The ladies at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards? Let’s just say they did not all bring their A-game — Cynthia Erivo being the glorious exception. I was honestly baffled by this red carpet. Thankfully, the men clearly understood the assignment.

Heavenly Drape

Adot Gak was the undisputed standout in her Miss Sohee Spring 2025 Couture gown — a look you may remember from Liu Yifei earlier this year. On Liu, it marked the “opening ceremony of spring.” On Adot, it felt like the winter edition of that same fantasy. The lilac silk, the cascading floral appliqué, the sculptural draping — it all sat beautifully against her skin. When a gown meets the right wearer: magic happens.

Red Overload

Some of you felt Cynthia Erivo was overwhelmed by her Givenchy coat at the Governors Awards, but I didn’t feel the same. Here, however, Gwendoline Christie’s exaggerated red coat from the same Spring 2026 collection looks unmistakably oversized. At 6ft 3ins, she usually commands volume with ease, but this feels like a size too big. The altered sleeves make me wonder whether she’s wearing a costume version. She still carries it with her usual presence.

Polo Problems

Vivienne Westwood is a smart label for Jade Thirlwall right now — aligned with her music career, her aesthetic, her edge. But a polo-shirt dress for an awards ceremony? It’s giving backstage comfort rather than red carpet impact. The boots hint at the intention, but it needed more thought, more styling, more something to rise to the occasion.

Boho Misfire

Laufey and Chloé should be a natural pairing — the bohemian spirit aligns seamlessly with her music and style sensibilities. But this layered cream dress isn’t doing her any favours. The proportions swamp her, the textures compete rather than harmonise, and the oversized black bag feels completely detached from the vibe. It’s boho, yes, but a bit all over the place in my opinion.

Seasonal Confusion

Winter is here, and I’m all for a daring look, but Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s Di Petsa Spring 2026 ruched dress — complete with a plunging neckline and exposed midsection — feels wildly out of sync with the weather. Even in July this dress would have been a tough sell (unless you’re in Ibiza or Mykonos). In November? I’m simply baffled.

Chilled to the Bone

Mary Beth Barone looks as cold as she likely felt in this Alaïa Spring 2024 dress, previously worn by Laura Harrier at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala. It’s a stunning dress — but not for a winter night in London. It reads summery, light, and airy, the exact opposite of the current climate.

She Read The Event PERFECTLY

Sabrina Elba was the evening’s other bright spot, arriving in a backless red gown that delivered the kind of clean, modern glamour this carpet desperately needed. Striking without trying too hard, sensuous without feeling forced — this is how you dress for an awards ceremony.

Suited & Confident

Cat Burns shared on Instagram that she “felt very sexy wearing @newbottega ?,” and honestly, I agree. Her oversized grey suit, styled with the house’s Dust bag and Truman loafers, nails that effortlessly cool androgynous mood. Sharp, confident, comfortable — and likely the warmest person at the event.

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.