Billy Porter plans to build his own fashion and beauty empire after launching his first make-up line

He told WWD: "Black Mona Lisa to me is ever-present. It's classic forever and doesn't go out of style. This is just Black Mona Lisa beyond the music.

"But I also want Black Mona Lisa clothes, shoes and cookware."

Billy went on to insist he hopes the brand can "free people" because there are "no rules" when it comes to make-up.

He added: "What I've learned from being out with my younger friends is that there are no letters; there are no rules. It's freeing and it's fun; it's authentic.

"This is my authentic self, and I didn't even know it. That's what I want this brand to be. I want it to free people, and to be whatever they want to be."

It comes after Billy previously admitted he's actually "an introvert" but has learned to be more outgoing because of his career, which has involved starring in shows in both the West End and on Broadway.

When asked what makes him smile, he told Town and Country magazine: "True kindness. You wouldn't know it but ... I'm an introvert.

"I know how to be an extrovert because my job requires it. But if you want to know the real me, I'm a home boy, I want to be with my friends. It's something that has shifted over the years; I think I started out as an extrovert as a young person."

The stage star went on to insist living and working in London for his role in a West End revival of Cabaret has been "really healing" experience for him.

He said: "My whole life is the greatest thing that ever happened. As a black gay man on this earth in this time. What's so great about London?

"I love the people, the architecture. I love how art is still for everyone, even though I know you guys are holding onto that concept by a thread.

"I love the fashion here, it is open and fun and not muted by masculine tropes. I also love the sex positivity in London - it is very healing to me."