With the launch of CL16, his own limited-edition clothing line, Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc is making a dramatic shift from racing to fashion. The collections are his first time designing a fashion line for a personal label that reflects Leclerc’s taste and design creativity well beyond the race tracks.
A Personal Brand with Racing Roots
The name CL16 is much more than shorthand. It’s a deeply personal moniker, blending Leclerc’s initials (“CL”) with his racing number, 16. More than a celebrity merchandise drop, CL16 is a considered lifestyle brand: Leclerc assumes the role of creative director, personally overseeing everything from the design sketches to the selection of materials and the artistic direction of its campaign.
Design Philosophy: Understated, Timeless, and True to Monaco
Leclerc’s inspiration for CL16 draws heavily on his European upbringing and a nostalgic nod to ’90s fashion. He describes the pieces as “timeless, understated and made to last” and designed not just as memorabilia, but as genuine wardrobe staples. True to his Monégasque heritage, the colour palette is anchored in red and white, mirroring the flag of Monaco. This personal identity is subtly woven through the collection, from the logo placement to unexpected details like “Sedici” (Italian for 16) emblazoned on a striking red hoodie.
The Collection: Minimalist Essentials with a Quirky Twist
CL16’s debut capsule comprises twelve pieces that span casual wear and accessories. Highlights include:
- A cream cashmere hoodie, soft yet refined.
- Long- and short-sleeve T-shirts with minimalist branding.
- A wool-blend scarf, featuring a graphic design.
- A box-cut hoodie in Ferrari red, bearing the “Sedici” inscription.
- Accessories like a snapback cap, a beanie, and a keychain.
- A charming knit sweater for dogs, made especially for Leclerc’s beloved pet, Leo.
A Campaign Capturing Authenticity
Instead of a slick studio shoot, Leclerc selected a more intimate, casual environment for the CL16 campaign. Shot in a laundromat with long-time collaborator Antoine Truchet, the images depict Leclerc with his fiancée, Alexandra Saint-Mleux, and their dog, Leo. This relaxed approach reflects Leclerc’s desire for authenticity: CL16 is not just about the glitz of racing but brick moments from his life.
Price Points and Availability
The collection is now available on his website, with prices ranging from about US$55 to US$163. To break it down, T-shirts start at around US$66, hoodies from US$124, while the wool scarf is priced at US$169. The dog sweater, a standout novelty, is US$51. This line brings racing heritage into everyday fashion, which is a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.
More Than a Side Project
For Leclerc, CL16 is a meaningful extension of his identity — not just an athlete’s branding exercise. He has discussed openly how this project lets him showcase the creative side of him that racing doesn’t always reflect.
This is not his first entry into lifestyle land. Earlier in 2025, he worked on a capsule line with Ferrari Style, where he collaborated with Ferrari’s creative director, Rocco Iannone. But unlike that capsule, which was a collaboration, CL16 gives Leclerc more creative rein to create thoughtfully designed, clean, authentic, practical pieces built to last.
The Bigger Picture: Athlete-Driven Fashion
Leclerc’s move is a part of a growing trend: next-generation high-performance athletes stepping into the lifestyle and fashion space, not just as figureheads, but as true creators. What makes CL16 stand apart is its maturity—it’s not screaming “Formula 1”; it’s whispering “identity and legacy.”
At its core, CL16 is Leclerc’s endeavour to connect the thrill of his sport with the calm of his everyday life, giving fans—and, in reality, anyone who enjoys design— an opportunity to connect with him both on and off track.
