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
- 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.”
- 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.
- Strategic Growth: This follows his earlier entrepreneurial move — in 2024, he launched a low-calorie ice cream brand called LEC.
- 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.
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.
