Billy Porter shuts down Met Gala 2019 red carpet with a dazzling entrance

Performer Billy Porter's 2019 Met Gala entrance was nothing short of astonishing – the Kinky Boots actor was carried in on a litter via six shirtless men, resplendent in gold.

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Once on the ground, the Pose star dazzled the crowds in a one-piece by The Blonds, spreading his 10-foot golden wings in the ultimate camp performance. He also wore a 24-karat gold headpiece, gold-leaf Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and jewelry by Andreoli and Oscar Heyman.

Billy Porter arrives dressed as a pharaoh

Before the gala, Porter spoke with Vogue about his look for the Met Gala. “Camp is often used as a pejorative,” Porter said. “What I love about having it at the Met Gala, and contextualizing camp, is it brings honor to a word and genre that can be discounted very often, or thought of as cheesy. When it’s done properly, it’s one of the highest forms of fashion and art.”

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After seeing The Blonds (made up of Phillipe Blond and David Blond) at Fall Fashion Week in New York, he decided they would be perfect for helping him interpret ‘camp.’ “It’s true modern-day camp,” he told Vogue of The Blonds. “They just are so good—the glitz and the glamour and the capes and bustiers!”

The Blonds took their time creating the look. “Each piece took several months to create,” said David. “Customized for Billy, the catsuit was embellished by hand... with a mix of Preciosa crystals and chain fringe, as well as gold bugle beads. This is meant to emulate the rays of the sun as they catch and move the light.”

Apparently, Ryan Murphy, the creator of Pose, was the inspiration behind the full look, as he suggested Porter attempt an ode to Diana Ross in 1975’s Mahogany. “I was like, ‘Okay, calm down,’” Porter said.

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In collaboration with his stylist Sam Ratelle, Porter decided on a version of Ross’ Ancient-Egypt-inspired look, with a touch of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra and Bob Mackie’s Cher looks.

As a Met Gala first-timer, Porter really soared. “Coming from the theatre and being flamboyant and campy my whole life, it was a breathe of fresh air to have this focus on the genre,” Porter told Vogue. “It’s what I do.”