Paul Mescal can’t stop wearing this perfect red carpet look

Looking at Paul Mescal on the red carpet too Gladiator II‘s Sydney premiere, you might think the weather Down Under played its part in determining his fit. After all, Australia is warming up to a thoroughly pleasant summer, which might explain his lighter suit and open shirt collar. A certain level of ventilation is necessary.

But you would only be half right. In fact, this specific suit has become something of a Mescal signature over the past few months. There is a specificity to it: a classic double-breasted silhouette, the jacket worn unbuttoned, the collar left open with a distinct lack of neckline.

Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

Mescal has worn this uniform on repeat. At the Academy Museum Gala earlier this month with a tiny Cartier; at the premiere of All of us strangers last year with a henley; at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards no wonder; and at the BAFTAs – although we admit the collar was unbuttoned that time. That means Mescal hasn’t had a more traditional tuxedo since last year’s Oscars, way back in March 2023.

Paul Mescal at the Academy Museum’s 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 ones Gladiator premieres, Mescal locked it all in place. This time it was a rust-colored three-button suit, worn—you guessed it—over a pale yellow tunic with an open collar. A pair of shiny black boots, a gold-rimmed watch and a very Aussie-coded mullet finished things off.

It’s not just Paul Mescal who has loosened up. Last week, it seemed like almost every guy on the red carpet at the Academy Museum Gala was there open rebellion against the tiewhile at other events we’ve seen more color, shape and accessories for the suit than ever before. Is the red carpet going cool and wavy again? Do guys just have more fun with the rules less strict? Are people just looking for something new?

The jury may still be out. If nothing else, when we have Paul Mescal looking this good, what does it mean?

This story originally appeared on British GQ.