When a star-studded event like GQ’s Men of the Year Party demands a ’90s Hollywood Red Carpet vibe, and your father just happens to be the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger—a man whose iconic status spans decades—you’d be missing a golden opportunity not to channel his legacy in your outfit. And Patrick Schwarzenegger? He’s no stranger to seizing the moment.
At 26, the White Lotus heartthrob arrived at the MOTY 30 celebration in a look that screamed Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). Picture this: a heavyweight leather biker jacket, sleek leather trousers, Cuban-heeled boots, and those timeless Wayfarer shades. While the ensemble was courtesy of Haider Ackermann’s Tom Ford collection, it’s hard not to imagine Patrick strolling into his dad’s closet and delivering the iconic line, “I need your clothes, your boots, and your motorcycle.” But here’s where it gets interesting—Patrick didn’t just copy his dad’s look; he elevated it.
And this is the part most people miss: Instead of the Terminator’s gray cotton T-shirt, Patrick opted for a matching leather crewneck, adding a modern twist to the classic. Oh, and let’s not forget the Santos de Cartier watch gleaming on his wrist—a subtle nod to luxury. But was it a respectful tribute or a bold statement of individuality? That’s up for debate.
On the red carpet, Patrick’s outfit sparked curiosity. When co-host Chris Black jokingly asked, “What does one wear under a leather shirt?” Patrick’s cheeky reply—“Nothing, brother. I let it squeak all over.”—left everyone laughing. But when Jason Stewart handed him a notecard and asked him to read an In-N-Out order in his dad’s voice, Patrick drew the line. “Absolutely not,” he laughed. Seems the tribute only goes so far.
But here’s the controversial question: Was Patrick’s outfit a genuine homage to his father’s legacy, or was it a calculated move to carve out his own identity in Hollywood? After all, walking in the shadow of a legend like Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t be easy. What do you think? Did Patrick strike the right balance, or did he cross the line? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!