Paul Mescal locks in his red carpet uniform for the long haul
Looking at Paul Mescal on the red carpet for Gladiator II in Sydney, you might think that the weather Down Under played its part. Unlike the UK, Australia is warming up into a thoroughly pleasant summer, which might explain the lighter colour tux, and the open collar of the shirt. Some ventilation is needed when the temps are pushing 23°, after all.
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 tux (wool double-breasted blazer, just-loose-enough trousers), the blazer worn unbuttoned, an open collar, and a distinct lack of neckwear.
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Mescal has worn this uniform on repeat. At the Academy Museum Gala this month with a tiny little Cartier; at the premiere of All of Us Strangers with a henley; at London Critics' Circle Film Awards with nothing underneath; even at the BAFTAs — although, we concede, the collar was buttoned up. If you were counting, Mescal actually hasn’t worn a classic, slim-fitting suit since the Oscars, in March 2023 (which was a pretty traditional tux, and that's a different conversation altogether).
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 his first Gladiator premiere, Mescal locked it all in place. This time, it was a rust-coloured Gucci three-button tuxedo, worn — you guessed it — over a light yellow tunic, collar open. A pair of shiny black boots, a Cartier watch and a very Aussie-coded mullet completed things.
It's not just Paul Mescal that's been loosening 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 colour, shape and accessorising of the suit than ever before. Is the red carpet going chill and wavy again? Is it 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?
