Billy Porter kicks off Oscars red carpet in velvet tuxedo gown

LOS ANGELES -- Billy Porter got the Oscars red carpet off to a fierce start.

Porter, who has made bold fashion statements at nearly every show this award season, stood tall and proud in a custom velvet tuxedo gown created by Christian Siriano. There was a bow tie, ruffle-cuff white shirt and classic tuxedo jacket on top paired with a strapless full-skirted gown in inky black.

Porter was also decked out in jewels from Oscar Heyman & Bros. He said he was styled by Sam Ratelle and credited Anna Bernabe for hair and makeup.

Nobody was more excited about Porter's bombshell ensemble than Siriano himself, who tweeted the look as soon as Porter hit the red carpet Sunday afternoon.

PHOTOS: Oscars 2019 carpet fashion; stars arrive at 91st Academy Awards

1 of 9

Lijana Wallenda and Nik Wallenda walk a high wire over Times Square during the Highwire Live In Times Square With Nik Wallenda on June 23, 2019, in New York City.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Dick Clark Productions

The Associated Press contributed to this report.