Under the bright autumn sun, Soho Square buzzed with excitement on Saturday as hundreds of hopefuls gathered for the much-anticipated Harry Styles lookalike contest. This quirky event, inspired by similar competitions featuring celebrity doppelgangers, aimed to celebrate the beloved pop star and offered fans the chance to enjoy some lighthearted fun.
Among the attendees were numerous men with curly locks, patterned sweaters, and flashy outfits, all vying for the title of the best Harry Styles lookalike. Each participant aimed to channel the essence of the One Direction heartthrob through their homage, hoping to win the coveted cash prize of £50.
Organized by journalist Katrina Mirpuri, the contest was her response to the growing trend of celebrity lookalike competitions inspired by events held previously for stars like Timothée Chalamet and Paul Mescal. Mirpuri highlighted her motivation, stating, "He’s a bit of a London legend. He’s always out on his Lime bike, and he lives in London, so it just felt right to choose him, and he’s not too hard to impersonate. But also, everyone can kind of have their fun dressing up as him." With 13 contestants and specialized categories like best hair and best dressed, the event promised excitement from the start.
Among the participants, Oscar Journeaux, 22, emerged as the crowd favorite, winning the title of best lookalike. Dressed impeccably in a brown leather jacket, scarf, and sporting tousled hair reminiscent of Styles’ own style, he beamed with pride as he claimed his prize. Other notable contestants included Mitch, who placed as runner-up, and Robert, the recipient of the most stylish award for his structured blazer and trendy look.
While many attendees put considerable effort and creativity—some dressed to the nines in outfits reflective of Harry’s iconic wardrobe—there were some notable gaps between the lookalikes and the original pop star. Social media buzzed with laughter and lighthearted critiques, with several users poking fun at the resemblance. One X user quipped, "None of them even look like him; girl, that's all Harry Styles from Temu!"—a humorous nod to the imitation of inexpensive lookalike products often found online.
The event drew cheers and applause for the best efforts of the doppelgangers, but it also faced playful jabs from the audience. While some spectators appreciated the effort, others questioned the likeness, with comments on social media like "Who's the blonde f—k?? HOW IS THAT HARRY STYLES?" and calls for contestants to familiarize themselves with Styles' iconic image before participating.
Despite the jestful critiques, the atmosphere at Soho Square remained vibrant and jubilant. Fans chatted eagerly about Styles’ fashion choices, iconic hairstyles, and his widely publicized antics, creating a community environment of shared admiration for the pop star. One contestant managed to grab attention by filming himself onstage, mimicking Harry's famous gestures, including the classic peace sign, which left the audience enthralled.
Mirpuri emphasized the fun nature of the contest, expressing her satisfaction with the turnout and atmosphere. She playfully warned the audience against unruly behavior, saying, "We have zero tolerance for nastiness. My mum is here and she’ll tell you off if you start being nasty." This sentiment seemed fitting for such lighthearted fun, where the goal was more about celebration and community rather than serious competition.
The contest not only celebrated Harry Styles as a cultural icon but also provided spectators with laughter and entertainment—a perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon. With the engagement across social media platforms highlighting the playful spirit of the event, it’s no wonder we’ve seen such occasions popping up around the globe. With participants and fans radiantly sharing their experiences, the Harry Styles lookalike contest proved once again how much fun can be had when creative impersonations bring people together.
