Pop culture and iconic fashion statements often go hand-in-hand. From Cher’s extravagant Bob Mackie headpieces to Lady Gaga’s unforgettable meat dress, these moments become etched in fashion history. Adding to this legacy, Doja Cat, known for her bold and internet-breaking style, recently stunned the world with a red crystallized couture ensemble during Paris Fashion Week. This “Doja Cat Dress” moment wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a meticulously crafted spectacle that went viral, proving Doja Cat’s undeniable influence in the digital age.
Doja Cat’s career trajectory has been significantly shaped by her ability to capture the internet’s attention. Her initial rise to fame with the satirical song “Mooo!” demonstrated her innate understanding of online culture and viral content. This connection to the internet isn’t merely a constructed persona; it’s an authentic aspect of her identity, making her fashion choices even more resonant with online audiences.
While intentionally “breaking the internet” might not always be Doja Cat’s primary goal, her team, including stylist Brett Alan Nelson, possesses a keen sense for what will resonate. Nelson revealed to WWD, “We knew when we got the Schiaparelli sketch that it was going to be a crazy viral moment.” This foresight proved accurate, as the “doja cat dress” ignited a global conversation and became a trending topic across social media platforms.
The Schiaparelli creation, envisioned by creative director Daniel Roseberry, was a dream collaboration for Nelson. He expressed his admiration for Roseberry’s artistic vision, stating, “Since Daniel took over at Schiaparelli, I’ve been so obsessed with his brain and what he does, and the beautiful art that he brought back to fashion.” Roseberry, since joining Schiaparelli in 2019, has successfully channeled the surrealist spirit of Elsa Schiaparelli, the brand’s namesake, into modern, attention-grabbing designs. His signature style, featuring elements like gilded brass masks and faux animal heads, perfectly aligns with Doja Cat’s penchant for the avant-garde.
The custom “doja cat dress” designed by Roseberry featured a strapless silk bustier and a pencil skirt, both entirely handsewn with wooden beads. Remarkably, the skirt was crafted in just 48 hours, highlighting the speed and dedication behind this high-fashion endeavor. Nelson recounted the initial design process, “We got a one-page sketch that had her fully red. Then there was an image on the second page that was like this Greek statue covered in crystals. When [Doja Cat] saw it, she was like ‘Done, let’s go.’”
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 23: Doja Cat is seen during the Paris Fashion Week – Haute Couture Sring Summer 2023 on January 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
The transformation of Doja Cat into a “living, breathing work of art” was brought to life by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath. McGrath and her team of eight assistants dedicated five hours to meticulously apply 30,000 scarlet Swarovski crystals all over Doja Cat’s body. In an email, McGrath explained the collaborative vision, “The idea to cover Doja Cat in a cascade of crystals was a collaborative effort between Daniel Roseberry and myself. We were all drawn to the concept of a living, breathing work of art — shimmering with each step like a priceless gem.”
Despite McGrath’s extensive experience in runway makeup for renowned designers, the “doja cat dress” look presented unique challenges. “The most difficult part was ensuring each stone was placed perfectly and held its place, while still allowing Doja freedom of movement,” McGrath detailed. She likened the process to “painting on a canvas that breathes and dances,” emphasizing the delicate balance required between artistic vision and practical comfort.
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 23: Doja Cat is seen wearing a full red glittery Look ,long dress and earrings outside Schiaparelli show, during the Paris Fashion Week – Haute Couture Sring Summer 2023 on January 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Even while managing a cold, Doja Cat remained engaged and positive throughout the demanding makeup process. McGrath praised her client’s “patient and joyful spirit” and even commended her musical taste, noting, “She DJ’d the entire time and has one of the best playlists I’ve ever heard.” This collaborative and positive atmosphere contributed to the overall success of the “doja cat dress” reveal.
The pressure to deliver a momentous fashion statement was felt by the entire team. Nelson admitted, “It was very stressful making sure that this moment was as big as we all wanted it to be.” However, as they arrived at Le Petit Palais, the reaction confirmed their success. Nelson described the scene as “a mixture of people’s jaws on the ground, people laughing and people ‘ahhing’ because it was such a spectacle.”
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 23: Doja Cat attends the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)
The viral reception of the “doja cat dress” was profoundly gratifying for McGrath. Her Instagram post showcasing the Schiaparelli ensemble garnered nearly 100,000 likes, underscoring the look’s widespread appeal. McGrath attributes its success to its audacious nature and Doja Cat’s captivating personality. “It’s a gleaming testament to the power of unabashed expression and the allure of the unexpected,” McGrath concluded. The “doja cat dress” at Paris Fashion Week was more than just clothing; it was a performance, a collaboration, and a powerful example of how celebrity fashion can capture the global imagination in the digital age.
