The 2023 Met Gala was always destined to be a grand homage to the late Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic designer who helmed Chanel for decades. Guests were tasked with interpreting Lagerfeld’s legacy, and while many arrived in classic Chanel chic, it was the feline-inspired looks that truly captured the imagination – with Doja Cat leading the pack in a truly unforgettable way. For a night dedicated to a man synonymous with his beloved cat Choupette, the red carpet became a playful yet glamorous parade of cat references, and no one embraced the theme quite like the rapper Doja Cat.
While tributes to Karl Lagerfeld’s designs were abundant, the unexpected star of the Met Gala’s red carpet was arguably his famous feline companion, Choupette. The cat, who even issued an Instagram apology for not attending the event herself, was clearly there in spirit, inspiring a wave of creative and sometimes whimsical interpretations. Among the attendees channeling their inner cat, Doja Cat’s commitment to the theme was undeniable and instantly iconic.
Long before the Met Gala, the anticipation was building around how celebrities would honor Lagerfeld. His signature style – the dark sunglasses, the white ponytail, the sharp suits – was ripe for interpretation. However, Lagerfeld’s image was also inextricably linked to Choupette, his pampered Birman cat who enjoyed a life of luxury and fame. This feline connection provided a unique and playful angle for Met Gala attendees, and many embraced it wholeheartedly, moving beyond simple fashion tributes to embody the very essence of Lagerfeld’s world.
Doja Cat’s Cat-tivating Red Carpet Moment
Doja Cat, whose stage name itself is a nod to the feline world, seemed destined to deliver a memorable cat-themed look. And she did not disappoint. Stepping onto the red carpet, Doja Cat was transformed into a glamorous, sparkling cat creature. Her Oscar de la Renta gown was a shimmering silver masterpiece, complete with pointed cat ears integrated into the hood. But the true pièce de résistance was her facial prosthetics, meticulously applied to give her distinctly feline features – a subtle yet striking transformation that blurred the lines between human and cat.
The gown itself was a study in Met Gala drama, featuring a sweeping ruffled train that added to the overall theatricality of her entrance. Paired with dazzling jewelry, Doja Cat’s ensemble was not just a costume, but a high-fashion interpretation of the theme. It was playful, respectful of Lagerfeld’s connection to Choupette, and undeniably chic. Fashion critics and fans alike immediately hailed her look as one of the most memorable and on-theme of the night. Doja Cat didn’t just wear a cat-inspired outfit; she embodied the feline spirit with confidence and high glamour.
More Feline Tributes: Jared Leto Goes Full Cat
While Doja Cat offered a high-fashion feline fantasy, Jared Leto took the cat theme to a completely different level of commitment. Known for his dramatic Met Gala appearances, Leto arrived completely disguised as Choupette herself. Donning a full, furry cat costume, Leto embraced the playful side of the theme with unmatched enthusiasm. The sheer audacity of his outfit ensured it was one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Leto’s full-bodied cat suit was instantly recognizable and generated a wave of reactions, from amusement to admiration for his dedication to the theme. While initially unrecognizable beneath the giant cat head, Leto eventually removed it to reveal himself, adding another layer of theatricality to his already outlandish entrance. His appearance underscored the Met Gala’s reputation for pushing fashion boundaries and embracing playful interpretations of its themes.
Lil Nas X also joined in the feline fun, though with a more avant-garde and sparkling approach. Covered head-to-toe in silver body paint and glittering Swarovski crystals, Lil Nas X presented a striking, almost robotic cat-like figure. His bejeweled eye mask included delicate beaded whiskers, another clear nod to Choupette. Adding performance to his look, Lil Nas X reportedly answered red carpet interview questions with meows and claw gestures, fully committing to his feline persona.
Janelle Monáe offered a more subtle, yet equally chic, feline tribute, accessorizing her striking black and white Thom Browne ensemble with a white leather quilted cat bag. This playful accessory, combined with her already dramatic and fashionable look, showcased how the cat theme could be incorporated in various ways, from overt costumes to elegant details.
Beyond the Cats: Lagerfeld Tributes and Red Carpet Highlights
While the feline-focused fashion moments stole considerable spotlight, the Met Gala remained, at its heart, a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s vast and influential career. Many attendees chose to honor him through more direct references to his designs and personal style.
Jeremy Pope made a powerful statement with a massive Balmain cape embroidered with a portrait of Lagerfeld. This visually stunning piece, requiring teams of seamstresses to create, served as a walking, breathing artwork that explicitly celebrated the designer himself.
Classic Chanel looks were also prominent, with actresses like Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman donning vintage Chanel gowns. Kidman’s pale pink, crystal-embellished dress was particularly poignant, as it was originally designed by Lagerfeld for a Chanel No. 5 commercial she starred in, representing a personal connection to the designer’s work.
Other standout looks included Jenna Ortega’s gothic-inspired ensemble, Florence Pugh’s dramatic headpiece and newly shaved head reveal, and Jordan Roth’s fan-inspired Schiaparelli creation, referencing another of Lagerfeld’s signature accessories. Even David Byrne’s unexpected bicycle and suit combination, while less overtly Lagerfeld-themed, offered a memorable and unique red carpet moment.
Doja Cat’s Enduring Impact: A Met Gala Feline Fashion Legacy
The Met Gala 2023 successfully honored Karl Lagerfeld’s multifaceted legacy, from his groundbreaking designs to his iconic personal brand, including his beloved cat Choupette. While the night was filled with stunning fashion moments, Doja Cat’s purr-fectly executed feline transformation stood out as a defining look. Her commitment to the theme, combined with high fashion glamour and undeniable star power, cemented her place in Met Gala history. Doja Cat didn’t just attend the Met Gala; she conquered it, leaving an unforgettable paw print on the red carpet and demonstrating the enduring appeal of feline inspiration in fashion.
