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Lewis Hamilton talks designing for Hilfiger and why he went vegan

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Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton has revealed plans to create his own eco-fashion friendly clothing brand. The five-time Formula One world champion recently joined forces with American designer Tommy Hilfiger to deliver an exclusive Tommy x Lewis collaboration.

The 33-year-old sports star is signed up for two more seasons with the US fashion house, but he also has his sights set on designing a solo sustainable collection.

“The goal with the Tommy Hilfiger collections is to do it right, so at the end I can take the Tommy name away from it and it still stands on its own, that’s the real dream!” Hamilton said.

“25% of the current collection is eco-friendly and is recyclable material, the second collection is close to 40% and my goal is when I get to stand alone is that 100% of all the material I use will be eco-friendly.”

Lewis Hamilton, Shawn Yue, Eva Herzigova, Ruby Rose and Sabrina Carpenter attend the Tommy Hilfiger show during Milan Fashion Week on February 25, 2018. (Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton, Shawn Yue, Eva Herzigova, Ruby Rose and Sabrina Carpenter attend the Tommy Hilfiger show during Milan Fashion Week on February 25, 2018. (Getty Images)

Lewis’ exclusive interview with Insider took place at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport’s team factory in Brackley in Northamptonshire, a site normally off-limits to the public.

Lewis said attending fashion shows sparked his interest in becoming a designer: “When I was in my old team I wasn't allowed to go and do these other things, so when I joined Mercedes I was able to be vocal about the other interests that I have. I told them, ‘I want to go to fashion shows and I want to see what it’s all about.' And when I went I was really blown away because the shows I went to were quite intense and so much work had gone into it and there were so many people working in the background. “

He continued: “I now think about what happens with the team in the background. Or when I see products I now think, where did it come from and how many people did it take to make it? I’m thinking about the processes behind it.”

Lewis Hamilton attends the Tommy Hilfiger show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018/19 on February 25, 2018 (Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton attends the Tommy Hilfiger show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018/19 on February 25, 2018 (Getty Images)

Lewis’ invitation to sit front row at his show led to a meeting with Tommy Hilfiger.

“I met Tommy and it’s really crazy because I really do believe if you put something out there, whether it’s a thought or a goal and you speak it, you can manifest it. I’ve done it so many times and it’s happened for me. “

Following in the footsteps of supermodel Gigi Hadid, Lewis was inspired to create his own collection with Tommy Hilfiger.

Lewis Hamilton with Jiang Shuying, Tommy Hilfiger, Hailey Baldwin, Joan Smalls, and Winnie Harlow at the Tommy Hilfiger show on September 4, 2018.
Lewis Hamilton with Jiang Shuying, Tommy Hilfiger, Hailey Baldwin, Joan Smalls, and Winnie Harlow at the Tommy Hilfiger show on September 4, 2018.

“I saw a model that was working with Tommy and I was like, there’s a campaign and it’s amazing and she’s designing and I was thinking this is a dream for me, and I have that now. I feel like I spoke that into existence. “

Lewis’ passion for sustainability has also been the driving force behind his decision to go vegan.

“I’m on a plant-based diet and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made! Well, as close as coming to join the [Mercedes-AMG] team,” he said,

“They both coincide with each other, but honestly I feel so much healthier and I have a lot more energy. I feel great.”

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team celebrate after their team won the F1 on November 11, 2018. (Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team celebrate after their team won the F1 on November 11, 2018. (Getty Images)

Hamilton signed a new two year contract worth £40million with Mercedes-AMG earlier this year. But he said after he retires he may not want to remain in the sport,

He said: “I think watching someone else race is always going to be hard, so I’m trying to figure out if there’s something else separate from the sport, that would not be easy and I’ll have start my way at the bottom and really learn a new craft.”

Despite Hamilton crediting his dad, Anthony Hamilton, as the driving force behind his career, he still remains unsure whether he would like his future children to follow his steps into motor sport.

Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony Hamilton (Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony Hamilton (Getty Images)

“I don’t know if my opinion is going to change but currently my thought is no. It’s been amazing for me and it’s given me an amazing platform but if you look at all the ex-driving racers kids, who have come through, it’s so easy for them to live off the name,” he continued.

“There’s also a different added pressure and expectation, but what I can say is I’m really inspired to be a father like mine.”

With all of Lewis’ success and wealth, family still remains his number one priority. He tells us his definition of luxury is being able to spend time with his loved ones.

“From me being that kid in the one bedroom apartment living on a couch to now, [luxury] is the same thing and that is when me and family get together to play games and have great food! It’s crazy that it takes people a long time to realise that, but it’s priceless."

Lewis Hamilton waves from his car after winning the F1 Brazil Grand Prix (Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton waves from his car after winning the F1 Brazil Grand Prix (Getty Images)

For a man who spends so much time racing in cars, Lewis made a surprising revelation when he revealed he doesn't actually like driving on the road too often.

“I like driving when I’m back home in Monaco and I like to drive and when I’m in LA, but I drive the most on Christmas Eve, because that’s when I do my Christmas shopping and I tend to be rushing into the stores. But honestly, I don’t like doing much driving on the road too often, I’d rather be in the back and be a good passenger.”

Lewis Hamilton (Mark Robinson)
Lewis Hamilton (Mark Robinson)

The Evening Standard met Lewis Hamilton and had an exclusive Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport factory tour through Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty programmes. This is just one of the thousands of money can’t buy Moments that Marriott Rewards members can access with their points; including exclusive member concerts, VIP experiences at sporting events, masterclasses, celebrity meet and greets and more. To find out more visit moments.marriottrewards.com.