Finn Wolfhard on fashion: 'It's a way to express yourself,' says Stranger Things star at Met Gala
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Hollywood actor Finn Wolfhard, who rose to prominence at age 14 playing Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, has opened up about his evolving approach to fashion, describing it as a fluid and personal form of self-expression rather than a rigid set of rules. The 23-year-old singer-actor revealed that his wardrobe choices are driven by rotating "obsessions" with different eras and styles, each reflecting his mood and creative interests at any given time.
Fashion as personal expression
Speaking to GQ magazine, Wolfhard explained his philosophy: "My relationship to it is always changing. I'm always having new obsessions with different periods and different clothes. I see it as a way to express yourself, not something where you feel buttoned up or like you're wearing something you don't actually want to wear." This approach reflects a generational shift toward authenticity in style, where comfort and individuality take precedence over conformity.
Early red carpet moments shaped his confidence
Wolfhard recalled his first experience wearing formal attire at the SAG Awards, which marked a turning point in his relationship with fashion. He said, "The first time I went to the Emmys was unbelievably overwhelming. There are an insane amount of cameras. It's huge, like, physically huge. And when you're young, everything feels even bigger. I remember wearing my first tux at the SAG Awards and being really excited about it. That was kind of the first time I was like, 'OK, this is fun'." These early moments helped him realise that dressing up could be enjoyable rather than intimidating.
Met Gala debut in Thom Browne
At the Met Gala this week, Wolfhard made his debut wearing Thom Browne, a brand he has admired for years both on and off the red carpet. He explained the longstanding relationship: "I've loved their clothes for so many years now. They've been really generous with me in the past. I've worn a lot of their knitwear and a lot of their stuff just in my daily life, and also to promote films. They actually dressed me for my band's first tour, so I already had a relationship with the label." The actor praised the intricate details of his Met Gala ensemble, noting its subtle patterning.
Blending American design with British sensibility
While Thom Browne is an American brand, its aesthetic aligns with Wolfhard's stated preference for "vintage, comfortable, British" style. This fusion reflects how contemporary fashion transcends national boundaries, with actors and musicians increasingly curating wardrobes that blend influences from multiple design traditions. For Wolfhard, the partnership represents a natural extension of his existing relationship with the label rather than a one-off collaboration.