Legendary outfits
Like Billy Porter with a dress became the “changing political message”
Smoking above, rock: Billy Porter surprised with his look at the 2019 Oscars. But the focus was not on the look of the outfit, but the message.
Of course, the Oscars are primarily concerned with acting and the question: Who clears up what price? But the outfits of the nominees and guests are also the focus of the event year after year. In 2019, a look was mainly remembered: the tuxedo dress by actor and singer Billy Porter.
At that time, Porter went over the red carpet with his husband Adam Smith and wore a lush tuxedo dress from designer Christian Siriano. And for a good reason: Porter had visited his show during the New York Fashion Week and was immediately enthusiastic about the concept: “He was the first person to understand that everyone wears-not only Size Zeros. He has become a contact for all Hollywood women who are rejected by the fashion industry,” said the “pose” star towards the “Vogue”. So Porter asked the designer for a dress – and Siriano agreed.
Billy Porter: The message behind his Oscar dress
And Billy Porter not only wanted an eye -catcher, but an outfit with a message: “We wanted to play with masculinity and femininity.” He consciously wanted to be “a man in a dress”. He also adhered to the well-known Hollywood rules (“White Tie”, i.e. a tailcoat suit for men and evening dress for women).
The American also knew that he would cause a stir despite the “classic look”: “People will feel uncomfortable to see my black butt in a ball gown – but nobody is concerned with me,” said Porter of the “Vogue”. With the fashionable creation, he wanted to be a “changing political message” and cleaned up with expectations and questions about masculinity. “Women wear pants every day, but in the minute in which a man wears a dress, opinions differ,” he said.
The Oscars are about films – but often fashion steals the show for them
Suddenly Queen: Lupita Nyong’o in 2014, as a crowning glory for the chiffon dress of Prada
© Karl Larsen / Infphoto / DDP Images.com
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As far as diversity is concerned, the industry still has a lot to learn, Porter explained. The actor had already caused a sensation with his look at the Golden Globes in 2019: he was wearing a pink-colored cape and played with outdated gender rolls. However, only the smoking dress at the Oscars really offered him freedom, he said: “I felt alive. I felt free. And open and radiant. And beautiful!”
MAF
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
