Billy Porter, the star of “Kinky Boots” and “Pose," is a fashion force to be reckoned with, and he's had more than a few showstopping style moments.
Porter has worn incredible red carpet looks for quite some time, but he truly set the internet ablaze at the 2019 Oscars by wearing a custom velvet tuxedo gown designed by Christian Siriano.
But it wasn’t just a fashion choice; it was also a chance to open up a dialogue around self-love and inclusivity.
“(At the first gown fitting,) I felt alive. I felt free. And open, and radiant. And beautiful! Which has not always been the case for me. I haven’t always felt so good about myself. It really is astonishing how much of an effect clothes have on your spirit,” Porter said of the feminine-meets-masculine look in an interview with Vogue.
Since then, the style star has been showing off his sartorial sense at one event after another.
At the 2020 Grammy Awards, Porter arrived on the red carpet looking whimsical as ever with a blue crystal jumpsuit adorned with silver fringe, complete with a hat that had a curtain of fringe that actually opened and closed. The drama!
We simply can't get enough of the 50-year-old's statement-making style and, lucky for us, he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. In honor of his contribution to awards season, we're recapping some of Porter's standout red carpet looks.
See Billy Porter’s extravagant styles:
2020
The actor kicked 2020 off right in a floral cape (complete with a bee pin), white hat, red pants and matching platforms.
At the Critics' Choice Awards, Porter strutted his stuff in a two-toned strapless gown that had us feeling green with envy.
The style star was a vision in white at the 2020 Golden Globes. We still can't decide what we loved more: His studded tuxedo and matching boots or that full-length feather train.
2019
Fun with prints! Porter showed his wild side in a printed kimono and contrasting slacks. He rounded out the look with a satin white blouse, black hat and pointy shoes.
The trendsetter sported an orange sports jacket, wide-legged navy shorts, and black and white shoes dress shoes to the 2019 World AIDS Day Concert.
In November 2019, the actor hit the American Music Awards red carpet in a statement white cape and patterned hat and shoes.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Porter at the 2019 Met Gala! The performer looked dazzling in a metallic bodysuit complete with matching gold wings and shoes.
From his glasses and earrings to that incredible bolero, Porter was dripping in pearls at New York Fashion Week. His white leather boots added the finishing touch.
In January 2019, the Golden Globes nominee dazzled onlookers in a suit with floral embroidering and a matching, fuchsia-lined cape created by Randi Rahm. He completed the look with a pair of leopard-print loafers.
Porter was solid gold (or at least close to it) in a monochromatic suit paired with a black undershirt, boots and a wide-brim hat at a celebration held in New York.
At the 24th Annual Critics' Choice Awards, Porter wrapped his brown silk tuxedo up with a giant, caramel-colored bow, leaving the rest of his look fairly minimalist.
The stylish star repurposed his glorious gold blazer at the 19th Annual AFI Awards, pairing it with a yellow gown and a patterned head wrap.
2018
The “Pose” star struck his own photo-worthy stance in a red velvet suit and wide-brim hat, complete with a colorful sash at the waist at a live event for The Trevor Project.
Porter had a plaid moment in a matching blazer and kilt paired with leather leggings and platform boots at a screening for “Notes From the Field.”
The actor paid tribute to music on television at a gala hosted by The Paley Center in a silky blazer and cropped pant ensemble.
Porter commanded respect in a bright mustard-colored hat, a studded dress and wide-legged pants at the GLSEN Respect Awards.
The actor’s wide-brim hat appeared for a second act, this time complete with a tie-dye blazer and what appear to be cropped leather pants at a celebration for the revival of "The Boys in the Band."
2015
Mix and match! The Broadway performer played with patterns in a striped shirt-and-pants combo and a leopard-print hat at The Lilly Awards in New York City.
This story was originally published Feb. 27, 2019.
