Hailey Bieber Channels ’90s Sensuality in Archival Tom Ford at Star-Studded GQ Event
Hailey Bieber has never been one to shy away from fashion’s most daring trends, and Thursday evening’s GQ Men of the Year celebration proved no exception. The model and beauty entrepreneur arrived at the star-studded affair in a mesmerizing vintage Tom Ford-era Gucci gown that masterfully straddled the line between provocation and sophistication—a testament to both the designer’s legendary vision and Bieber’s innate understanding of modern glamour.
The iridescent black creation, plucked from Ford’s groundbreaking tenure at Gucci, featured a sleek halterneck silhouette that epitomizes ’90s minimalism at its most seductive. Cut from semi-sheer lightweight knit fabric, the gown shimmered with an otherworldly luminescence under the camera flashes, its transparent construction revealing strategic glimpses while maintaining an air of refined elegance. The backless design—a signature Ford flourish—showcased Bieber’s sculpted physique, culminating in a playful detail that fashion insiders immediately recognized as a deliberate nod to her iconic 2019 Met Gala appearance.
At the base of her spine, the luxury house’s bedazzled logo glistened—a cheeky reference to her Alexander Wang moment six years prior, when she wore a pink turtleneck gown featuring exposed thong detailing with a crystal “Wang” pin. This self-referential styling choice demonstrates Bieber’s sophisticated approach to building a personal fashion narrative, one that honors her most memorable red carpet moments while continuously evolving.
The 28-year-old mother of one—who welcomed son Jack Blues Bieber with husband Justin 15 months ago—kept accessories deliberately understated, allowing the archival masterpiece to command attention. Serpentine diamond-encrusted Tiffany & Co. earrings emerged from beneath her caramel-toned tresses, their sparkle echoing the gown’s iridescent sheen. A matching bracelet provided subtle wrist adornment without competing for focus.
Her beauty aesthetic channeled effortless radiance—undoubtedly achieved through products from her cult-favorite brand Rhode. Bieber opted for a casual updo with two wavy tendrils framing her striking features, creating movement and softness that balanced the gown’s architectural severity. A soft pink lip and complementary rosy blush injected warmth and dimension, proving that bold fashion needn’t sacrifice natural beauty.
As one of seven cover stars for GQ’s 2025 Men of the Year issue, Bieber served as co-host alongside an eclectic roster including Seth Rogen, Stephen Colbert, SZA, Clipse’s Pusha T and Malice, Oscar Isaac, and Sydney Sweeney. In her accompanying cover interview, she offered candid reflections on navigating multiple identities—entrepreneur, wife, and mother—with characteristic grace and vulnerability.
The evening represented more than just another red carpet triumph. Bieber’s choice to wear vintage Tom Ford Gucci signals fashion’s ongoing romance with archival pieces, while her fearless embrace of the transparent dress trend—executed with impeccable taste—reinforces her position as a style authority for a generation that values both nostalgia and innovation.
In Bieber’s hands, naked dressing transcends shock value, becoming instead a celebration of confidence, craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of Tom Ford’s revolutionary design legacy.
