Imagine a night where the glitz of the ’90s collided with the star power of today—a celebration so iconic, it felt like stepping into a time machine. That’s exactly what went down at GQ’s 30th Anniversary Men of the Year Party in 2025, and trust me, it was the event of the year. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it a nostalgic tribute to the ’90s, or did it redefine what it means to honor the past? Let’s dive in.
On November 14, 2025, the Chateau Marmont transformed into a glittering homage to Hollywood’s golden era. The guest list? A who’s who of modern icons: Hailey Bieber, Stephen Colbert, Sydney Sweeney, Seth Rogen, SZA, Oscar Isaac, and Clipse’s Pusha T and Malice. When Hailey Bieber stepped onto the penthouse terrace, all eyes were glued to her. Why? She wasn’t just making an entrance—she was making a statement. Decked out in a custom Gucci gown by Demna, complete with a bedazzled G-string, she channeled the polarizing Tom Ford-era Gucci thong that shook the runway in 1996. Bold move? Absolutely. But was it a genius nod to the ’90s or a step too far? You decide.
The night’s theme, ’90s Hollywood Red Carpet, wasn’t just a dress code—it was a vibe. And the stars delivered. Stephen Colbert rocked up in a leather jacket and polka-dot necktie, while Seth Rogen kept it cool in a navy Prada blazer and blue jeans. But here’s the part most people miss: This wasn’t just a party; it was a celebration of 30 years of GQ’s Men of the Year, a franchise that’s evolved from honoring men to celebrating trailblazers of all genders. Remember Jennifer Aniston’s cover in 2005? That’s when the game changed.
Hosted by GQ’s global editorial director Will Welch, the bash was a star-studded affair sponsored by Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Lexus, and more. The evening kicked off with an intimate dinner in the Chateau’s legendary Room 64, where Colbert joked about his 137th GQ cover (yes, you read that right). Later, the crowd moved downstairs for a full-blown party that felt like a pop culture Mad Libs come to life. Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner by the caviar bar? Check. Offset and Young Thug deep in conversation? Check. Noah Baumbach and Alexander Skarsgaard posting up at the bar? Double check.
But let’s talk about the Gen-Z crowd, who stole the show with their vintage references. Sydney Sweeney shimmered in a 1995 Versace crushed velvet gown, while Quenlin Blackwell arrived in a red velvet Gucci tuxedo straight out of the Tom Ford archives. And this is the part most people miss: Haider Ackermann, Tom Ford’s creative director and GQ’s 2025 Designer of the Year, dressed a rotating cast of stars in his sensual eveningwear. His take on the ’90s? Less literal references, more about capturing the era’s energy. “I lost myself in the nightlife back then,” he joked. “There’s not much I remember.”
The night hit its peak when Clipse took the stage, delivering a high-energy performance that had everyone on their feet. Even Pusha T, a legend in his own right, got starstruck meeting SZA’s parents. Controversial question: In a room filled with icons, who truly owned the night?
As the party wound down, the garden became a sea of Gen-Z stars, with John C. Reilly looking on in amusement. “I thought the theme was the 1890s!” he quipped. But here’s the real question: Did this party perfectly capture the ’90s, or did it reinvent the decade for a new generation? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears.
Additional reporting by Frazier Tharpe.