The “creative black tie” dress code for the inaugural GQ Global Creativity Awards on Thursday was a parameter but also a provocation. If you invited a roomful of the most creative people on the planet to flip the idea of formalwear on its head, what kinds of looks would they come up with?
The night’s attendees took the prompt to heart, arriving in a bonkers array of ultra-tailored tuxedos, luxury hoodies, out-there footwear, freaky jewelry, and at least one show-stopping leather-shorts-and-cowboy-boots combo. (Here’s looking at you, A$AP Ferg.) The 2023 GCA red carpet looks offer plenty of inspiration for the next time you’re called to don a tuxedo or a suit—even if you’re not quite gutsy enough to attempt shorts as evening wear. And lest we forget, it’s the dawn of wedding season—so if you see the words “festive black tie” or “creative black tie” written on an invite any time soon, consider that a challenge.
Scroll on to see some of our favorite looks from the event below, and feel free to steal any fashion maneuvers that strike your fancy.