Lewis Hamilton – Shifting Gears into the Fashion World

Longoae Domingos Tembwa on 25 November 2024

Lewis Hamilton, the 7-time Formula 1 World Champion, is a man of many talents. Known for his precision on the racetrack, Hamilton has also emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. From his head-turning outfits at the paddock to gracing the Met Gala red carpet, Hamilton’s journey into fashion reflects his creative spirit and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

A Passion Beyond Racing

Hamilton’s love for fashion is anything but a passing interest. Over the years, he has showcased a bold and adventurous style with a penchant for experimenting with colours, silhouettes, and accessories. His appearances at high-profile events like the Met Gala have solidified his status as a fashion icon.

Notably, Hamilton attended the Met Gala in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021, making waves each time with his daring ensembles. From his sleek black leather look in 2015 to his 2021 white lace suit by Kenneth Nicholson—complete with a floor-length train—Hamilton consistently redefines masculinity in fashion. His September 2021 appearance was particularly noteworthy as he used his table at the event to spotlight emerging Black designers, a testament to his commitment to diversity. For the event, he worked with Kenneth Nicholson—a rising Black designer—to create a custom white lace tuxedo with a dramatic train. This gesture extended beyond the red carpet, as Hamilton purchased a table at the gala and invited several Black designers to showcase their work, spotlighting talent often overlooked by the mainstream fashion industry.

In interviews, Hamilton has described fashion as an extension of his personality and a medium to express himself. 

“I’ve always been into fashion. It’s about experimenting and pushing the boundaries, just like I do on the track,” he shared.

This passion has led him to collaborate with renowned brands and eventually launch his own initiatives within the fashion space.

Memorable Paddock Looks

Hamilton’s influence on fashion extends to the Formula 1 paddock, where his outfits have become a cultural phenomenon. A few standout looks include:

  • Silver Puffer Coat and Plaid Pants at 2019 Japanese Grand Prix: This futuristic yet retro look perfectly combines high fashion with trackside practicality.
  • Bright Neon Suit at the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix: Lewis turned heads with an electric lime-green suit paired with reflective sunglasses, bringing streetwear flair to one of F1’s most prestigious events.
  • Floral Matching Set for the 2022 Miami Grand Prix: In collaboration with Casablanca, Hamilton sported a breezy floral-printed shirt and matching trousers, redefining tropical fashion on race day.

These outfits, among many others, show Hamilton’s willingness to challenge conventions and bring creativity to a traditionally buttoned-up sport.

Lewis in floral set for the 2022 Miami Grand Prix/ Lewis neon suit at the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix/Collage made by Britta Carlson

Ventures in Fashion Design

Lewis Hamilton’s foray into fashion design is a testament to his creativity and commitment to making a positive impact through style. His most prominent venture, the TommyXLewis collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, launched in 2018 and became a global success. This partnership wasn’t just about putting his name on a label—it was about creating designs that reflected his lifestyle, values, and vision for inclusivity in the fashion industry. 

Spanning several seasons, the TommyXLewis collections combine bold aesthetics with comfort and practicality. The designs are inspired by Hamilton’s dynamic life, blending streetwear with luxury fashion.

The collections are defined by bold colour palettes featuring vibrant hues like purples, reds, and golds alongside Tommy Hilfiger’s iconic branding. They incorporate statement graphics, motivational quotes and unique patterns, celebrating individuality and self-expression. Designed with a unisex appeal—the pieces challenge traditional gender norms while promoting inclusivity. Sustainability is also a key focus, with recent iterations using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, reflecting Hamilton’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

By prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability, Hamilton’s designs echo his advocacy for environmental and social justice, further intertwining fashion with his mission.

Watch Tommy Hilfiger x Lewis Hamilton

Fashion and Advocacy

For Hamilton, fashion is more than self-expression—it’s a platform for change. As one of the most vocal athletes on issues like diversity and inclusion, Hamilton uses his influence in fashion to highlight these causes. From championing emerging Black designers at the Met Gala to advocating for better representation across the fashion industry, he leverages his role to spark important conversations.

