The phenomenon of obsessing over Hollywood celebrities is something that has stood the test of time for both men and women alike.
Recently in New York, a lookalike competition for the acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet led to a social media sensation, even inspiring a competition to be held here in Ireland for our Irish hunk Paul Mescal. Mescal has had a cult following since he rose to stardom in 2020 with nods to his success including an Oscar nomination for his role in Aftersun, and being the frontman for Ridley Scott’s newest film, Gladiator II.
At the event, the competitors highlighted elements of Paul’s look and style that we all know him for; messy mullets, GAA shorts and the infamous silver chain.
But what makes Paul Mescal a style icon for young men all over the globe? What gives the Maynooth man the edge young lads find so alluring? Mescal has cemented himself as a firm Hollywood favourite, and his style evolution has followed suit. His stylist Felicity Kay has fashioned a lovely harmony between Mescal street style and sleek silhouettes.
Since the release of Normal People, Mescal’s levels of fame have risen to new heights; and so has his shorts inseam. Back in 2020, Paul was papped heading to the shop with his GAA shorts and shades on. Since then, he has managed to consistently bring this classic Irish style into his outfits, incorporating a pair of Gucci boxer shorts into his modern look for this year’s Milan Fashion Week look.
Mescal’s street style has a few key elements that make it easy for young people to achieve: baggy silhouettes, some type of sneaker and an accessory to complete the look. Much of the time Mescal has been spotted sporting a hoodie, slim-fitting jeans, and a baseball cap. But what makes his looks so appealing?
Felicity Kay spoke to British Vogue on the mystery of what makes Paul’s outfits so eye-catching, even the most basic of the bunch. “But I like to take those timeless pieces and subvert them slightly, adding something unexpected to make the look feel more modern and personal.” The devil is in the detail when it comes to Mescal’s looks; whether it be a casual outing in Soho rocking a vintage baseball cap, or on the carpet suited up in an embellished jacket by Dublin designer Simone Rocha. He is known for tweaking his outfits, whether that be by cutting the hem off his t-shirts or rolling his trousers up to give more of a structured look.
Mescal has also been praised for some of his more unconventional looks, a far cry from his “Denny Sausages” ad days. He manages to bring a look of sophistication while pushing the boundaries of fashion with his editorial pieces. His androgynous outfits create a beautiful balance of masculinity and femininity- from high-cut leather boots to monochrome looks, Mescal’s style evolution has seen it all.
And it’s not just Mescal’s fashion looks that have made statements. Over the last year, the Irish actor has donned what is now known as the ‘Mescal mullet’, a tidy but unkempt take on the historic hairstyle. The mullet has the Irish males in a chokehold, with the rise of the hairstyle no doubt from the impact Mescal has had on Irish trends.
Whether the BAFTA-winning actor is seen wearing a custom Gucci suit or his classic Adidas gazelles and jeans combo, there is one thing the man puts on that completes the look; the good aul Irish charm.