I’d like us to dive into what one even wears to kick off a redemption arc for the ages.

Listen, I know Lewis has spent the past several days talking down Merc's 2022 car. Is it a bluff? Potentially. Mr. "Bono, My Tires Are Gone" is known to throw a few wayward comments out there to deflect. But could it also really be true that Merc is temporarily dethroned? Maybe. Honestly, we’ll just have to wait and see. But if you want to hear a lot of people gab about this, there’s plenty of fodder out there for you.

Anyway, because this is Engine Failure, I’m more interested in the ~*~vibes~*~, including what our seven-time world champ wears to the track. For those who are newer to the sport or this newsletter, Lewis cares deeply about fashion. He’s long attended Fashion Week events worldwide, he’s collaborated on clothing lines, and he’s even used his love of style to make political statements. I shouldn’t have to convince anyone in the Year of Somebody’s Lord 2022 that fashion is Important™, but in case you’re sitting here skeptical thanks to capitalism, patriarchy, racism, and plenty of other systemic issues, here’s some reading for you. Anyway, let's move on.

What’s Lewis’ Fashion Deal?

First, let’s take a look at a mix of what Lewis has worn on and off of the track in the past, ranging from his more casual outfits to the more avant-garde affairs. (And let’s not forget his run of galoshes. The man loves a rain boot like no one I’ve ever seen.)

Lewis tends to go for more streetwear at the track and much more streamlined looks elsewhere, and his stylist Law Roach (who also dresses power couple Zendaya and Tom Holland, btw) pulls from a range of well-known houses and more local or indie designers. Additionally, Lewis is generally known to wear full outfits from the same brand if he can help it. If he’s feelin’ Gucci, it’s all Gucci for the day. If it’s a Balenciaga or Alexander McQueen moment, that’s all you’re getting. That’s just how he rolls about 75% of the time.

Without further ado, here are my top picks for what Lewis should consider wearing at this first race of the season and the rest of the year when it comes to his fashion choices. The fact of the matter is, I want him to be bold AF. If someone could put me in touch with his buddy Law, that’d be great.

Bahrain Debut

I see this weekend’s kickoff in Bahrain akin to when Taylor Swift’s lead Reputation single “Look What You Made Me Do” dropped on August 24, 2017 and we all collectively said, “Um…what the fuck?” There’s a fair chance that Lewis will come in something more chill, as he’s done with his more recent appearances, but it’s my dream (MY! DREAM!) for him to pull up ready to rage.

So, what’s on the docket? Well for Media Day, I think Lewis needs to kick things off with a bang while still being very ~Lewis~. Hear me out: Off White Monalisa T-shirt (in honor of his late friend Virgil Abloh), Balenciaga Destroyed Super Baggy Pants, Valentino Hooded Shirt Jacket, and Valentino Calfskin XCombat boots. Add a pair of Lewis 34s from Police since that's his collab and therefore all he wears.

Given that Lewis has had a much sleeker look in the off-season, it might make sense to do something traditionally Lew during Friday practice and Saturday qualifying, just to throw people off.

For Friday, I can think of nothing more Lewis than this Brain Dead Dyed Fleece Crewneck and Sweatpants set. Throw some form of a fashion sneaker in there like these Valentino VL7N Low-Top ones and he's all set. He wants to be comfy!

On Saturday, I think this Blake Illustration Military Blouson from Alexander McQueen and its accompanying Cotton Canvas Tailored Shorts paired with these Hybrid Lace-Up Boots are very Lewis. Include Lewis 31s from Police.

And finally, let's talk about Sunday. I've thought long and hard about it, and after a lot of digging, there's only one brand that I think Lewis could pull any number of recent looks from to come up with something great: Gucci's 2022 Aria line. Obviously, he'll need to drop the helmet and those ugly ass boots, but do you see the magic I'm going for here???? Lewis could rock some version of any of these!!!!

