It’s become clear that Billy Porter is a master of owning every single red carpet he steps on, whether it’s the Met Gala or the Golden Globes. Now, with his latest appearance on the runway, Porter is letting fans know exactly how he’s thinking about his fashion for 2020.
On Monday (Jan. 13), Porter posted a series of photos on his Instagram from his red carpet appearance at the Critics’ Choice Awards on Sunday night (Jan. 12). The star walked the carpet wearing a custom-made Hogan McLaughlin jumpsuit. The strapless, pale green faille jumpsuit was accessorized with a series of silver jewelry by Lynn Ban, and handpainted, temporary butterfly tattoos by Anna Bernabe across his chest, arms and back.
In his post, Porter called his look “Fashion Gumby Butterfly Realness,” and spoke to the importance of the butterflies painted across his body, which he says were a reference to the transgender community. “The hand-painted butterfly tattoos … continue my theme for 2020, which is being released from the bondage of masculinity and flying free,” he wrote. “Just like the beautiful ladies from [Pose], we are often born into one stage of life and then cocoon into an incubation of self-discovery, transformation, and acceptance, ultimately being released into freedom as beautiful creatures.”
Porter was attending the ceremony as a nominee for best actor in a drama series on Pose, along with supporting the show in its nomination for best drama series, and co-star Mj Rodriguez for her nomination for best actress in a drama series. Porter lost out on the award to Succession star Jeremy Strong.
Check out Porter’s full Instagram post on his stunning red carpet look below: