"When you come to the Oscars, you must dress up," "Pose" star Billy Porter wrote on Instagram about his standout look at the 2019 Oscars.
Porter's iconic Christian Siriano tuxedo dress was one of the most talked about looks on the red carpet at this year's Academy Awards.
He literally made jaws drop, and even actress Glenn Close gave him an amazing look of approval that has since went viral.
In an interview with Vogue magazine, Porter elaborated on his red carpet fashion statement.
"I’ve always wanted to wear a ball gown, I just didn’t know when," he said. "I was inspired [this past New York Fashion Week] because there's a conversation happening about inclusion and diversity. There were so many people of different races and voices."
There was a theory from Twitter user @villa_cobos that Porter's Oscars look pays homage to Grandfather Hector Xtravaganza of the House of Xtravaganza who was known as a "ballroom icon."
A side-by-side split of both men was shared on social media that shows the similarity in both looks.
In his Vogue interview, Porter said his fashion choices are "deeply personal."
"When you’re black and you’re gay, one’s masculinity is in question," he said. "I dealt with a lot of homophobia in relation to my clothing choices. [Even] when I had my first working contract at A&M Records, I was silent for a long time. I was trying to fit into what other people felt I should look like."
"People are going to be really uncomfortable with my black a** in a ball gown -- but it’s not anybody’s business but mine," he told Vogue.
Whether your love Porter's fashion or not, let's take a walk down memory lane to see how Porter's style has evolved through the years. Shall we?
2019
This has been quite the breakout year for Porter and his fashion sense. He is clearly having a moment.
2018
He wore red suits, pink furs, and cool specs.
2017
What's not to love here?
