GQ Aced the Best Party in Paris this Week

Athletes, actors, musicians and guests from around the world came together for an evening shaped by conversation and a few memorable surprises. Guests travelled from France, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina for an evening that brought together figures from sport, entertainment and culture. Among those attending were athletes David Beckham, Maria Sharapova, Gaël Monfils, Stan Wawrinka and Skins actress Kaya Scodelario.

Fresh from his final Roland-Garros appearance, Gaël Monfils joined Claire Hazan, GQ’s Head of Editorial Content, for a candid conversation about his relationship with the legendary clay tournament. Reflecting on his last match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the French tennis star spoke about the emotions of competing in front of a home crowd and the memories he carries from an amazingly successful two decades on the professional tour.

Earlier in the evening, David Beckham and Maria Sharapova opened the program with a conversation led by the Stella Artois team. They discussed the pressures of elite sport, the routines that shaped them as athletes and how their relationship with competition has changed since stepping away from professional tennis and football.

One of the surprises of the night came from British singer Sekou. For many guests, it was a first introduction to the artist, whose live set quickly drew attention across the room. Mixing original songs with a series of soulful covers, he moved easily between the tables and stage, turning a seated dinner into something far more animated. Guests sang along, gathered closer to the performance and followed every move as Sekou danced his way through the set. By the final song, he had won over the room completely.

Set against the backdrop of Place Vendôme, the gathering captured the best of Paris’s ability to bring together remarkable people from around the world around a single table.