Charles Leclerc Launches His Own Apparel Line — CL16

Charles Leclerc, the high-flying Formula 1 driver known for his precision on the track, is now steering into the world of fashion with his very own apparel brand: CL16.

What Is CL16?

• The name CL16 is a personal nod: Charles Leclerc + his racing number 16.
• This isn’t just licensed merch — Leclerc steps in as creative director, deeply involved in design, fabric selection, and even the campaign’s visual direction.
• Founded in Monaco, CL16 is his way of expressing creativity beyond the racetrack.

Design Aesthetic & Inspiration

• The collection is inspired by Leclerc’s European upbringing and has strong ‘90s influences.
• Key design values: timeless, understated, and durable — Leclerc says he intended the pieces to “be lived in.”
• Color palette nods to his Monegasque roots — lots of white and red, mirroring Monaco’s flag.

What’s in the Collection?

The debut CL16 drop is pretty thoughtfully curated. Here are the highlights:

• A cream cashmere hoodie with a subtle Leclerc logo.
• Long- and short-sleeve T-shirts.
• A wool-blend scarf with graphics.
• A red racing-hue hoodie featuring “Sedici” (Italian for 16).
• Accessories: a snapback cap, a beanie, and a signature keychain.
• And — a fun touch — a knit sweater for his dog, Leo.

Price Range

• T-shirts start around £53.
• Hoodies begin at £99, depending on style and material.
• The wool scarf is priced at £135.
• The dog sweater for Leo comes in at £41.
• On the European side, the collection ranges from €48 to €150.

Campaign & Storytelling

• The launch campaign was shot in a launderette by his longtime photographer, Antoine Truchet, giving it a relaxed and genuine feel.
• Leclerc appears alongside his fiancée, Alexandra Saint-Mieux, and their beloved dog, Leo.
• Through the campaign, Leclerc expresses that CL16 isn’t just about fandom — it’s a personal wardrobe, designed for people who’ve supported him from the beginning.

Why It Matters

1. Creative Expression: For Leclerc, this is more than branding — it’s a genuine creative outlet. He’s showing a more personal side of himself, beyond being “just the F1 driver.”
2. Athlete-Entrepreneur Trend: Many athletes are launching fashion or lifestyle brands, but Leclerc’s hands-on role (as opposed to just slapping his name on things) gives his venture a more authentic feel.
3. Strategic Growth: This follows his earlier entrepreneurial move — in 2024, he launched a low-calorie ice cream brand called LEC.
4. Lifestyle Branding: Rather than pure fan gear, CL16 is positioned as modern, wearable staples — pieces that resonate both with motorsport fans and fashion-conscious consumers.

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CL16 vs Other Leclerc Fashion Moves

• Earlier in 2025, Leclerc had co-created a capsule collection with Ferrari Style, designed with Rocco Iannone.
• That line included more technical parkas, cargo pants, and even pet accessories — a clear predecessor to CL16’s own brand identity.
• Importantly, CL16 gives Leclerc full creative control — something he apparently couldn’t do before, due to previous sponsorship constraints.

Charles Leclerc’s CL16 is a thoughtful, well-executed entrance into fashion. It’s stylish but not flashy, personal but still accessible, and clearly a labor of love rather than a purely commercial gimmick.

For fans, it’s a way to connect with him off-track in a more meaningful way. For Leclerc, it’s a genuine expression of identity and creativity. Whether you’re a motorsport fanatic or just someone with an eye for quality, CL16 positions itself as a brand that’s driven with purpose.