The 30th edition of GQ’s iconic Men of the Year celebration took over Los Angeles on November 13 with a bold retro twist, blending vintage flair with contemporary celebrity culture in a lavish homage to the 1990s. Aptly themed “Party Like It’s 1995,” the event was held at the historic Chateau Marmont, an emblem of Hollywood glamour nestled on Sunset Boulevard. The party delivered not only on nostalgic aesthetics but also on cultural relevance, reflecting a broader revival of ’90s fashion and entertainment across Southern California’s luxury and lifestyle scenes.
This year’s GQ gala was more than just another red-carpet affair—it was a full-blown cultural statement. The event invited guests to channel the defining looks of mid-’90s Hollywood, from velour tracksuits and metallic blazers to bold leather jackets, oversized tailoring, and Kangol hats. Attendees embraced the throwback vibe with enthusiasm, blending the decade’s iconic style codes with modern flair. The result was a visual celebration of an era that continues to influence everything from runways to retail trends.
The guest list was as glittering as the dress code was daring. Among the high-profile co-hosts were comedian and late-night host Stephen Colbert, Emmy-nominated actress Sydney Sweeney, Grammy-winning artist SZA, actor Oscar Isaac, and rap duo Clipse, consisting of brothers Pusha T and No Malice. Their presence underscored GQ’s intent to blend legacy and current cultural relevance, with each co-host representing a distinct corner of the entertainment industry. Also joining the hosting duties was Hailey Bieber, who added fashion-forward appeal with her striking ‘90s-inspired look that quickly went viral.
Read Also: https://socaljournal.com/san-diego-hosts-annual-public-star-party-at-griffith-observatory/
Entertainment played a central role throughout the night, with surprise musical guests and curated performances designed to reflect both nostalgia and contemporary musical tastes. While specifics of the performances were kept under wraps ahead of the event, the atmosphere hinted at a mix of old-school hip-hop, R&B classics, and modern reinterpretations of ’90s anthems, effectively capturing the cross-generational energy of the party.
Red carpet coverage and interviews were handled by an eclectic mix of personalities, including comedian Quenlin Blackwell and fashion commentators Chris Black and Jason Stewart. Their commentary added a layer of humor and insight, particularly as they discussed guests’ fashion choices and the significance of the theme. The event was livestreamed across GQ’s digital platforms, transforming it from an exclusive in-person celebration into a global entertainment moment that allowed audiences everywhere to participate in the nostalgia.
The significance of the event extends beyond the glitz of the evening. The ‘90s revival has been a dominant force in fashion and popular culture for several years, and GQ’s celebration exemplifies how luxury brands and media outlets are leveraging this trend to reconnect with audiences. From Gen Z consumers discovering vintage style through social media to millennials indulging in nostalgic throwbacks, the aesthetic of the 1990s resonates deeply across demographics. By positioning this theme at the heart of one of its biggest annual events, GQ not only acknowledges the staying power of the decade’s cultural influence but also reinforces its own role as a tastemaker within the fashion and entertainment industries.
The gala also comes at a time of renewed focus on experiential branding in Los Angeles, where luxury events have increasingly become platforms for storytelling, digital engagement, and cultural signaling. Major sponsors used the event to showcase their products in experiential settings—ranging from branded lounges to exclusive cocktail menus—all designed to merge physical presence with social media buzz. The interplay between nostalgia and branding proved especially potent, as guests captured and shared moments from the party in real-time, amplifying the event’s reach well beyond its physical boundaries.
In addition to setting fashion trends, the party provided insight into the evolving nature of celebrity events in the digital age. Gone are the days when such galas were cloistered affairs meant only for industry insiders. The rise of social media and livestreaming has transformed these events into content-generating machines, where the red carpet becomes a runway and the afterparty becomes a branding opportunity. The GQ Men of the Year celebration, with its perfect blend of style, nostalgia, and media-savvy programming, exemplifies how modern entertainment events are adapting to remain relevant and resonant.
As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: the ’90s are back in a big way. Whether through fashion, music, or celebrity culture, the era continues to shape the present in unexpected and influential ways. GQ’s 30th anniversary Men of the Year party was not just a celebration of its own legacy but a snapshot of a cultural moment defined by looking back to move forward.
