Hailey Bieber grabbed every eye on the red carpet with a daring sheer gown that spotlighted a vintage Gucci thong from the Tom Ford era. This bold choice lit up the 2025 GQ Men of the Year party in Los Angeles on Thursday night. Fans buzzed about her nod to ’90s glamour, teasing more on how stars channeled retro vibes at this milestone event.
A Bold Nod to ’90s Fashion on the Red Carpet
Hailey Bieber stepped out at the Chateau Marmont in a glittering halter gown from vintage Gucci. The dress had a deep back slit that revealed the jeweled details of her Tom Ford-designed thong underneath. She kept her blond hair in a simple updo and added sparkle with diamond earrings, a tennis bracelet, and her huge wedding ring from Justin Bieber.
This look fit the party’s theme of ’90s Hollywood Red Carpet perfectly. Hailey Bieber owned the night by blending sheer transparency with high-end nostalgia. The outfit echoed early 2000s red carpet moments but rooted deep in the provocative style of the 1990s. She arrived fresh from a trip with best friend Kendall Jenner, where sheer dresses already set the tone.
Event organizers picked the theme to mark 30 years of GQ’s big award night. Stars promised to dig into archives for outfits that screamed retro cool. Hailey’s choice stood out as confident and fun, drawing cheers from fans online.
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The Legendary Gucci Thong and Its Star-Studded Past
Tom Ford shook up fashion when he became Gucci’s creative director in 1994. His Spring 1997 collection featured the now-famous G-string thong with double interlocking Gs. Models strutted it on the runway, some even pairing it with just accessories for a shocking twist.
This piece became a symbol of bold sex appeal in luxury fashion. Over the years, celebrities like Kim Kardashian wore it in 2018, making it pop in photos and spiking its value on resale sites. Solange Knowles modeled a version earlier, and Kylie Jenner sported similar Tom Ford Gucci items at parties. Even Emily Ratajkowski layered one under beach looks in recent times.
The thong’s history shows how one design can redefine trends for decades. Vintage versions now fetch thousands, with one selling for over $5,000 in 2022 according to auction records from sites like 1stDibs. Ford aimed to mix sleek Milan style with cheeky vibes, and it worked. His era turned Gucci into a hot brand that dressed stars like Madonna and Charlize Theron.
Hailey’s pick paid homage to that legacy. She layered it under the sheer gown for a modern take, proving the thong still turns heads in 2025.
Star Power Lights Up the 30th Anniversary Gala
The GQ Men of the Year party drew a crowd of top talents to celebrate three decades of honoring culture shapers. Hailey joined as a co-host and cover star alongside Stephen Colbert, Seth Rogen, SZA, Oscar Isaac, the rap duo Clipse, and Sydney Sweeney. The event mixed music, laughs, and style in a lively LA night.
Sydney Sweeney stole scenes in a crushed velvet Versace gown from fall 1995. Designed by Gianni Versace, it hugged her figure with a sweetheart neckline. She added smudgy eyeliner, a choppy platinum bob, and a choker for full ’90s flair. The dress once walked the runway on Eva Herzigova and Naomi Campbell.
Other guests nailed the theme too. Quenlin Blackwell, a co-host for the livestream, switched looks like a pro. She started with a Tommy Hilfiger tube top and wide jeans that Aaliyah wore in 1997. Then came Gwyneth Paltrow’s red velvet Gucci suit from fall 1996, also by Tom Ford. For her final slot, she rocked a Mugler skirt suit from spring 1996.
To highlight key outfits, here’s a quick look at standout styles:
- Sydney Sweeney: Versace crushed velvet gown, ’90s supermodel vibe.
- Quenlin Blackwell: Multiple archival pieces, from Aaliyah’s jeans to Paltrow’s suit.
- Patrick Schwarzenegger: Full Tom Ford leather outfit, nod to dad Arnold’s Terminator 2 promo.
The night pulsed with energy as guests danced and chatted. Pusha T and Malice from Clipse brought hip-hop edge, while Oscar Isaac added Hollywood charm. SZA and Seth Rogen kept things fun with their unique takes on the dress code.
Hailey’s Evolving Style and Personal Touch
Hailey Bieber has grown into a fashion force over the years. Just last month, she wore head-to-toe leather with ’90s flair at the WSJ Innovator Awards. A few weeks earlier, she tried Schiaparelli Couture that tested her comfort but looked stunning.
Her recent trips show she loves sheer and slip styles. The Kendall Jenner birthday bash featured plenty of those, building her confidence for this Gucci moment. As founder of her beauty brand Rhode, Hailey mixes business with bold looks that inspire fans.
It took Hailey years to feel at ease in outfits like this. She once shared how early modeling days made her shy about revealing styles. Now, as a mom and wife in the spotlight, she takes it one day at a time with Justin. Her GQ cover story dives into motherhood and selling Rhode for a billion dollars, showing her balanced life.
This event highlighted how fashion lets stars like Hailey express growth. Her thong gown not only fit the theme but also sparked talks on body confidence. Fans see her as relatable, turning high fashion into everyday inspiration.
The 2025 GQ Men of the Year party wrapped a night of pure nostalgia and star magic. Hailey Bieber’s vintage Gucci thong look captured the essence of ’90s boldness while proving timeless style still rules. From daring red carpet moments to heartfelt stories of growth, the event reminded us how fashion connects us all. What do you think of Hailey’s outfit and the retro trend? Share your thoughts and pass this article to friends on social media. Right now, #GQMOTY is trending big on X and other platforms, so join the chat by posting with that hashtag.
