Looking at Paul Mescal on the red carpet for Gladiator II‘s Sydney premiere, you might think that the weather Down Under played its part in deciding his fit. Australia, after all, is warming up into a thoroughly pleasant summer, which might explain his lighter color suit and open shirt collar. Some level of ventilation is necessary.
But you’d only be half right. In fact, this specific suit has become something of a Mescal signature over the last few months. There’s a specificity to it: a classic double-breasted silhouette, the jacket worn unbuttoned, the collar left open with a distinct lack of neckwear.
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Mescal has worn this uniform on repeat. At the Academy Museum Gala earlier this month with a tiny little Cartier; at the premiere of All of Us Strangers last year with a henley; at London Critics’ Circle Film Awards with nothing underneath; and at the BAFTAs—although, we concede, the collar was buttoned up that time. That means Mescal hasn’t sported a more traditional tuxedo since last year’s Oscars, all the way back in March 2023.
Paul Mescal at the Academy Museum Gala in October.Taylor Hill
Mescal at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards 2024 in February.Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Now, in Sydney, for the first of several global Gladiator premieres, Mescal locked it all in place. This time, it was a rust-colored three-button suit, worn—you guessed it—over a light yellow tunic, collar open. A pair of shiny black boots, a gold-framed watch, and a very Aussie-coded mullet completed things.
It’s not just Paul Mescal that’s been loosening things up. Last week, it seemed like almost every guy on the red carpet at the Academy Museum Gala was in open rebellion against the tie, while at other events, we’ve seen more color, shape, and accessorizing of the suit than ever before. Is the red carpet going chill and wavy again? Are guys just having more fun, with the rules less strict? Are people just in search of something new?
The jury may still be out. If nothing else, when we have Paul Mescal looking this good, what does it matter?
This story originally appeared on British GQ.
