Professional golfer Lily Muni He drew a diverse audience of around 80 people at a private event held at Marina Bay Sands on October 6, where she discussed her career, fashion interests, and her relationship with Formula 1 driver Alex Albon. The 27-year-old athlete, currently ranked 436 in women’s golf, engaged with attendees ranging from young children to adults, fielding questions on a variety of topics including golf techniques and her future plans.
Born in China and based in the United States, He began playing golf at five and turned professional at 19 after qualifying for the US Open at age 15. She joined the LPGA Tour at 20. Reflecting on her early transition into a professional career, she acknowledged the challenges of competing against seasoned players and the pressure faced by young women entering the sport. She cited restrictions at the time that prevented college athletes from signing brand deals without losing eligibility, a barrier recently eased by changes in American sports regulations.
During the session, young golf enthusiasts asked He about her preferred clubs, her first hole-in-one, and personal best scores, to which she responded with a wedge club preference, a hole-in-one achieved at 15, and scoring 60 and 61 in practice and competitive rounds, respectively.
Beyond her athletic achievements, He’s role as the partner of F1 driver Alex Albon has amplified her visibility and opened doors to opportunities in fashion. She expressed appreciation for the glamorous aspects of Formula 1 and the chance to collaborate with various brands while attending races, including the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix on October 9. She described the increased exposure and fan base gained through her association with F1 as rewarding, noting the sport’s broader entertainment appeal compared to golf’s traditionally reserved image.
The presence and influence of the partners of F1 drivers—often referred to as WAGs (wives and girlfriends)—has grown in prominence within sports and fashion cultures. Although the term originated in British tabloids with a pejorative tone, scholars note it has been partially reclaimed with a measure of playful self-awareness. The spotlight on these figures now spans multiple sports, including basketball and tennis, alongside football and motorsport.
Fashion brands have increasingly leveraged the visibility of WAGs during race events to connect with younger, value-conscious audiences, especially Gen Z women. Local brands such as Charles & Keith have actively engaged with these figures, providing footwear and accessories during the Singapore Grand Prix and partnering with them for events and campaigns outside of racing, such as financial literacy talks. Industry experts highlight that WAGs offer brands access to a distinct audience that may not engage with traditional fashion media but follows sports closely through social platforms.
The growing intersection of sports and fashion is further evidenced by athletes’ participation in major runway shows, a trend that also elevates the profile of WAGs who navigate these spaces as both cultural figures and style influencers. Fashion specialists emphasize that while these women are not the athletes themselves, they leverage their connections to sport to highlight lifestyle, fashion, and beauty, often circumventing the contractual limitations that athletes face. This evolving dynamic positions WAGs as integral contributors to the broader sports-fashion ecosystem.