His commitment to inclusivity will take centre stage in his newest role as host of the 2025 Met Gala, along with fellow sports legends Lebron James, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo and ASAP Rocky. The theme of next year’s event will be “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” – an opportunity that binds together two of his greatest passions: fashion and diversity. As a judge, Hamilton will play a role in honouring Black Dandyism and the styling of Black diasporic identity, which have frequently pushed boundaries while championing greater representation in one of fashion’s most prestigious events.

Setting Trends and Breaking Barriers

Hamilton’s impact on fashion resonates far beyond his personal style. He has inspired fellow athletes, particularly within Formula 1, to embrace fashion as a means of self-expression. Charles Leclerc, his future teammate, is another Formula One star whose fashion has attracted admiration. Growing up in Monaco, Leclerc channels the relaxed yet upscale style synonymous with the French Riviera. Lightweight linen shirts, tailored shorts, and loafers are his go-to for summer looks, often seen during his downtime by the Mediterranean. Additionally, his aesthetic leans toward a monochromatic palette, often wearing shades of black, white, navy, and grey. This minimalist approach highlights his preference for timeless, versatile pieces over trend-driven fashion. 

Lewis Hamilton’s ability to turn the F1 paddock into a runway has reshaped the image of motorsport, blending the worlds of high fashion and high performance. Last month, Formula 1 announced a historic 10-year global partnership with LVMH, set to commence in 2025 during F1’s 75th anniversary. Tommy Hilfiger has also expanded its involvement by partnering with the F1 Academy, an all-female racing series aimed at developing young female drivers.

Looking Ahead

Lewis Hamilton’s journey into fashion is only gaining momentum. Whether he’s designing collections, spotlighting emerging talent, or judging the Met Gala, Hamilton is making a profound impact on the fashion world. His bold vision, coupled with his unwavering commitment to diversity, ensures that he will continue to be a trailblazer both on and off the track.

In stepping into fashion, Lewis Hamilton proves that success knows no bounds. As he navigates this new terrain, he’s not only elevating his own profile but also paving the way for others to follow…

A Universe Unbound: Commemorating 100 Years Since Edwin Hubble Revealed the Andromeda Galaxy

Longoae Domingos Tembwa on 23 November 2024

On November 23, 1924, a pivotal moment in the history of astronomy unfolded. Edwin Hubble, an astronomer at the Mount Wilson Observatory, announced, via the New York Times, evidence that the Andromeda “nebula” was not a part of the Milky Way but a galaxy in its own right. This revelation not only expanded the known scale of the universe but also laid the groundwork for modern cosmology, reshaping humanity’s understanding of the cosmos. A century on, we celebrate his groundbreaking discovery and reflect on its profound legacy.

In the early 20th century, the prevailing view of the universe was vastly limited. Most astronomers believed that the Milky Way was the entirety of space, and celestial objects like Andromeda were thought to be “spiral nebulae,” regions of gas and dust within our galaxy. Despite emerging evidence that hinted at a larger universe, the concept of other galaxies remained speculative.

The debate over the nature of these nebulae reached a fever pitch in the early 1920s. Astronomers like Heber Curtis argued that spiral nebulae were separate galaxies, or “island universes,” while others, including Harlow Shapley, maintained that they were part of the Milky Way. The astronomical community lacked the tools and methods to definitively resolve the issue—until Hubble’s work changed everything.

Edwin Hubble’s journey to uncover the true nature of Andromeda began with the Hooker Telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory in California. At the time, it was the most powerful telescope in the world, capable of unprecedented observational precision.

Hubble applied a key discovery made by astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Leavitt had identified a relationship between the brightness and periodicity of Cepheid variable stars, which allowed astronomers to measure their distances. By observing Cepheid variables within Andromeda, He determined that the “nebula” was far too distant to be part of the Milky Way—approximately 2.5 million light-years away.

