The Grammy Awards

Billy Porter

Mechanical, Wearables, Wireless
“The hat that inspired a thousand memes.”



In this collaboration with milliner Sarah Sokol, we built a radio-controlled mechanical hat for Billy Porter’s 2020 Grammy Awards red carpet look. This hat depended on a seamless integration of electronics, mechanics, and style… and, of course, shade.



Style & Creative Direction: sam ratelle

Custom Hat: Sarah Sokol

Custom Look: Baja East

Grooming: nelli christine

Styling Assistants: Ashley Marie, alexandra bucokova, @ashleydai1

Jewelry: Alexis Bittar

Custom Bag: judith leiber

Boots: coach

Crystalization: a morir

Crystals: preciosa components

Nails: Vanessa Sanchez McCullough

Photography: Santiago Felipe

A version of this hat is on permanent display at Madame Tussauds New York.