I Cannot Get Over Billy Porter’s Motorized Fringed Hat at the Grammys

Photo credit: Santiago Felipe - Getty Images
Photo credit: Santiago Felipe - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

  • Billy Porter stunned on the Grammys red carpet wearing a Baja East ensemble featuring a motorized fringed hat that opens to reveal his face.

  • Billy’s stylist Sam Ratelle held a clicker that controls this function whenever Billy gives him a signal.


Billy Porter has made his appearance at the Grammy awards tonight, and if you were thinking, How could he possibly top his tuxedo dress at the Oscars? His white feather train at the Golden Globes? His statement hat and striped suit at the Emmys? then feast your eyes on this incredible blue look designed by Baja East.

Photo credit: Amy Sussman - Getty Images
Photo credit: Amy Sussman - Getty Images

You have rhinestones! Fringe! A spider bracelet! (Zoom in.) But, of course, the pièce de résistance of the entire ensemble is the epic fringed hat that is REMOTE CONTROLLED.

Because why hide a beautiful face and perfect cat-eye makeup like that behind a bunch of crystals, right? In an interview on the red carpet with E!, his stylist Sam Ratelle revealed that he is carrying a remote control that allows the hat to open whenever Billy gives him a signal. Freaking genius.

Photo credit: Frazer Harrison - Getty Images
Photo credit: Frazer Harrison - Getty Images

Naturally, the people have spoken and everyone (read: Twitter) is OBSESSED.

Billy and his stylist worked with Baja East designer Scott Studenberg and milliner Sarah Sokol to create the motorized crystal curtain. And apparently, none other than Billie Eilish inspired this hat look. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Ratelle said:

“Billy and Billie Eillish had a beautiful moment on the red carpet at the [American Music Awards] where they both gushed over each other’s hats. Billie was wearing a Victorian-inspired beekeeper bonnet with netting covering her face. After the event, Billy jokingly told me he loved her look but after 30 years of working his way to Hollywood, ‘Y’all are gonna see my face!’”

And damn, did he follow through on THAT.

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