This finding was revolutionary. It confirmed that Andromeda was a galaxy in its own right, similar in scale to the Milky Way. Hubble’s announcement effectively ended the “Great Debate” and unveiled a universe teeming with galaxies.

Hubble’s discovery had immediate and far-reaching implications. For the first time, humanity grasped the staggering scale of the universe, recognising that the Milky Way was just one galaxy among countless others. This realisation shifted the focus of astronomy toward understanding the structure, distribution, and behaviour of galaxies.

The discovery also set the stage for subsequent breakthroughs in cosmology. In 1929, he would go on to show that galaxies are receding from one another, providing the first observational evidence of the universe’s expansion and laying the foundation for the Big Bang theory.

Edwin Hubble’s work has had a lasting influence on generations of astronomers. His insights catalysed research into galaxy formation, the large-scale structure of the cosmos, and the mysterious forces driving the universe’s expansion, such as dark energy.

The Hubble Space Telescope, named in his honour, continues to push the boundaries of our understanding. Launched in 1990, this iconic observatory has captured images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and cosmic phenomena, offering glimpses into the early universe and refining our models of cosmic evolution. The telescope has helped determine the age of the universe: now known to be 13.8 billion years. In 2004, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field was released, allowing astronomers to look even further back in the time of the cosmos (Royal Museums Greenwich).

As we commemorate the centennial of Hubble’s revelation, we are reminded of the enduring power of curiosity and discovery. The astronomer’s breakthrough opened the door to an era of cosmic exploration, paving the way for advanced instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope, launched in December 2021, which now peers deeper into the universe than ever before. Indeed, the telescope has found galaxies that are brighter than expected, which may also be more efficient at creating stars. It also discovered the earliest and most distant galaxy yet, JADES-GS-z14-0 (ESA/WEBB).

The Andromeda Galaxy, once a misunderstood “nebula”, now serves as a vivid symbol of our quest to understand the cosmos. Hubble’s work reminds us that the universe is vast, dynamic, and full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered—a humbling and inspiring legacy that continues to guide humanity’s exploration of the stars.

In commemorating this milestone, we honour not only Hubble but also the countless astronomers, past and present, who have expanded our view of the universe and illuminated our place within it. Here’s to another century of discovery.

