Billy Porter Literally Wore the "Kinky Boots" Curtain to the Tonys Red Carpet
Billy Porter didn't just attend this year's Tony Awards: He utterly slayed the red carpet.
The Pose star and outspoken LGBTQ activist donned a show-stopping custom red and pink ensemble, topping off his look with rhinestoned accessories galore. But wait, it gets better. The 'fit in question, a Celestino original, was crafted almost entirely from the theatrical curtain used during the Tony Award-winning run of Kinky Boots on Broadway.
And, the colorful overskirt was specifically designed to resemble a uterus as a nod to the ongoing fight for reproductive justice around the country.
In a press statement, Porter's stylist Sam Ratelle (pictured above right) said as soon as the gifted curtain was on the table, he knew it would be put to good use for a custom gown on the red carpet. "We’re beyond thrilled with the stunning and overtly political garment that Celestino and all of the designers created," Ratelle added.
Sergio “Celestino” Guadarrama, the mastermind behind the #lewk, was also honored to outfit a celebrity and activist like Porter, who "brilliantly uses his platform to help empower people in marginalized groups."
Oh, did we mention Porter's custom Swarovski pumps? Because that was a thing, too.
"As a company, we stand for all of the things Billy Porter represents," Guadarrama said. "In today’s world, it is difficult to find people who align with our beliefs, which include being sustainable to better this world while also spreading love, kindness, and equality.”
Not too shabby for a legend like Porter, who fully brought the house down with a performance of "Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from Gypsy alongside the show's host James Corden. (As Vanity Fair reports, Porter's performance occurred during a commercial break, so it wasn't televised. Luckily for us plebeians, some thoughtful Tony goers caught snippets on camera.)
Browse more photos of Porter's incredible look—including some amazing behind-the-scenes shots—below.