While we ended our general red carpet coverage last week, there was one red carpet look so stunning, so breathtaking, so exciting that special attention must be paid. Yes, I am talking about the Billy Porter of it all.
I have thrown the word flawless around here in the past but I think perhaps I didn't truly grasp the meaning of the word until this masterpiece of a look hit the red carpet at the Oscars this year. It's a look, a lewk, a looq... it's a moment. The second this image hit my retinas I knew I would remember it forever (but in the opposite way of, say, Demi Moore's bike shorts).
For starters, it is just so THRILLING to see a giant ballgown explode from the bottom of a tux. It's honestly like candy to my brain. Once your brain gets past the initial thrill, it's a feat of tailoring. Billy Porter is cinched to high heaven, truly perfecting the silhouette. Christian Siriano gives us ruffled sleeves that maybe are along the lines of what Adam Lambert was trying to do with those uncuffed disgraces? And let's talk bow tie. Obviously I've been the bow tie regulation bureau all awards season, so hear me out: this is perfect. Yes, it's large. If this was a traditional tux, especially the slim fit that we're used to seeing this year, it would look comically large. But with this design, the size of the tie perfectly balances the bottom. Proportionizing at its best.
It has been documented that one of the inspirations for this look is Hector Xtravaganza's ballgown tux.
What actually is better than a showstopping fashion moment with purpose?! Hector Xtravaganza was an icon and legend and the world is colder without his beauty. What a lovely tribute.
Billy Porter said in a Vogue interview about this moment, "I felt alive. I felt free. And open, and radiant. And beautiful!" All of that comes across in every photo. This was an all-time look. If I ever lose my memories, please universe let me keep this outfit burned in my brain.
There isn't much more to say and what there is left to say Glenn Close communicated in one iconic reaction:
In short, we are not worthy.
A brief announcement before we do our final rundown for the Oscars: there is more content yet to come! I am planning two spotlight posts next week highlighting a couple of looks that transcend our categories here and demand the attention and respect of separate discussions. Please stay tuned for the two biggest red carpet events from Sunday - Billy Porter and Selma Blair.
But before we get there, let's wrap it up with some real WTF-ery, shall we? We shall.
THE WTF
Spike Lee!
Many people definitely beat me to this joke (including the inimitable R. Eric Thomas) but that is Stan Shunpike x Night of the Hunter cosplay.
Adam Lambert!
A choice was made about these cuffs and it is neither good nor fashion-forward.
Cicely Tyson!
Wow, this Cicely Tyson chia pet is really working out great.
Terry Crews (seen here with Rebecca King-Crews)!
I guess someone had to wear a harness. Can we be done with this trend now? SO BORED.
Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet!
THAT
IS
A
SCRUNCHIE.
This 90s renaissance is tough on my anxiety.
Jenifer Lewis!
The legend herself in an absolutely bonkers bedazzled bronze lamé ensemble. We are not worthy.
Chadwick Boseman!
I could be wrong but I am pretty sure a cravat is not intended to touch your knees.
Pharrell Williams (seen here with Helen Lasichanh)!
No one (other than Maya Rudolph) commits to a bit as firmly as Pharrell. But the socks are truly testing me.
Diane Warren!
OH-KAY. This ... wow. Okay. The question I posed to my viewing companions was: is that a dicky under her necklace? It was decided that it is both dicky and necklace and has been dubbed a dicklace (pronounced "dick-liss").
Which reminds me: one time in college I auditioned for a role I really wanted in a play. The line I was supposed to say in my audition was "I want it to be zipless, Dick." I'll bet you can guess what I said instead. Obviously I did not get cast in that play. And now, almost 20 years later, I blame Diane Warren.
