Billy Porter served not one, not two, but three iconic looks at the Oscars
Billy Porter’s three Oscars looks (Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for ABA)
Billy Porter is known for his ability to turn an iconic look with style, charm and creativity – and he did not disappoint at the Oscars.
No stranger to a quick costume change, the former Kinky Boots star turned out three entire looks over the course of the evening.
On the red carpet, Porter rocked a gold feathered outfit from English fashion designer Giles Deacon, accompanied by custom heels from Jimmy Choo.
Of the look, Porter tweeted: “Let the fashion games begin!”
Kensington Palace inspired Billy Porter’s red carpet look.
He explained to the New York Times that his look was “all about royalty”, with the pattern on his skirt extruded from the angles of the Cupola Room at Kensington Palace in London.
Porter’s stylist Sam Ratelle said that dressing a queer black man in the regal look drew parallels between the treatment of two former palace residents, Princess Diana and Meghan Markle.
Billy Porter attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 9, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
He said: “She wasn’t welcome, always. It’s happening again. If you’re not from that lineage, are you completely exempt from having anything fabulous?”
Of the skirt, he said: “I don’t see female energy… I see a dude wearing armour, wearing something that’s artistic and innately couture.”
Billy Porter opened the show with a flawless Elton John tribute.
It was hardly Porter’s only look of the evening, however.
The queer artist unveiled his second look as he went from being the centre of attention to the star of the show – with a Rocketman tribute alongside Janelle Monae, performing Elton John classic “I’m Still Standing”.
Billy Porter during his fitting for his the opening performance with Janelle Monae at the 92nd Academy Awards on February 9, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for ABA)
Porter’s look for the number was a clear tribute to Sir Elton himself, donning a red jumpsuit and gold coat – accompanied, of course, by some gloriously bejewelled heels and glasses.
Awkwardly, it was a better Elton John than actual Elton John.
Just one more thing…
You’d forgive him for calling it a night there, after nailing two stunning looks – but Porter still had one more look to turn out.
Porter had another costume change as he went to the Vanity Fair after-party, donning a purple feathered Christian Siriano outfit with a matching wide-brimmed hat that’s two parts regal to one part cowboy.
The look was accompanied by the pièce de résistance – a handbag created by These Pink Lips bearing the message “F**K U PAY ME!”
Billy Porter attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 9, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)
And with that, for another year, Billy Porter decisively won the whole damn Oscars. Sorry Renee Zellweger.
