Location & Venue: 180 The Strand, London
Guest Experience: Exclusive evening celebration
Design Narrative: Contemporary industrial glamour
Key Features: Rooftop dining, silver tablescapes, candlelit styling, celebrity hosts, Patrón bar, Skepta DJ set

HIGHLIGHTS

GQ’s 2025 Men of the Year event was hosted on the top-floor balcony at 180 The Strand, offering panoramic views across London for an exclusive evening of dining, design, and entertainment. The red carpet was hosted by Kareem Rahma of Subway Takes, welcoming guests with fresh perspectives before they entered the main dinner space. Featured a star-studded guest list including Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John David Washington, Jack O'Connell, Paul Forman, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster, Fabien Frankel, and George MacKay.

Inspired by GQ’s signature aesthetic, the event design featured silver accents and bold geometric forms, creating a refined, contemporary atmosphere. Tall ivory taper candles added height and drama, while softly draped table linens balanced structure with understated elegance. Foil-embossed menus and modern floral arrangements in sleek silver vessels introduced tactile luxury and a confident, masculine edge.

The evening was co-hosted by Pierce Brosnan, Cynthia Erivo, and Skepta, with speeches throughout the night, including a special moment from Cynthia Erivo, who briefly paused her vocal rest to thank guests for their support.

Following dinner, the space transformed into a late-night celebration as Skepta DJed against a custom concrete stage backdrop and LED light installation. Guests enjoyed a bespoke Patrón Tequila bar, with the dance floor filled late into the night by artists, creatives, tastemakers, and changemakers.

An All-Star Line-Up at GQ Men of the Year

AS SEEN IN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes. Alice Wilkes Design plans and produces luxury events and brand activations across London, from intimate dinners to large-scale media, fashion and lifestyle events. Each event is designed around the brand identity, guest list and desired experience.

Yes. We are experienced in producing events with high-profile guests, hosts and performers, where timing, discretion, service and atmosphere all need to be carefully managed. Our role covers creative direction, production, supplier coordination and guest experience.

We begin with the brand’s visual language and the purpose of the event, then translate that into spatial design, tablescapes, lighting, florals, printed details and entertainment moments. The result should feel editorial, coherent and unmistakably aligned with the brand.

Production management includes venue liaison, supplier scheduling, build coordination, lighting, sound, staging, guest flow, entertainment cues, service timings and breakdown. For a luxury event, these details need to be controlled without becoming visible to the guest.

We plan guest arrival, hosting, room flow, seating, security considerations, backstage requirements and private moments with care. The aim is to create an event that feels relaxed and impressive while remaining highly controlled behind the scenes.

For brands seeking a design-led event experience that reflects their values and elevates their presence, we invite you to get in touch.

Plan Your Event with Alice Wilkes Design