Billy Porter shuts down Oscars red carpet in velvet tuxedo gown
Billy Porter was not playing with his 2019 Oscar outfit.
The award-winning actor and musician showed up on the red carpet in a custom designed Christian Siriano gown that defines the meaning of fabulous. The bespoke creation features a tuxedo-like fitted top and a voluptuous, full skirt.
Naturally, social media lit up at the unexpected and refreshing look:
God decided to go to the #Oscars today!! #Oscars2019 #BillyPorter #TheOscars pic.twitter.com/N4tlJQxDPh
— Amir Ashour (@AmirLemina) February 24, 2019
Me going to my prom, my wedding and my funeral at the same time. #Oscars #BillyPorter #Oscar2019 pic.twitter.com/XtIW7H7gmk
— cosita (@GheraldTaylor) February 24, 2019
In the name of Cher, our daughter Britney and the Holy Miley @theebillyporter just set the bar for the #OscarsRedCarpet with a bold tuxedo gown that is simply stunning! 👏👏👏👏 #Oscars2019 #AcademyAwards #Oscars #BillyPorter pic.twitter.com/HO7jkhKzah
— Michael Dean Shelton (@michaeldean0116) February 24, 2019
Porter opened up to Vogue about how he uses his fashion as a tool for self-expression.
“My goal is to be a walking piece of political art every time I show up,” he said. “To challenge expectations. What is masculinity? What does that mean? Women show up every day in pants, but the minute a man wears a dress, the seas part.”
As for his pairing with designer Christian Sirano, Porter said he was totally on board.
“We wanted to play between the masculine and the feminine,” he continued. “This look was interesting because it’s not drag. I’m not a drag queen, I’m a man in a dress.”
“People are going to be really uncomfortable with my black ass in a ball gown—but it’s not anybody’s business but mine.”
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