From Lewis Hamilton to Beyoncé, Boardroom breaks down worlds colliding in what was a big year in the fashion space.
As part of our end-of-the-year coverage, the Boardroom staff put together a few special editions of Headline to Go that recap the biggest moments and trends across the sports and entertainment industries. We hope you enjoy them, and happy holidays!
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Lewis Hamilton Accelerates into High Fashion with Dior Collab
Lewis Hamilton has already cemented himself in Formula 1 history, but this year, the new Ferrari driver also capitalized on his reputation as a style icon to launch his first lifestyle collection with Dior. Hamilton signed on as a brand ambassador for the French fashion house this year and worked on this capsule with Dior Homme Creative Director Kim Jones. The looks are perfect for winter and celebrate Hamilton’s love of snowboarding, a hobby the seven-time World Drivers Champion has been doing since his early 20s. This is only the beginning of Hamilton’s relevance in luxury fashion: The Englishman is also set to co-chair next year’s Met Gala, joining Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour.
Puma Speedcat Steals the Spotlight, Again, Thanks to Celebrity Influence
Each year, it seems like there’s one sneaker that goes from unfamiliar to must-have. This year, that honor belongs to the Puma Speedcat. Originally designed for F1 drivers in 1999, the trainers have taken on a personality of their own and are seen on the feet of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Puma ambassador Rihanna. As soon as they’re available for sale, they quickly go out of stock, and that success has led to a 5% increase in currency-adjusted sales for Q3. With an official launch in the fall and more colorways slated to arrive in 2025, it’s safe to say the Speedcat could well go on to be “it sneaker” for a second year straight.
Ace of Style: Challengers Movie Takes Tenniscore From Niche to Mainstream
Following the release of Challengers in April, the tenniscore aesthetic skyrocketed in popularity, inspiring those to embrace their sporty side without even picking up a racket. The film’s sports-centered storyline vibe, combined with the timeless appeal of tennis attire, sparked a wave of trend adoption. Everyone from influencers to everyday fashionistas embraced clean lines, polo shirts, pleated skirts, and tennis whites as part of their daily wardrobes. Inspired by this cultural shift, brands quickly followed suit, launching their own collections centered around tenniscore, blending athleticism with high fashion in a way that felt fresh and effortlessly chic.
Nike and Jacquemus Create a New Era in Fashion
We didn’t know what to expect when Nike and Jacquemus announced another drop in time for the Paris Olympics. But what we received was evidence that athletes could embody both performance and trendsetting influence. With the City of Light and its own ambassadors as muses, Nike’s third collection with the French brand featured a unique iteration of lifestyle pieces like tracksuits, the highly coveted Le Swoosh bag, and the new Nike x Jacquemus Air Max 1. Even more excitement was generated thanks to a hype video to accompany the announcement. The partnership continues to show that being athletically minded doesn’t mean sacrificing style, and the world’s best are now not only competitors, but also trend leaders in the fashion world.
Beyoncé’s Levi’s Collection Marks a Bold Country Fashion Moment
You could argue that anything connected with Beyoncé soars in popularity, and her association with Levi’s arrived shortly after the release of her country album, Cowboy Carter. Considering the Americana charm of Levi’s and how Bey’s latest project was an ode to her Texas roots (with a song dedicated to her “Levii’s Jeans”), the advert tapped into a nostalgic yet contemporary sense of style, reimagining classic denim staples with Beyoncé’s empowering touch. We long knew Beyoncé is a cultural icon who can effortlessly shape both music and fashion trends, but reminding us of the simplicity of everyday wear really exemplifies the phrase: Celebs, they’re just like us.
Pitch to Streetwear: Adidas Brings Together Two Superstars for Game-Changing Collab
When Lionel Messi and Bad Bunny came together with Adidas to launch a new sneaker and cleat in October, it was a powerful cultural statement. For fans of soccer and Latin music, this partnership represented the union of two icons who transcend their respective fields. Messi, the greatest footballer of his generation, and Bad Bunny, the groundbreaking megastar, share an immense worldwide influence. The Adidas Gazelle and Adidas F50 cleat is more than athletic performance with bold, vibrant street style. For soccer fans, it was a celebration of sport and flair; for music lovers, it underscored the global reach of reggaeton and Latin culture.
