By Mieka Strawhorn | TV | November 29, 2018 |
By Mieka Strawhorn | TV | November 29, 2018 |
Billy Porter is a lot of things. He’s an actor, currently starring as Pray Tell, the sharp-tongued MC on Ryan Murphy’s Pose, a role for which he was recently awarded Performance Of The Year for the Out 100. He’s a Tony award winning Broadway star, having made his Broadway debut in 1991 in Miss Saigon and going on to play roles in the 1994 revival of Grease (as Teen Angel, blowing my wig right off when I watched this clip of him on Jay Leno), Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors, Angels in America, and dozens more to boot. Speaking of boots, he originated the role of Lola in Kinky Boots for which he won a Tony. Billy’s also a playwright and a recording artist. But you can stand on any street corner in New York or LA and hit one, if not all of those, in single lob. The thing that Billy Porter is that you don’t find too often these days is a mother fucking dandy. And I mean that in the best possible way. Just take a look at the ensemble he wore last night as he performed at the Christmas at Rockefeller show.
I mean it’s the lid (Billy Porter loves to rock a lid), the spotless satin gloves, the knit on knit on knit, and all in white so bright the front row probably had to wear shades. It’s rakish, audacious, unexpected and wildly impractical. That’s because it’s fashion, dahling! And when it comes to fashion, Billy does not come to play. Or rather, he does, and that’s what makes it so much fun.
Masculine, feminine, chic, sporty, sophisticated and funky; Billy calls those Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, who knows what could happen!
Who else is putting together pinstripe culottes with a Lanvin feather brooch?
How about windshield sized sunnies, a silk blouse you were going to buy for your mom until you looked at the pricetag, and a scarf that’s worth the trip to Paris.
Excuse me, did you say something? It better have been a compliment.
Ever wonder what would happen if famed pimp Fillmore Slim and famed pimp Hugh Hefner had a baby? Well, wonder no more.
Even when it’s wrong, Billy’s rakish panache will have you believing it’s right.
Billy calls this one “a sensible gender bendy moment” because in Billy’s world, a studded tunic with a Curious George twist makes perfect sense!
Pappa Pope will hear your confessions now.
Think Billy can’t pull off bulky a statement piece? Poncho, please!
No matter what’s on the menu, with Billy you always know you’re going to be getting a triple serving of face for dessert.
And please don’t let the threads fool you. Underneath it all, Billy is the zaddy of your dreams.
This ugly world could use a few more dandies like Billy. My soul is refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated each time I see Billy rocking a new ensemble. And I am thankful that Billy’s moment has arrived, 30 years late, and right on time.