Fashion and motorsport – two industries that might seem worlds apart, but are both celebrated around the world for their innovation and daring.

They also share a rich history. For decades, luxury fashion brands have supported Formula 1 teams, while racetrack aesthetics including chequers, stripes and leather jackets have made their way onto runways and into wardrobes.

This relationship continues to endure today. To celebrate the launch of the 2024 FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX, which returned to Albert Park in Melbourne from March 21–24, Mercedes-Benz Australia partnered with Vogue Australia to hold a world-first event at the Mercedes-AMG Lounge.

The event was curated by Vogue Australia’s editor-in-chief, Christine Centenera. Guests were invited to attend an intimate, five-star dining experience overlooking the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit, where they heard from local and international names from fashion and motorsport.

A night to remember

Among the red-carpet arrivals were models Shanina Shaik, Manahou Mackay, Megan MacKenzie and Jessica Hart, along with the co-founder of automotive creative agency Race Service, James Kirkham. They were also joined by actors Olivia De Jonge, Pallavi Sharda and Mel Jarnson, musician Thelma Plum, and five-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan.

Two vehicles were on display at the lounge’s entrance: a Mercedes-AMG GT3 – the same one Jules Gounon used to break the GT lap record at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour – and the exclusive new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition, which made its Australian debut over the weekend.

Inside, the guests’ statement outfits, which included an array of bold red, silver, mesh and purple garments, contrasted brilliantly against illuminated white dining tables adorned with chrysanthemums, hydrangeas and polka dot begonias.

An excited chatter rippled through the crowd when journalist and presenter Hannah Hollis welcomed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton – the man credited with bringing high fashion to F1 – on-stage for a casual Q&A with his Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 teammate, George Russell.

The pair had come straight from the track, exuding effortless style in their casual trousers and team t-shirts – though George joked about feeling underdressed for the occasion.

As the sun set over Albert Park, Lewis and George discussed everything from their careers to their style heroes, which include Naomi Campbell and Pharrell Williams.

In conversation with Christine Centenera

After the main course, Christine ascended the stage with her predecessor and the now editorial director of Vogue, Vogue Living and GQ, Edwina McCann.

Wearing a stylish oversized grey blazer and mini skirt combo, Christine reflected on the trends she observed at the ‘big four’ fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris in February this year.

“The one big thing I liked to see was this continuation of ‘power dressing’ – I think they like to call it ‘mob-wife dressing’ in Melbourne – strong shoulders and sinched waists,” she explains.

“There’s a really lovely feminine colour palette of pastels and blues and beiges. There’s also this slight bohemian kind of feeling that’s coming through.”

Recounting sage advice she once received from Anna Wintour, Christine conceded that fashion is not all about trends, but how people wear them.

“How you present yourself to the world is your armour. And while there can be these trends that are on the runways of Paris, it’s really about how you understand them for yourself,” she says.

Edwina and Christine also returned to the subject of Naomi Campbell, who graced the cover of Vogue Australia’s March issue.

“It’s not just about looking good; it’s about standing for something and really using your platform to send a message of positivity,” says Christine, referring to Naomi’s advocacy for diversity in creative fields.

From runway to racetrack

A self-described “closeted Formula 1 fan”, Christine was excited to be a part of the event.

“I grew up in South Australia, in Adelaide so I spent my entire childhood going to the Formula 1 until Melbourne stole it from us,” she joked.

According to Edwina, fashion is “totally obsessed with sport at the moment and vice versa”.

The pair also teased an upcoming international initiative, which will see Olympic teams front and centre of Vogue magazines around the world ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Photographing sports people is the best! They are so happy to be there and the majority of them are super into fashion – it’s really nice to work with people who are that excited,” says Christine.

“They’re a breed of people who are just so dedicated and so brilliant.”

As the talks wrapped up and the evening drew to a close, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, signalling the exciting things to come in the worlds of fashion and motorsport.