This image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many turbulent stellar nurseries the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has observed during its 30-year lifetime. The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbour NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, approximately 163 000 light-years away.
  This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image of the cluster Westerlund 2 and its surroundings has been released to celebrate Hubble’s 25th year in orbit and a quarter of a century of new discoveries, stunning images and outstanding science. The image’s central region, containing the star cluster, blends visible-light data taken by the Advanced Camera for Surveys and near-infrared exposures taken by the Wide Field Camera 3. The surrounding region is composed of visible-light observations taken by the Advanced Camera for Surveys.
The narrow galaxy elegantly curving around its spherical companion in this image is a fantastic example of a truly strange and very rare phenomenon. This image, taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, depicts GAL-CLUS-022058s, located in the southern hemisphere constellation of Fornax (The Furnace). GAL-CLUS-022058s is the largest and one of the most complete Einstein rings ever discovered in our Universe. The object has been nicknamed by the Principal Investigator and his team who are studying this Einstein ring as the “Molten Ring”, which alludes to its appearance and host constellation. First theorised to exist by Einstein in his general theory of relativity, this object’s unusual shape can be explained by a process called gravitational lensing, which causes light shining from far away to be bent and pulled by the gravity of an object between its source and the observer. In this case, the light from the background galaxy has been distorted into the curve we see by the gravity of the galaxy cluster sitting in front of it. The near exact alignment of the background galaxy with the central elliptical galaxy of the cluster, seen in the middle of this image, has warped and magnified the image of the background galaxy around itself into an almost perfect ring. The gravity from other galaxies in the cluster is soon to cause additional distortions. Objects like these are the ideal laboratory in which to research galaxies too faint and distant to otherwise see.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope’s Wide Field Camera 3 observed Saturn on 20 June 2019 as the planet made its closest approach to Earth this year, at approximately 1.36 billion kilometres away.
This Hubble image gives the most detailed view of the entire Crab Nebula ever. The Crab is among the most interesting and well studied objects in astronomy. This image is the largest image ever taken with Hubble’s WFPC2 camera. It was assembled from 24 individual exposures taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and is the highest resolution image of the entire Crab Nebula ever made.
This image, captured with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, is the largest and sharpest image ever taken of the Andromeda galaxy — otherwise known as M31. This is a cropped version of the full image and has 1.5 billion pixels. You would need more than 600 HD television screens to display the whole image. It is the biggest Hubble image ever released and shows over 100 million stars and thousands of star clusters embedded in a section of the galaxy’s pancake-shaped disc stretching across over 40 000 light-years. This image is too large to be easily displayed at full resolution and is best appreciated using the zoom tool.
How did the first stars and galaxies form? The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope is already providing new insights into this question. One of the largest programs in Webb’s first year of science is the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey, or JADES, which will devote about 32 days of telescope time to uncover and characterize faint, distant galaxies. While the data are still coming in, JADES already has discovered hundreds of galaxies that existed when the Universe was less than 600 million years old. The team also has identified galaxies sparkling with a multitude of young, hot stars. This infrared image shows a portion of an area of the sky known as GOODS-South, which has been well studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories. More than 45,000 galaxies are visible here. Using these and other data, the JADES team has discovered hundreds of galaxies that existed when the Universe was less than 600 million years old. The sheer number of these galaxies was far beyond predictions from observations made before Webb’s launch. The team also has identified galaxies that existed during a time known as the Epoch of Reionization, when the Universe underwent a transformation from opaque to transparent. Many of these galaxies shown unusually strong emission line signatures due to the creation of multitudes of hot, massive stars. In this image, blue, green, and red were assigned to Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) data at 0.9, 1.15, and 1.5 microns; 2.0, 2.77, and 3.55 microns; and 3.56, 4.1, and 4.44 microns (F090W, F115W, and F150W; F200W, F277W, and F335M; and F356W, F410M, and F444W), respectively.
An orange glow radiates from the centre of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse. The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the centre, that the older, cooler stars reside. Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy. Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way. When galaxies have a large resevoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions. One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it. This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.
All Image Credits: ESA/Hubble

Game-Changing Innovations: The Latest in Sustainable Technologies, Renewable Energy, and the Battle Against Climate Change (June–October 2024)

Longoae Domingos Tembwa on 21 October 2024

Over the past few months, significant advancements in sustainable technologies have emerged, as industries and governments intensify their efforts to combat climate change. Innovations in renewable energy generation, storage, carbon capture, and the circular economy are moving at a rapid pace, signalling hope in the fight against global warming. Let’s explore some of the most notable developments from June to October 2024, and their potential to reshape global responses to the climate emergency…

Solar Energy: Greater Efficiency and New Solutions

Solar energy continues to lead the renewable energy charge with groundbreaking innovations. In September, European researchers announced a new world record for solar efficiency: 33.7% in tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells. This leap integrates perovskite layers with silicon to capture more sunlight, resulting in higher energy output. These advanced cells could significantly lower solar energy costs, accelerating the transition to renewable power sources globally.

Moreover, solar energy storage is evolving rapidly. In Spain, a project utilising molten salts for thermal energy storage is in development. These salts can store excess solar energy produced during daylight hours, before releasing it at night. Such technology promises to overcome one of the major challenges facing solar power—its reliance on sunlight—and could make solar a 24/7 energy source, enhancing its reliability for large-scale deployment.

