The Scuderia Ferrari HP racing driver Charles Leclerc, joined hands with Ferrari's fashion brand and Creative Director Rocco Iannone, to launch a limited-edition capsule collection during the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. Drawing from Leclerc's personal style, the collection underscores the Scuderia Ferrari HP racing driver’s dual role as a motorsport star and a fashion icon. Leclerc is not the first sports personality to delve into fashion design. From Lebron James' collaboration with Nike and Roger Federer's with his shoe brand On, athletes are not afraid to venture beyond the field, and add their dash of personality to fashion brands' collections.
Roger Federer to Neymar : Elite Athletes Who Turned Into Designers For Their Clothing Lines
Serena Williams
Serena Williams, a tennis legend, has seamlessly transitioned into fashion with her Nike collaboration, the Serena Williams Design Crew (SWDC). Launched to promote diversity in design, SWDC allows emerging designers to create apparel and footwear inspired by Williams’ bold style. Her influence ensures vibrant colours, functional silhouettes, and inclusive sizing, reflecting her on-court fierceness and off-court elegance. Beyond Nike, Williams’ own brand, S by Serena, showcases her love for empowering women through fashion.
David Beckham
David Beckham, a global football icon, revived the British heritage brand Kent & Curwen in 2015, partnering with designer Daniel Kearns. Beckham’s vision infused the brand with modern sophistication while honouring its 1920s roots. Beckham’s influence extended to marketing, leveraging his global appeal to elevate the brand’s profile.
LeBron James
LeBron James, an NBA superstar, has left a significant mark on fashion through his Nike X LeBron collection. Actively involved in the design process, James shapes the aesthetics, colourways, materials, and style of his signature sneakers. His vision combines performance-driven functionality with bold, urban-inspired flair, appealing to athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. The collection’s global success underscores James’ influence in sneaker culture, blending athletic innovation with streetwear appeal.
Neymar
Neymar, the Brazilian football sensation, has been a key creative force in his 15-year partnership with Nike, designing his signature boot collection. Actively involved in the process, Neymar influences the boots’ aesthetics, materials, and performance features, ensuring they reflect his flashy, dynamic playing style. His designs often incorporate vibrant colours and personal touches, like nods to his Brazilian heritage. The Neymar Jr. collection, including the Mercurial Vapor, blends cutting-edge technology with bold style, resonating with fans and players worldwide.
Roger Federer
Roger Federer, a tennis icon, collaborated with Swiss shoe brand On to create The Roger, a tennis-inspired lifestyle sneaker launched in 2020. Federer’s design input focused on blending performance technology with minimalist elegance, reflecting his sophisticated on- and off-court persona. The sneaker features On’s CloudTec cushioning and premium materials, balancing comfort and style. Federer’s vision ensured a sleek, versatile design suitable for casual and athletic settings.
Charles Leclerc
Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc is set to co-design a capsule collection for Scuderia Ferrari, slated for release on May 21, 2025. Known for his sleek style, Leclerc’s involvement ensures the collection blends Ferrari’s iconic racing heritage with modern fashion sensibilities.
Naomi Osaka
In 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka partnered with Levi’s to create an upcycled denim collection, showcasing her Japanese heritage and personal style. Osaka’s design vision focused on sustainability, transforming vintage denim into modern pieces like oversized jackets and patchwork skirts. Infused with cultural elements, such as Japanese-inspired embroidery, the collection reflected her identity and advocacy for inclusivity.
