Doja Cat didn’t just attend the 2023 Met Gala; she owned it with a mesmerizing transformation that paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic feline companion, Choupette. Her commitment to the theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” was undeniable, stepping onto the red carpet in a head-to-toe Oscar de la Renta ensemble that reimagined feline elegance for the modern celebrity. Beyond the shimmering diamonds and delicate cat ears, Doja Cat’s look became instantly iconic, in part due to what we’re calling the Celebrity Cat Claw Pose, a subtle yet striking element of her overall presentation.
Her Oscar de la Renta gown was a masterclass in sophisticated sparkle, encrusted with diamonds that caught every flash of light. Cat ears, crafted from diamonds and seamlessly integrated into her hairstyle, added a playful yet luxurious touch. But the true genius of Doja Cat’s transformation lay in the details. Her makeup was meticulously executed, featuring a sharp cat-eye and a prosthetic nose that delicately altered her features, pushing her further into feline territory. And then there were the nails – long, curved extensions that mimicked cat claws, completing the metamorphosis.
Speaking with Vogue correspondent La La Anthony, Doja Cat, with a playfully affected nasal tone thanks to her prosthetic nose, simply stated, “I feel nice. I feel relaxed here.” This understated confidence only amplified the impact of her bold fashion statement.
Doja Cat has consistently demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries with her red carpet choices. She’s not afraid to experiment, to transform, and to make a statement that goes beyond simply wearing a beautiful dress. Her past ventures into avant-garde makeup, such as being completely covered in gold paint or adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals, have solidified her reputation as a true fashion chameleon. This Met Gala look, however, felt particularly refined, a perfect blend of high fashion and theatrical creativity.
Her makeup artist, Laurel Charleston, previously noted Doja Cat’s influence on beauty standards, stating, “I think our culture (is) shifting away from the rigorous confines of standard beauty.” Doja Cat embodies this shift, using fashion and makeup as tools for storytelling and self-expression, rather than adhering to conventional norms.
Even Doja Cat’s daring decision to shave her head and eyebrows in 2022 became another canvas for her artistic exploration. Instead of conforming to traditional beauty ideals, she embraced the unexpected, adorning her shaved head with intricate designs and colorful patterns. This fearlessness and constant reinvention are key to her appeal and influence in the fashion world.
Doja Cat’s Met Gala appearance was more than just a red carpet moment; it was a performance. Her celebrity cat claw pose, whether intentionally crafted or simply a natural extension of her feline-inspired look, added another layer to her already compelling presentation. It was a reminder that fashion can be playful, transformative, and deeply referential. In a night filled with tributes to Karl Lagerfeld, Doja Cat’s Choupette-inspired ensemble stood out as one of the most memorable and brilliantly executed, proving her status as a true iconoclast in the world of celebrity fashion.
