Billy Porter's Oscar Look Has More Than One Connection to The Royal Family
Billy Porter, per usual, did not disappoint on Hollywood's biggest night.
The Pose actor has become known for his embrace of all things camp, all things gender-bending, and all things drama on the red carpet and beyond. At The Golden Globes, he stunned in a bridal-esque tuxedo with a detachable train of ostrich feathers; at the SAG's, he donned a ballgown with an architectural bodice, his body covered in butterflies. Tonight, his stylist Sam Ratelle told The New York Times, his look was inspired by the royals (and, aren't we all!?!)—namely, Kensington Palace, the royal residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte.
Ratelle toured Kensington Palace in 2019, and its grand halls, tapestries, and gilding inspired an idea for one of Porter's many custom looks. The Cupola room, a vast ballroom (between two other ballrooms) clad in mahogany and gilded moldings, most spoke to Ratelle—and he set out to find the best designer to collaborate with on a Kensington-inspired look for Porter. Ratelle turned to royal-favorite designer Giles Deacon, responsible for many a look for Kate Middleton and the bridal gown of her sister, Pippa, to create his regal vision. The result? A dare-we-say McQueen-esque bodice of golden feathers and a fresco-printed gathered, high-low skirt, paired with—what else?!—but buckled platform court shoes by Jimmy Choo.
There seemed no better night to debut the look than a night fit for Hollywood royalty, and Porter hit the red carpet first to quickly make his way to his Oscar pre-show hosting duties for ABC's red carpet coverage. When asked if this was yet another move on Porter's part to bend the rules of gender convention, Ratelle explained to The New York Times that he doesn't view this look, or Porter's others, as many view his red carpet choices. “I don’t see female energy,” Ratelle tells the Times. “I see a dude. I see a dude wearing armor, wearing something that’s artistic and innately couture.”
And, notes the Times, Couture is one realm Porter has yet to conquer. Perhaps this look, and the costume change he and Ratelle have planned—Porter's skirt will be shed to reveal similarly printed trousers for his pre-show hosting duties—will inspire the Couture ateliers to take notice.
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