Katie George|
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Why yes, it appears that here in Melbourne, fast cars and fabulous people were the currency this past weekend – and oh my were welathy.
At Albert Park – the stunning green space which was named in honour of Queen Victoria’s consort back in 1864 – petrol-heads and party princesses joined forces to toast the start of a new season of Formula 1. Drop-dead gorgeous divas in fresh-off-the-runway looks paced the pits with a fiery glamour while the deep-pocketed and tech-masterful gents in tight boiler suits and aviators fixed the wheels of the super-slick rides, just waiting for that final checkerboard flag to fly.
As part of a new decade-long sponsorship (which begins as Silverstone celebrates its 75th anniversary this year) Louis Vuitton has become the Official Partner of the globe-spanning event. That means that an added level of Parisian chic now fills the ranks of the jet set’s most treasured sporting event (divine!). Indeed, those seats, suites and private boxes were filled with Almas, Speedys, Pochetes et al. And the question on the lips of anyone who is anyone were, ‘Is that this season?’. (The only answer to that is yes, of course).
In perhaps an almost god-like homage to old Blighty, the heavens truly did open earlier in the day, but this only added to the drama and decadence of the esteemed affair. The typically scorching track suddenly proved to be a saturated slalom that had onlookers on tenterhooks – and in plastic ponchos – quelle horreur! Three prize-yearning drivers spun out in the first few laps owing to the downfall, but luckily us Brits do know a thing or two about steering on a rainy day, and one homegrown hunk from Glastonbury knew just how to navigate its treacherous path.
It was Lando Norris who took home the coveted prize, zooming ahead of contenders Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. And with added umph, that trophy now comes with an extra special casing as an oh-so elegantly crafted Louis Vuitton trunk provides a safe space for it to sit and shimmer in all its glory. The Maison says it best themselves: ‘Victory travels in Louis Vuitton’. Let’s hope Norris brings that adage with him to Shanghai too.
Those who are jetting off to China to bear witness to the next leg might just want to make sure their LV insignias are shining loud and proud. From Melbourne to Marina Bay, Louis Vuitton remains – as ever – the superior choice to arrive in style.
Sophie Rosemont
Amandine Lhoste
Calin Van Paris