While most men arrived at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards in the usual sea of tuxedos, Alessandro Michele had other plans.
Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for British GQ
The Polka Dot Effect
The last time we saw Archie Madekwe in Valentino—at the Academy Museum Gala—the colour story alone had me buzzing, and that same sense of contrast carries through here. This time though, the tone is different. There’s a clear ’70s undercurrent: the elongated silhouette, the creamy double-breasted jacket, the emerald shirt dotted with playful spots. Archie has so much charisma that this doesn’t feel like nostalgic cosplay. If you are wondering why he didn’t follow Jonathan Anderson to Dior, he didn’t need to. Valentino feels like home for him—if this relationship isn’t official yet, it absolutely should be.
Styled by Harry Lambert, Madekwe’s ensemble is a testament to the power of bold choices in menswear. The polka dots, a recurring motif in Michele’s designs, add a whimsical touch that contrasts beautifully with the classic tailoring of the jacket. This blend of tradition and modernity is what makes Madekwe’s look stand out, showcasing how menswear can embrace playful elements without sacrificing sophistication.
Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for British GQ
Saturday Night Throwback
Sombr’s look, also custom Valentino, leans fully into retro fantasy. The glossy white suit gave me a double take—I genuinely thought it was leather for a second—but it’s more likely a coated cotton or a lustrous technical fabric designed to catch the flashbulbs. And once again we have polka dots. Michele seems determined to bring them back into menswear, and on Sombr, I can’t deny the charm. The suit’s sheen and structure evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the glamorous nightlife of the ’70s.
The trousers, while perhaps too long for conventional standards, are a deliberate choice. For almost anyone else, I’d say yes, but Michele is famously meticulous, so the length is clearly part of the intention—a nod to the slouchy glamour of ’70s nightlife dressing, I would guess. The ensemble is completed with Jimmy Choo Wilder boots, adding a contemporary edge to the overall look. This combination of retro and modern elements encapsulates the essence of Michele’s vision for menswear, making it both accessible and aspirational.
So tell me: where are you landing on the Polka Dot Boys? Retro revival done right, or are you over the dots already? The conversation around these bold choices in menswear is just beginning, and it’s clear that Michele’s influence is shaping the future of fashion in exciting ways.
FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.
