"I wore my chest hair different": Bernadette Peters react to Cole Escola's tribute with Tony Awards 2025 gown

Cole Escola wore a custom Wiederhoeft blue Cinderella gown at the 2025 Tony Awards, which was inspired by Bernadette Peters's Tony Awards look to honor the American actress. Speaking with PEOPLE, Escola said,

"It's my favorite blue, I call it Cinderella blue"

Escola's off-the-shoulder strappy gown had embellishments all over and was paired with a lace-up corset for structure. A train was also attached to the dress for a fairytale vibe. Speaking to Reuters, Escola revealed that the look drew inspiration from Peters’s outfit at the 1999 Tony Awards.

While Cole Escola's look gained the attention of fans and media, Bernadette Peters also shared her own thoughts with PEOPLE about Escola's outfit by saying,

"I thought they looked absolutely lovely but when I wore it, I wore my chest hairs in a different pattern. But, more importantly, congratulations to Cole on the Tony!!"

Jackson Wiederhoeft gives details of Cole Escola's 2025 Tony Awards outfit

After the event, Wiederhoeft also shared Cole Escola's Tony Awards look and the details of the dress on their Instagram.

"Our sweet girl ran through Radio City in a custom Wiederhoeft corseted gown in pale blue taffeta, with skirt and drapery fully hand-embroidered with metallic blue glass cut beads. Featuring a cascading ornamental door motif in silver glass beads, faceted crystals, and tarnished metal sequins."

Additionally, Jackson Wiederhoeft, the designer of the Escola's outfit, told the press,

"Initially speaking about this look with David and Cole, we were really inspired by Bernadette Peters' look from the 1999 Tony Awards. We were all obsessed with the color and the medals on the front, a sense of fake naiveté."

He went on to add the details.

"We found ourselves inspired by additional themes of faded crypticism, false innocence, fightfulness, womanly age-hold historically feminine garments, queenly status and ancient doors."

The American comedian and actor won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for Oh, Mary!.

During the acceptance speech, Escola mentioned other nominees by adding,

"I want to thank the other nominees, George, Jon, Harry, Daniel and Louis. It's an honor to be in your company, and more than that, it's been a sincere pleasure spending time with you over these warm salads at all these lunches."

Escola continued,

"First of all, hi mom. I love you. I'll call you when I can"

Cole Escola made history as the first non-binary performer to win a Tony Award for a Leading Role in a Play.

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