Sport’s Influence on Fashion: How Formula One WAGs are Driving Trends
The intersection of sport and fashion has always been prominent, but in recent years, the real sartorial game-changers have emerged from the world of Formula One. Beyond the athletes themselves, another group has become a major force in fashion: the WAGs (wives and girlfriends). In the elusive realm of motorsport, WAGs have long been a spectacle, making headlines and influencing fashion in ways that extend far beyond the paddock.
Formula One WAGs first gained prominence in the early 2000s, particularly with the rise of now 7-time-world champion, Lewis Hamilton. His high-profile relationships, notably with former pussycat doll Nicole Scherzinger, put an increased spotlight on the women standing beside the world’s fastest men. Designer June Ambrose once remarked to The Cut, “I remember the Kate Mosses and supermodels of the world in the pit lane in the early aughts, way before this trend was contextualized.” The glamorous women of F1 became fashion icons, setting trends that transcended motorsport.
A modern exemplar of this phenomenon is Alexandra Saint Mleux. Her rapid rise to fame came after going public on social media as Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc’s, girlfriend. But unlike past WAGs who were often defined by their relationships, Alexandra has cultivated an identity of her own. A widely shared comment on social media read, “Thank you Leclerc for introducing us to Alex,” garnering thousands of likes. Today, she’s celebrated for her sophisticated style and effortless elegance, securing a beauty partnership as a Rhode ambassador, cementing her place in the industry independent of her partner that races in red.
The impact of F1 WAGs on fashion is undeniable, influencing everything from sportswear to the resurgence of motor jackets. Motorsport-inspired pieces, once reserved for trackside appearances, are now runway staples. The resurgence of leather motor jackets—hyper-masculine yet effortlessly chic—has also been propelled by pop culture’s latest muses. In mainstream media, artists like Lana Del Rey and Tate McRae have recently popularized the motorsport aesthetic. McRae's songs Sports Car and Two Hands embrace racing themes, while Del Rey's blend of 'melancholic Americana' with 'modern grunge' undertones, has brought the trend further into the limelight. The sleek, structured appeal of racing jackets has become a must-have item, seamlessly blending luxury with a homage to the sporting world.
Beyond F1, sports WAGs have long been fashion’s silent trendsetters. In the 2000s, Britain’s football elite—Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole, and Coleen Rooney— defined an era where luxury met athletic glamour, redefining the alliance of high fashion and sport. More recently, Tolami Benson, the girlfriend of England footballer Bukayo Saka, made headlines during the Euros for her bold fashion choices, including a custom-made jacket that was highly favoured in the digital sphere.
From the sidelines to the front row, the new-age WAG is no longer just a spectator. She is a trendsetter, an influencer, and a force shaping the standard of modern sport and luxury fashion.
Written by Ebony Maude
(Photos by visualswitheric)