Damson Idris knows how to arrive with style. The British actor made a grand appearance at the 2025 Met Gala driving an APGXP race car directly from the set of his forthcoming movie.
F1
He proceeded to step out onto the carpet dressed in an entirely bespoke Tommy Hilfiger race car suit, completed with a sparkling red, white, and blue helmet adorned with over 20,000 Swarovski crystals.
However, the unveiling did not end there. Known for his prowess at red-carpet events, Idris changed out of the racing outfit to display a completely custom-made red suit from Tommy Hilfiger. This appearance was impeccably suited to the night’s theme of “Tailored For You.”
dress code
was showcased through elements from his inaugural jewelry line, DIDRIS. Other notable Hilfiger attendees were Sofia Richie Grainge and the designer’s spouse, Dee Hilfiger.
Hilfiger explains to ELLE about the helmet, “The creation is truly an exceptional work of art—with each crystal carefully positioned to reflect light and enhance the occasion.” He continues, “It stood out as daring and surprising, embodying exactly what we refer to as our ‘Tommy twist.’ This fusion brought together elements of fashion, motorsport tradition, and dramatic allure, resulting in a memorable highlight on the red carpet that set the stage for the evening.”
Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski’s creative director, mentioned, “At The Met Gala, style converges with imagination, and we envisioned the helmet as something that would be instantly recognizable yet surprising. It turned into the epitome of high-end accessories—artistic, movie-like, and deeply embedded in popular culture.”
In 2023, Idris became the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s men’s wear collection and also secured a role opposite Brad Pitt in an eagerly awaited racing movie for Apple TV+, which was set to be helmed by a director.
Top Gun: Maverick
is Joseph Kosinski according to
Entertainment Weekly
Idris landed the part by actually sitting behind the steering wheel during his tryout. He shared with the publication, “Previously, all I experienced was sheer terror.” However, he added, “Afterward, zooming at speeds up to 180 miles per hour and racing across different tracks globally became a chance that surpassed my wildest imagination.”
Kosinski challenged Idris with a driving test at a racetrack located near London. “It was wild,” said Idris. “The weather seemed determined to pour that day. We headed over to Bedford Autodrome, and I hopped into an F-3000 racecar; they even mounted cameras onto the vehicle. This experience truly tested my composure, modesty, and endurance.”
