George Clooney Jokes About Richard Gere in Armani Tribute

A Night of Style and Sarcasm at the WWD Style Awards

SANTA MONICA, CA − The second annual WWD Style Awards took place on January 9, offering a night filled with fashion, humor, and heartfelt moments. Attendees were treated to a ceremony that was as brief as it was impactful, with many speeches keeping their messages concise and to the point.

George Clooney, known for his charm and wit, opened the event by accepting the red carpet visionary award on behalf of the late Giorgio Armani. Clooney, who has often been seen in Armani’s creations, including on his wedding day, paid tribute to the legendary designer. He noted that Armani, who passed away in September, had celebrated 50 years in the industry before his death at the age of 91.

"I would argue that if anyone should be up here talking about Giorgio, it should probably be Richard Gere," Clooney said, referencing the actor who was also closely associated with Armani. "I think the two put each other on the map."

Clooney then added a humorous twist, joking, "And that’s the only thing that will come out of this whole evening. I actually love him. Demi [Moore], stick with me on this one." His remarks were met with laughter from the audience, though he quickly backtracked to avoid any potential controversy.

A Concise Ceremony

The 90-minute event was praised for its brevity, especially given the busy Hollywood schedule leading up to the Golden Globe Awards on January 11. The speeches from the 11 award recipients were notably short, with some lasting just a few minutes. Kourtney Kardashian Barker, who received the wellness entrepreneur of the year award, gave a speech under 20 seconds, while Hailey Bieber kept her acceptance speech brief as well.

Bieber, who accepted the style trailblazer award, joked, "I was told there was no speeches tonight … so I’ll keep it very short and simple." Her remark highlighted the overall tone of the evening, which focused more on celebrating the behind-the-scenes talents rather than lengthy monologues.

Honoring the Unsung Heroes

The WWD Style Awards primarily recognized those who work behind the scenes to create the magic of red-carpet appearances. Stylists Erin Walsh and Jason Bolden, makeup artist Gucci Westman, hairstylist Adir Abergel, and facialist Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine were among the honorees. Their work was celebrated by stars such as Cameron Diaz, Emily Blunt, Mindy Kaling, Kristen Stewart, and Tyriq Withers.

Demi Moore, honored as a fashion icon, spoke about the power of fashion as a form of self-expression. She also shared a lighthearted moment about her personal style, noting that she sometimes dresses like a "12-year-old boy" without the help of her stylist, Brad Goreski. Moore also expressed regret for not bringing her chihuahua, Pilaf, to the event. She mentioned that they were working on a book featuring Pilaf and her "leading men."

Moore also shared a more sincere message about self-acceptance, expressing her hope for the new year: "My 2026 [wish] is to continue with the acceptance of ourselves as we are. We don’t need to be different. The most beautiful part of who we are is just being our unique selves, our imperfect selves."

A Unique Partnership

Kristen Stewart, seated between her hairstylist Adir Abergel and her wife Dylan Meyer, was featured in a prerecorded video where she expressed her deep connection with Abergel. She described him as "like a brother and sister and a best friend."

Abergel, who began his career at age 16, spoke about how his work has given him a "dream life." He praised Stewart for her fearlessness, recalling moments when he nearly left her "bald" during styling sessions. Despite the challenges, he called her a "fearless artist" and an "icon."

"In a world that often prescribes norms and convention, I’m inspired daily by those who dare to be different, who embrace their uniqueness and allow their personal style to narrate their stories," Abergel said.

A Celebration of Individuality

The WWD Style Awards served as a reminder of the importance of individuality and self-expression in the world of fashion. From Clooney’s witty remarks to Moore’s heartfelt messages, the event captured the essence of creativity and authenticity. As the night came to a close, it was clear that the true stars of the evening were not just the celebrities but the artists and professionals who bring their vision to life.