Hold onto your seats, because the 2026 WWD Style Awards just got a whole lot more interesting! George Clooney didn’t hold back when he took the stage to honor the legendary Giorgio Armani, and let’s just say his tribute was anything but conventional. But here’s where it gets controversial—while celebrating Armani’s legacy, Clooney couldn’t resist poking fun at Richard Gere, leaving the audience in stitches. Was it a playful jab or a missed opportunity for Gere to be there? You decide.
In Santa Monica, California, the second annual WWD Style Awards proved that sometimes less is more. The event, a sleek 90-minute affair, was a refreshing break from Hollywood’s marathon award season, culminating in the Golden Globe Awards just days later. Clooney, fresh from the AFI Awards, kicked things off by accepting the Red Carpet Visionary Award on behalf of Armani, the Italian fashion icon who passed away in September. Clooney’s connection to Armani runs deep—he even wore the designer’s creations on his wedding day.
But it was Clooney’s speech that stole the show. Reflecting on Armani’s 50-year career, he quipped, ‘I would argue that if anyone should be up here talking about Giorgio, it should probably be Richard Gere. I think the two put each other on the map.’ And then, with a cheeky grin, he added, ‘But since he couldn’t show up, and you know? F--- him.’ The ballroom erupted in laughter, but Clooney quickly backpedaled, assuring everyone, ‘I actually love him.’
This wasn’t the only moment that had the audience buzzing. Demi Moore, honored as a fashion icon, joked about her off-duty style, admitting, ‘If left to my own devices, I dress like a 12-year-old boy.’ She also shared her regret about not bringing her chihuahua, Pilaf, to the event, teasing a book project featuring her dog and her leading men. Is this the most relatable celebrity confession ever, or just a quirky aside?
The night celebrated not just the stars but the unsung heroes behind their red-carpet looks. Stylists Erin Walsh and Jason Bolden, makeup artist Gucci Westman, hairstylist Adir Abergel, and facialist Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine were honored for their magic. Cameron Diaz, Emily Blunt, Mindy Kaling, and Kristen Stewart were among the stars cheering them on.
Speaking of Kristen Stewart, her hairstylist Adir Abergel shared a hilarious behind-the-scenes story. ‘Whether we’re shaving your head one day or bleaching your roots before a premiere, you’re a fearless artist,’ he said, jokingly adding, ‘People yell at me, ‘Why are you leaving her bald?’ But is Stewart’s boldness a trendsetter or a risk too far?
The evening was a blend of humor, heartfelt tributes, and a celebration of individuality. As Demi Moore put it, ‘The most beautiful part of who we are is just being our unique selves, our imperfect selves.’ But here’s the question: In an industry obsessed with perfection, can we truly embrace imperfection? Let’s keep the conversation going—what do you think?
