# The 73 Best Celebrity Looks From GQ Men of the Year Parties

A retrospective of iconic red carpet fashion spanning three decades of GQ's annual event.

- **Source:** [GQ](https://www.gq.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-09
- **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture)
- **Original article:** <https://www.gq.com/gallery/gq-men-of-the-year-party-best-red-carpet-style>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/41133a62-535b-41e9-b837-f3af33610fd4

## Three Decades of Style

For over thirty years, the GQ Men of the Year party has served as a premier showcase for high-fashion menswear. While primarily hosted in Los Angeles, the event has occasionally moved to New York City, such as in 2002. It remains a definitive cultural barometer for celebrity style and industry trends.

## Evolution of Red Carpet

The event’s aesthetic has shifted significantly across different eras, reflecting broader fashion movements. The high-octane 1990s gave way to the experimental early 2000s, followed by the more structured 2010s. Currently, the 2020s represent a no-rules approach to red carpet dressing, where personal expression and bold, unconventional silhouettes dominate the visual landscape.

## Iconic Historical Moments

Memorable looks include OutKast’s 2002 appearance, featuring gold quilted trousers and oversized tuxedos that defined the era's maximalism. Similarly, Lenny Kravitz’s 1999 ensemble remains a standout, capturing the rock-star energy of the late nineties. These moments highlight how the party has consistently attracted stars who are willing to push traditional sartorial boundaries.

## Modern Style Icons

Recent years have introduced new fashion benchmarks, such as Jacob Elordi’s 2023 charcoal lemonade custom Bottega Veneta suit. Meanwhile, Oscar Isaac’s 2025 appearance in a Tom Ford suit and Hailey Bieber’s viral Gucci dress demonstrate the continued relevance of the event. These looks prove that the red carpet remains a critical platform.

## The Role of Tailoring

Classic tailoring persists alongside avant-garde choices, as seen with Steven Spielberg and Gwyneth Paltrow in 1999. Whether it is Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2008 velvet suit or Tom Ford’s signature sharp aesthetic in 2023, the event honors the craftsmanship of formal wear. These choices emphasize that timeless elegance still holds weight amidst modern trends.

## Cultural Impact of Fashion

The party functions as a bridge between entertainment and the fashion industry, often highlighting the influence of music and film stars on global trends. From Rihanna’s 2012 appearance to Kim Kardashian’s 2023 custom Chrome Hearts look, the event showcases how celebrities leverage high-fashion partnerships to solidify their status as modern style icons.

## Behind the Red Carpet

The event is not just about the clothes but the cultural context of the attendees. Shaboozey’s 2024 sash and Robert Pattinson’s 2017 air tie represent the playful, self-aware nature of contemporary red carpet fashion. These details provide a glimpse into the collaborative relationship between stylists, designers, and the celebrities who wear them.

## Future of the Event

As the latest iteration of the Men of the Year bash approaches, the industry looks toward who will define the next wave of style. The event continues to evolve, reflecting shifts in both gender-fluid fashion and traditional menswear. Observers remain focused on GQ.com to identify the next generation of burgeoning style icons.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.gq.com/gallery/gq-men-of-the-year-party-best-red-carpet-style — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
