GQ Style suite / hollywood, ca/ 12.07.16
As I arrived on Sunset, on the same block as Amoeba Music and a seven minute walk from the Pantages Theater, in the middle of the famous city of Hollywood. The Neuehouse is where GQ decided to host their latest intimate get together; and it was a perfect location. Part of their Men of the Year Awards, GQ Style Suite was to serve as an appetizer, for the big one. Keeping it GQ but with a less formal, more laidback vibe. As I arrived I was I made my way to the elevator and hit the top floor. All the way up! (pun intended). As I made my way to the rooftop it was clear that this is where I needed to be. I was greeted by an amazing piece of artwork, with a very abstract vibe. Here you could see the artist at work as he finished his piece, but it was also one huge sign-in book. You could grab a marker, leave your mark and now, at least, there was tangible proof you were actually there.
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As you take a step out onto the roof, you can feel the GQ in the air as it hits your face with the slight Hollywood breeze. Many familiar faces. It was as if my instagram feed materialized and became real-life. En route to the bar I made my way passed guys getting complimentary haircuts + shaves in a makeshift rooftop barber shop. I finally find myself waiting in line to get my drink. Sponsored by Remy Martin, Sassoregale and Grey Goose, I had a few choices to say the least. Once the alcohol induced courage settled in, mingling and networking began. Of course, I came to realize that ‘networking’ means exchanging social media accounts and taking pictures to share with our followers.
Taking advantage of the sun before it set, Remy Martin treated us to a tasting, all the while DJ Mick provided iconic west coast sounds. As the sun set and the breeze picked up, I found myself with Sassoregale’s “mangria” in one hand, walking towards the indoor part of the event.
Inside, we were greeted by Ben Sherman + Bruno Magli and a beautiful modern ‘set’ furnished by the latest from LG. As their [LG’s] new air purifier gave us indoor fresh air, I noticed people were taking advantage of the complementary embroidering taking place. As the bartender handed me my first drink (indoor bar, drink count resets) I took a sip and took it all in; people talking, music in the air and smiles and cell phone screens lighting up the dim room.
After the sun went down, the streets of Hollywood lit up. Enjoying the view from the rooftop of the Neuehouse, it seemed as if time stood still and all the mattered was getting that perfect shot to rake in all the likes. As the now cold breezy night snapped me back into the reality, it was weird to think it was only wednesday. After snapping a few last pictures and exchanging emails, laughs and goodbyes, i took one last sip, blinked and found myself on the way down on the elevator; gift bags in one hand, meanwhile coordinating my ride home on my cellphone on the other. Waving goodbye to the receptionist at the entrance, I walked out on Sunset blvd, looked up at the roof of the penthouse with a half crooked smile on my face as I looked for a 2015 black honda civic with a pink mustache on the front.
