Pharrell 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 crowd-pleasing 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 occasionally 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.”
