Damson Idris says his mother inspired his love for “luxurious” fashion. The British actor’s journey into high-end fashion began at an early age, setting the foundation for what would become a successful partnership with major luxury brands.
The F1 actor relishes getting to wear smart attire and recalled how his mother dressed him in “full-on” suits for his birthday when he was an infant. This early exposure to formal wear would prove instrumental in shaping his sophisticated aesthetic that continues to turn heads on red carpets worldwide.
“Since I was a child, my mom would dress me in these suits for my birthday. On my fifth birthday, everyone was wearing whatever they wanted, but of course, I was in a full-on, three-piece suit with jewelry and everything,” Damson told Women’s Wear Daily. Fashion psychologists note that early exposure to formal attire can significantly influence personal style development throughout life.
“I always had a love for the luxurious side of fashion, because I knew it linked to special moments and special events. It would be for my birthday, for a party or for Christmas.” This connection between clothing and celebration created lasting emotional bonds with high-end fashion that would define his adult style choices.
Damson explained how his fashion sense evolved as he grew up and strived to emulate the looks of his idols Marlon Brando and Sidney Poitier. Both actors were known for their impeccable style during Hollywood’s golden age, with Brando revolutionizing casual menswear and Poitier exemplifying elegant sophistication.
“Then as I grew older, I kind of just fell in love with fashion through many of my heroes, Marlon Brando and Sidney Poitier,” The 33-year-old star said. “Those guys were very classic to me, and I wanted to emulate them. I wanted to be a good example of prestige and good taste, so fashion was just something I always knew I’d get involved in, no matter what I did for a living.” The influence of classic Hollywood style continues to resonate strongly with modern menswear trends.
Idris is a brand ambassador for both Tommy Hilfiger and Prada and always seeks to “make an impression” with his outfit choices. These partnerships reflect the growing trend of meaningful actor-brand collaborations in the luxury fashion sector.
“I definitely like to make an impression. I think for me, how you dress really defines your mood. I had a long period where all I wore was black, and I had a summer where I only wore beige,” he said. Color psychology in fashion suggests that clothing choices can indeed impact mood and confidence levels significantly.
“It really does change, depending where I am in my life. Now, I’m definitely at the fine boy, no-pimple stage of my life, so it’s luxury, luxury, luxury.” This philosophy aligns with the concept of using clothing to boost emotional well-being and project confidence.
Damson fronted Tommy Hilfiger‘s spring denim collection earlier this year and hailed the campaign for “celebrating a true classic”. The collaboration marked a significant milestone in his fashion career, joining other A-list celebrities who have partnered with the iconic American brand.
“Being part of this campaign feels like celebrating a true classic,” The Snowfall star said in a statement. “Denim is as versatile as it is timeless. Each piece in the collection has a story, and I’m excited to help bring that to life.” The global denim market continues to show strong growth, particularly in premium segments.
Idris’s fashion influence extends beyond personal style, as he has become a regular fixture at major fashion weeks and industry events. His red carpet appearances consistently earn praise from fashion critics, with many noting his ability to balance classic elegance with contemporary trends.
The actor’s approach to fashion reflects broader shifts in menswear, where personal storytelling and emotional connection to clothing have become increasingly important. His journey from childhood suit-wearing to luxury brand ambassador demonstrates how early influences can shape lifelong passions and successful career partnerships in the fashion industry.