Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 World Champion, is joining Team Valentino.
The British all-time great will become the first Valentino menswear ambassador representing the brand’s DI.VAs ethos (DI.fferent VA.lues) for its Valentino Pink PP Advertising Campaign, joining the likes of Zendaya.
It was a choice made, according to Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, due to his authenticity, his intensity; and his commitment to social progress.
The contemporary Valentino DI.VAs is a multifaceted character of codes and inner values, according to the brand, spearheaded by Valentino’s Creative Director Piccioli, who continues his conscious and progressive way of making culture by creating an authentic relationship with DI.VAs, ‘becoming a real cultural comeback’, according to the brand.
“From cinema, music, literature to sports, each DI.VAs plays a key role in sustaining the new vision gaining diversity by uniting together. Different faces that have as a fil rouge the modern mantra of empathy and connection,” said a statement from the brand.
In 2021, Lewis launched his own charitable foundation Mission 44, which aims to support, champion, and empower young people from underrepresented groups in the UK, through strategic partnerships, collaborations, grant giving and advocacy.
“‘In his short Instagram bio, Lewis writes “Equal rights for all. Love is all”. Few words that say a lot. Lewis is an interpreter; he is able to use his energy to express his authentic and precious self. The talent he spreads with his whole persona goes far beyond his sportive excellence and embraces everything that he does. Lewis believes in what he does and shows it with effortless intensity,” says Piccioli.
“I have seen him committing himself to social causes with great independency, I have seen him wearing a pink total look and making it personal, I have seen him smile and chat with people in a very laid-back way. By doing anything that pleases him, he pleases us. As a DI.VAs testimonial, he stands for diversity, equality and most of all, love. I couldn’t think of a better friend for this campaign. It will give an empathetic, human, inspiring message and it will be true, like the person behind the celebrity,'” he continues.
Hamilton himself is proud to join the Valentino family.
“Great things happen when we embrace our authentic selves, but even greater things happen when we come together to exchange our visions, values, and creativity. I am honoured to be joining forces with Creative Director and friend, Pierpaolo and Valentino, a brand I’ve long admired, to celebrate the Pink PP Collection. I always strive to collaborate with likeminded teams who are committed to making the world a better place, regardless of the barriers that stand in our way. So, to come together and collaborate with Valentino on this powerful campaign is really special,” adds Hamilton.
Through an evolving collaboration, the Maison plans to build meaning in the places it matters most, helping foster community and pushing past the bounds of a traditional campaign.
Hamilton will also work on Valentino the Narratives, the industry’s first ever text-only campaign that invites renowned international authors and individuals to lend their voices to create individual and impactful campaign layouts. Launching this Autumn, Hamilton will lend a personal quote to this initiative on the theme of ‘Love,’ which will be displayed in select windows of independent bookstores within London, marking the first time the campaign has entered the UK.