GQ Throws an Immersive American Rodeo-Themed Party for the Men of the Year Celebration
The Wild West descended onto LA s famed Sunset Strip on Thursday night, where the change-makers from entertainment, fashion, sports, and culture donned their most stylish cowboy attire to toast GQ s Men of the Year. The extravagant annual party celebrates individuals who have achieved greatness and this year s party honored Dwayne Johnson, John Mulaney, and Pharrell Williams. For the first time, the soirée had a theme—the American Rodeo.
The back lot of the popular Bar Marmont was transformed into the American Frontier and featured an immersive old-timey saloon with a long bar built into one side and creaky wooden floors. Guests enjoyed booze and Old West-style grub that included miniature funnel cakes, Fritos corn chips, and deviled eggs. The partygoers were also treated to a live variety show with Johnson, dressed in a black cowboy hat and a leather vest, who participated in a fun Q&A chat. The red carpet used for the celeb arrivals was even decorated with bushels of hay, large oak barrels and surrounded by fake cacti.
Musician Shaboozey performed some of his crowd-pleasing songs during the variety show and was among the best-dressed guests at the party. He even wore a sash with Man of the Year written on it. "We usually dress to kill," he said of the look, which consisted of a checkered blazer by Bode that was covered with Swarovski crystals and jeans from Coût De La Liberté. His ensemble was put together by stylist Anastasia Walker. "I feel amazing. I m from Virginia. I love Wranglers, I love a Stetson hat and belt buckles. We are always trying to elevate, but keep it true to western. It s about being experimental."
For country musician Orville Peck, following the dress code was very simple. "I literally just pulled this out of my closet," he said of his custom suit that was adorned with small silver pendants, vintage boots and a custom Stetson hat that featured embroidered roses and a white bird on it. "When I heard the theme, I obviously had to come out and hang out. I can t miss out on some good Hollywood yee-haw!" Peck added that wearing country western clothes is empowering. "I m a true believer that when you put on a cowboy hat, the vibe immediately changes. Everyone I know that I have convinced to wear a cowboy hat—they have never taken it off," he said in his signature drawl. "There s some magic powers in there."
Williams, who was recognized as this year s designer of the year, said the key ingredient to his success as a musician and as the men s creative director for Louis Vuitton has been his curiosity. "It s the center of all inspiration. If you re not curious, you can t be inspired to do great work," he said, dressed in a fringed Louis Vuitton black leather jacket. "I ve always been a curious child and it s helped me throughout my career."
Following the variety show, about 300 guests galloped inside Bar Marmont, where Diplo spun some hit tunes, including Dolly Parton s "Jolene," at the DJ booth that created a lively atmosphere and invigorated actor John David Washington to dance by swaying his head back and forth to the beat of the music while next to his brother, filmmaker Malcolm Washington. John David, who stars in the upcoming Netflix film The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm, credits his father, Denzel Washington, for his impeccable fashion sensibilities. "My dad s 90 s run of style was pretty cool and a big influence on me," said John David. "He had these classic sharp looks that were comfortable to wear, and that s what I go for too."
Patrick Schwarzenegger enjoys parties with a theme, and keeping to the American Rodeo was an easy process, thanks to his dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger. "I was telling him he should come tonight because he loves the western theme," Patrick said. "He got me the shoes and the belt buckle and some of the jewelry I have on." Patrick s accessories perfectly matched his brown suede jacket and trousers, along with his cream cowboy hat.
Near the DJ booth, Finneas O Connell, wearing a teal suit with an intricate bolo tie, briefly chatted with singer Jon Batiste. He attended the party without his sister Billie Eilish but made the rounds greeting friends and acquaintances. He even sang along to Bon Jovi s iconic song "Livin on a Prayer" as it blasted from the speakers. Meanwhile, Johnson relaxed in a corner banquette with GQ s Global Editorial Director Will Welch. Across from them sat Mulaney, who socialized with Nick Kroll. Mulaney is one of the most respected hosts and comedians, and according to him, the ingredient to his success is "I say no to most things. I just focus on one thing that I really like with the occasional tangent into something else," he said. "That s really helped me."
The women also had fun at the GQ bash. Hannah Einbinder from HBO s Hacks looked stunning in a Ralph Lauren dress and tennis champion Naomi Osaka arrived in a flowing white blouse and black trousers with studs down the side. She accessorized with a loose, low-hanging black leather tie and her hair styled in long braids flowing from a black cowboy hat. GQ editors took notice of her hip, chic and effortless look by bestowing her with the Best Fit of the Night Award—the first time a woman has won at the annual party. "I don t know too much about westerns," she said earlier during a red carpet interview, "but I guess at the core is cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, so I translated that with my personal style."
Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, and what keeps her positive in striving for greatness is "knowing that every day is a new day, and it s always a new opportunity to learn and become better, whether that s on the court or off the court," she said. "I m just very fortunate to learn, meet new people at parties like tonight."
Presley Ann/Getty Images1/34Chris Black and Jason Stewart
Amy Sussman/Getty Images2/34Dwayne Johnson
