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GQ & Levi’s Paris Fashion Week Parties: A legacy and Farewell too Will Welch
For over a decade, the GQ x Levi’s party during Paris Fashion Week has become a cornerstone of the menswear calendar, a magnet for celebrities, designers, and industry insiders. the tradition, initiated in June 2018 at L’Avenue, culminated in a particularly poignant gathering on January 23, 2026, marking the departure of GQ global Editorial Director Will Welch.
The Evolution of a Fashion Week Staple
The first GQ Paris Party, held in 2018, was conceived as a celebration of the fresh momentum in menswear, coinciding with the rising influence of designers like Virgil Abloh (who passed away in 2021). The event quickly transformed into a highly anticipated fixture during Paris Fashion Week,excluding the years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each season, L’Avenue, a historic Parisian brasserie, (located on Avenue montaigne), played host to a vibrant mix of established figures and emerging talent.
A Star-Studded Farewell
The 2026 party was notable for its extraordinary guest list and served as both a farewell to Welch and a welcome to the next chapter. Attendees included musicians Dev Hynes and Jack harlow, sporting figures like Shedeur Sanders, designers Mike Amiri and Jerry Lorenzo, and artists Future, Usher, SZA, and Julia Fox. The event also included a birthday celebration for long-time attendee Kitty Ka$h.
DJ Acyde, who has provided the musical backdrop for all eight years of the party, acknowledged the significance of the evening, calling it “the act finale” of Welch’s tenure. Welch will be relocating to Paris in February 2026 to pursue new opportunities.
Key Attendees & Industry Influence
The GQ Paris party has consistently drawn a diverse crowd, highlighting its broad appeal within the fashion industry. Regular attendees represent a cross-section of the creative landscape:
- Designers: Mike Amiri (Mike Amiri Official Website) and Jerry Lorenzo are prominent examples of designers who frequently attended, using the event for networking and celebration.
- Musicians: The presence of artists like Future, Usher, SZA, and Dev Hynes demonstrates the party’s appeal across creative disciplines.
- Athletes: Shedeur Sanders’ appearance illustrates the increasing convergence of fashion and sports.
- Fashion Industry Professionals: Stylists, models, editors, and other industry insiders consistently attend, fostering connections and collaborations.
the Future of the GQ Paris Party
With Will Welch’s departure, the future format of the GQ Paris Party remains to be seen. However,