Billy Porter's hat on the Grammys red carpet has become a meme

27 January 2020, 16:58

Jazmin Duribe

By Jazmin Duribe

Leave it to Billy Porter to give us a 2020 Grammys meme.

We know when it comes to serving red carpet lewks, we can always rely on Billy Porter to come through with something original. So, of course the 2020 Grammy Awards on Sunday night (26 Jan) was the perfect opportunity for Billy to flex his fashion muscles once again.

The Emmy-winning actor rocked a peacock blue bedazzled outfit that consisted of a jumpsuit, bolero jacket and hat. Billy's jumpsuit featured flared trouser legs dripping in crystal fringing and he wore an equally bedazzled matching jacket over the top. The bling didn't stop there though, Billy added a crystal-encrusted clutch bag, choker and jewelled spider bracelet on his wrist.

READ MORE: Billy Porter's tuxedo dress on the Oscars red carpet has an amazing backstory

He finished the look with rhinestone platforms, blue eyeshadow and arguably the best hat we will ever see in our lives. The hat was made of the same fabric that Billy's jumpsuit was made from and featured the same jewelled fringing as his trousers going all the way around the brim. But, it wasn't any old fringing. The fringing moved mechanically like a motorised curtain and, honestly, it was iconic.

Billy Porter attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards
Billy Porter attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

It wasn't long until the internet turned Billy Porter's red carpet hat into a viral meme.

So relevant to our eating habits it hurts x

The flavour.

Sadly, can't relate.

We would probably blend right in, tbh.

The library is now open.

No.

We live for the drama.

Stay vigil.

...

Believe it or not, Billy's look was actually inspired by another fashionable Billy – Billie Eilish. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Billy's stylist Sam Ratelle and the hat's designer Scott Studenberg explained how the ensemble came to be. "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," Sam Ratelle revealed.

READ MORE: Billie Eilish's "beekeeper" AMAs look has inspired the best memes

"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!'"

Billie Eilish attends the 2019 American Music Awards
Billie Eilish attends the 2019 American Music Awards. Picture: Rich Fury/Getty Images

So instead of covering his face at all times, Billy opted to have the crystal curtain motorised. He added: "The crystal curtain stays open, unless you get on my nerves and then I can shut you right out!"