American race car driver Josef Newgarden attended his first ESPYs last week as a nominee for Best Driver. At 27 years old, Newgarden has several victories under his belt including IndyCar Champion in 2017 and can now add red carpet style icon to that list.
Newgarden worked with L.A. based celebrity stylist and personal shopper Alison Kahn to find the perfect look to wear to the event. All eyes were on Newgarden and his girlfriend, Ashley Welch, when they walked the red carpet. Newgarden sported a navy and black tux from The Black Tux, floating diamond cuffs from Jason of Beverly Hills, a white and black pocket square from Armstrong & Wilson and blue velvet loafers from Magnanni. Welch wore a black sequin dress with a plunging neckline and leg slit from Revolve with yellow and black heels.
“Since this is Josef’s first time to attend the ESPYS, I wanted him to observe the dress code, which is black tie,” Kahn said. “Also being nominated, I wanted him to feel appropriately dressed in the event he has to accept an award on stage. We went with a tuxedo, shawl collar and no tie and loafers with no socks. A modern, fresh tuxedo look.”
Newgarden prefers to dress clean cut and polished and appreciates Kahn keeping that in consideration.
“I think the outfit did just that,” Newgarden said. “Alison wants to make you feel comfortable which is very important.”
Kahn is based on the west coast and Newgarden travels all over so it was hard for the two to find time to discuss what he would be wearing to the awards show. Kahn revealed this was the first time she styled someone out of town for a red carpet event. They shared one phone call and a few text messages before the fitting the day before the show. The most stressful part for her was only having 24 hours to tailor his tuxedo when she prefers having a couple of weeks.
“It did help, however that I had that experience styling him in Indianapolis a few years ago so I had an idea of his build and how he likes things to fit,” Kahn said. “I stayed up all night praying it fits like we both wanted.”
Her prayers were answered and Newgarden attended the event in style. Though it was a quick turnaround, Newgarden felt confident in the outfit they had chosen.
“Alison was worried and I was the calm and collected one between us!” Newgarden said.
Several athletes attended this years ESPYs and as it was Newgarden’s first time attending, he had a nice experience and enjoyed the event. Though Newgarden didn’t win, when it comes to his style game, he never loses.
“It was cool seeing people outside of their element,” Newgarden said. “When you see these people at their game they are in their element. So it was different to see them outside their habitat.”