The Rest of the Season

Okay, so let’s pretend our man Lew has made some sort of splash at Bahrain. What does he wear for the rest of this season? Fear not — I come bearing massive amounts of clothing and links.

Outfit 1: Splatter Paint Chic

In what’s probably not a far cry from his current wardrobe, this matching Soto set from S.R. Studio is the way to go. (And yes, I’m aware that the original clothing is in women’s sizing. But do you really think Law ‘n’ Lew couldn’t tailor it? Plus, S.R. is a brand that loves a gender-neutral moment.) Pair it with a pair of Lewis 39 sunglasses from his own Police line and LH’s beloved Bottega Strut Chelsea boots, and there you have it: A classic Lewis Hamilton look.

Outfit 2: The Rock Debut

Lewis isn’t much of a leather guy (probably having to do with his activism and sustainability efforts), but I think 2022 could be his year to try something of the faux variety. This Balenciaga jacket is the stuff of dreams, and I’d add in Balenciaga baggy pants and an Off White Caravaggio T-shirt. Plus, the upcoming $950 Balenciaga HardCrocs™ collab is so ridiculous that only Lewis could pull it off. (Sorry, Pierre and Zhou.) Some Lewis 31s from Police and the Balenciaga BB 2.0 necklace finish off the look.

Outfit 3: The Pink Look

Okay, okay, okay, okay, LISTEN TO ME: I can think of no greater power move than Lewis showing up to the track one day in head-to-toe Alexander McQueen. In fact, I would probably have a brain aneurysm on the spot. The Oversized Trench, Zip Detail Peplum Jacket and Zip Detail Trousers all in a color labeled ~ice pink~ are it. Factor in the Slim Tread Boot, Curve bag, and Chain Choker and I've already fainted.

Outfit 4: Pineapple Times

Keeping on the matching set train for our guy, I can think of nothing more Lewis than this pink, beige, and ebony bowling shirt and print shorts combo from Gucci’s Pineapple line. Add in the Lewis 34s from (you guessed it) Police, a Santo de Cartier chain, and a pair of Balenciaga sneaks.

Outfit 5: A “What the Fuck?” Surprise

Every great fashionista needs an outfit that leaves people baffled and confused, and I think this one could be it for 2022. Lewis isn’t much of a green color palette dude, and I don’t quite understand what this Valentino Silk Faille Shirt Jacket is on the model, but I think Law Roach could talk our guy into it. Include the same brand’s Washed Taffeta Shirt under it, add some Bottega Strides in black and Balenciaga's Sporty B Cropped Tracksuit Pants for ~intrigue~ and it’s…different.

…Everything Else

In doing all of this research into a potential 2022 wardrobe for Lewis, I came across an interesting smattering of other clothing items, shoes, and accessories that’d be interesting in some respect or another. Enjoy this ~collage~. (And yes, I 100% believe Lewis could make that camo crop top happen!!!!!!)

Like what you see? Check out other recent Engine Failure issues and then forward this newsletter to a friend because you're a nice person who wants to see me ~succeed~:

And if you have tips, suggestions, theories, intel, gossip, or questions, tweet me or send me an email.

Being the fastest team at testing may be a curse??? Hey look, more Shirtless Carlos™. What are Formula E photographers up to? Ohhhh, spaceship mirrors, how very galactic. Y’all, I’m sorry, but Grosjean was never coming back to the grid. Drivers ranked by DTS season four narrative. Crikey, the Australians are afoot! It’s a biiiig nope from me, Pastor Maldonado. So, uh, when is F1 gonna talk about Bahrain’s human rights abuses? Top Gear + Alpine 5ever. More info on Lewis’s name change. Yet another article about DTS revolutionizing F1, yadda, yadda, yadda. Pierre behind the scenes with VF. Are we getting the Vegas GP announcement soon? The Netflix effect!!!!!!

Yesterday’s question: Courtesy of my pals Zach and Julio, what’s your favorite F1 team and what should their team mascot be (in keeping with American sports tradition)? Make! Your! Case!

Submit your answer here.