Revved up with Wynn Hamlyn

Buckle up, fashion enthusiasts! The exhilarating world of motorsport has collided with the runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, courtesy of New Zealand brand Wynn Hamlyn. With their Resort 2024 collection showcased at the Hyper Karting Car Park Arena, complete with flashing lights and blaring music, they transported us into a high-octane fashion week replica of the thrilling sensory overload we often experience "at the races."

Designer Wynn Crawshaw drew inspiration from the captivating allure of Formula 1 and the booming industry that surrounds it. "The rise of F1 in recent years and its impact intrigued me," says Crawshaw, whose personal Instagram handle is @wynn_diesel, a playful nod to Vin Diesel from The Fast and the Furious fame. "While the Drive to Survive series on Netflix has certainly contributed, I believe there's more to it. It coincided with the explosion of luxury mega brands. Perhaps the two phenomena are similar in the sense that they allow people to latch onto an emblem. If a Gucci belt buckle isn't your style, why not sport a Mercedes cap?"

Crawshaw is spot-on in recognizing the power of emblems, whether in the realms of luxury or racing, as they showcase our allegiances. In the world of speedways—albeit as a distant participant—I've witnessed firsthand the passionate display of team emblems at events such as Waikaraka Park and Western Springs Speedway. Crawshaw was captivated by this hyper-distinctive branding and the multitude of elements that define race culture: the adrenaline-fueled speed, the vibrant colors of the track, the cheering crowds, and the fluttering flags. The press release even mentions drawing inspiration from the carbon fiber technology incorporated into the wheels of the cars—a clever touch!

While the collection featured some obvious race references such as motocross leathers and Chevron race stripes, it was the subtle details that caught my discerning eye. Wynn Hamlyn cleverly incorporated nods to the racing enthusiasts in the crowds and the hardworking crews in the pits. The use of dirty-wash denim, reminiscent of what one would find at an actual speedway, evoked a sense of authenticity. A clever buckle design reminiscent of drivers' safety gear added a touch of practicality to the ensembles. And who could ignore the zip-up jumpsuits, effortlessly combining style and functionality?

Wynn Hamlyn's revved-up runway spectacle proved that fashion and the fast lane can indeed coexist. Crawshaw's astute exploration of the intersection between luxury brands and motorsport culture resulted in a collection that both ignites our need for speed and satiates our sartorial cravings. So, gear up, fashionistas, because embracing the race-inspired aesthetic is no longer reserved for the track—it's a style statement that's accelerating into the mainstream.