On Thursday, November 14, GQ’s annual Men of the Year Party returned, transforming Los Angeles into the epicenter of the modern western aesthetic with its bold “American Rodeo” theme. Hosted by GQ Global Editorial Director Will Welch, the event celebrated the magazine’s 29th Men of the Year issue.
Co-hosting the evening were three cultural powerhouses and GQ cover stars: actor Dwayne Johnson, comedian John Mulaney, and musician turned creative director Pharrell Williams.
The Modern Western Aesthetic Goes GQ
GQ’s star-studded affair brought the western aesthetic into the spotlight, with guests embracing a range of cowboy style interpretations—from bolo ties and suede jackets to embroidered shirts and modern denim. This year’s Men of the Year Party proved that the American Rodeo isn’t just a nod to the past but an evolving style frontier, ripe with contemporary reinvention.
Bolo Ties: The Ultimate Western Accent
Music manager Dylan Shanks, singer Finneas, and actor Harry Goodwins prove the bolo tie’s versatility as a statement piece. Shanks keeps it classic with a black bolo and a turquoise belt buckle, with a tailored black suit.
Finneas modernizes the look with a grey suit featuring subtle western details, while Goodwins bridges tradition and edge with a bolo tie, black vest, and striking white boots.
Denim Takes the Spotlight: Reinventing a Classic
Paralympian Hunter Woodhall, rapper Quavo, and music artist Shaboozey showcase bold reimaginings of denim. Woodhall channels vintage rodeo vibes with a fringe-trimmed denim jacket and embroidered shirt, while Quavo blends streetwear and western flair in a cross-embellished denim jacket paired with leather chaps.
Shaboozey goes all-out with embroidered jeans and a shimmering checked blazer, proving denim’s versatility in high-fashion western aesthetics.
Western Noir: Cowboy Style in All Black
Actors Aaron Pierre and Walton Goggins rework cowboy style with sleek black suits. Pierre’s wide lapels and loose trousers evoke western tailoring, while Goggins adds a bold silver-buckled belt and a sheer shirt for an edgy twist.
Suede Revival: Cowboy Classics in Luxe Textures
Singer Anderson .Paak and actors Matt Friend and Patrick Schwarzenegger bring suede fashion to the forefront, modernizing this western staple. Paak’s rich brown suit and snakeskin boots channel a retro cowboy vibe, while Friend’s denim shirt and white Stetson strike a classic ranch-hand look.
Schwarzenegger keeps it casual with a suede jacket and matching trousers, paired with a cowboy hat and pointed boots.
Embroidered Western Shirts: A Timeless Staple
GQ editor-in-chief Will Welch and actor Simon Rex spotlight the enduring appeal of the embroidered western shirt. Welch leans into tradition with intricate stitching and a bold black hat, while Rex pairs crisp white embroidery with a tailored ivory suit for a fresh twist.