Gemasolar Power Plant, Spain, which uses molten salts for thermal energy storage.
Image Credit: Stocksy

Wind Energy: Offshore Expansion and Innovative Designs

As for wind energy, the sector is making significant strides, particularly in offshore projects. In July, Norway inaugurated the world’s largest floating wind farm, which generates 2 gigawatts of power, enough to supply over 1 million homes. Floating wind turbines are a significant development since they can be deployed in deeper waters where winds are stronger and more consistent. This advancement opens new possibilities for wind energy in countries with deep coastal waters, such as Japan and the United States, which are currently limited by conventional offshore wind technology.

Onshore wind technology is also evolving. Spain is testing a bladeless wind turbine design that uses oscillating rods to generate electricity. This turbine operates without the visual and noise pollution associated with traditional turbines, potentially expanding wind energy in urban or densely populated areas where conventional turbines face resistance.

Wind turbines in Spain trialling bladeless designs.
Image Credit: Energy Magazine

Battery Technology: Pioneering Long-Term Energy Storage

Energy storage remains a key challenge for renewable energy, but several promising breakthroughs have emerged. For instance, Iron-air batteries, showcased in August 2024 by U.S. company Form Energy, are generating excitement due to their ability to store energy for days rather than hours. This breakthrough makes iron-air batteries a game-changer for renewable energy systems, enabling more stable energy grids even during periods of low sunlight or wind.

Form Energy’s iron-air batteries.
The basic principle of operation is reversible rusting.
While discharging, the battery breathes in oxygen from the air and converts iron metal to rust.
While charging, the application of an electrical current converts the rust back to iron and the battery breathes out oxygen.
Image Credit: Form Energy

At the same time, solid-state batteries are nearing commercial viability, particularly for electric vehicles. In September, Toyota revealed its prototype solid-state battery, which offers faster charging, longer range, and improved safety compared to lithium-ion batteries. This technology is expected to be integrated into Toyota’s next-generation EVs by 2025 and could significantly boost the adoption of EVs, which are crucial for reducing emissions in the transport sector.

Green Hydrogen: A Clean Energy Frontier

Green hydrogen is rapidly gaining momentum as a clean fuel for industries that are difficult to electrify, such as shipping, aviation, and heavy manufacturing. In July, the European Union launched the Hydrogen Valley initiative, which aims to establish over 100 hydrogen hubs by 2030. These hubs will become centres for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, thus accelerating the adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source across Europe.

In Australia, the construction of the world’s largest green hydrogen production facility began in August. Set in Western Australia, the facility aims to produce 10 gigawatts of hydrogen annually by 2030, providing clean energy for both domestic use and export. The rise of green hydrogen projects similar to this is expected to drive down costs, providing a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials: Reducing Waste

Advancements in the circular economy are driving significant progress in reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. In September, a consortium of leading electronics manufacturers launched the “Right to Repair” initiative, which aims to extend the life of consumer electronics and reduce electronic waste. This initiative is particularly important for addressing the environmental impact of e-waste, which contributes millions of tons of global waste each year.

At the same time, sustainable materials are seeing a push forward. In August, a new biodegradable plastic alternative made from seaweed and shrimp shells was introduced to the market. This material, which decomposes in a few weeks, could be a major step toward addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. If widely adopted, it could significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste in oceans and landfills.

A new biodegradable plastic alternative using shrimp shells.
Image Credit: HuffPost UK

Conclusion: Progress with Challenges Ahead

The recent months have witnessed significant advancements in sustainable technologies, from improved solar and wind systems to breakthroughs in battery storage and green hydrogen. These developments provide hope for tackling climate change, but scaling these technologies and ensuring global adoption will be critical. Investment, policy alignment, and international cooperation will be key in determining their long-term impact on global emissions.

As the world continues to innovate and push the boundaries of renewable energy and sustainability, recent breakthroughs suggest that the path to a low-carbon future is increasingly within reach. The next decade will be crucial in determining how these innovations can help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and transform global energy systems for good.