Doja Cat Came to the 2023 Met Gala Dressed As, Well, a Literal Cat — See Photos
By Paige Stables
Doja Cat is never afraid to push boundaries, and her first appearance at the 2023 Met Gala was no exception. On Monday night, she is dressed as a literal cat for fashion's most glamorous night of the year. The look, which even features cat-like claws, is undoubtedly a tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld's famous feline, Choupette.
The rapper brought the glamour with bedazzled ears — attached to the hood of her custom Oscar de la Renta gown, hand-embroidered with 350,000 beads, plus a long train of feathers — and the purrr-fect kitten nose, sculpted and created by prosthetic artist Malina Stearns, for the grand occasion. If we didn't know any better, we would have thought it was Catwoman making an appearance.
The hyper-real transformation didn't stop there. Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas matched Doja Cat's temporary nose to her skin using Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation in shades 8 and 9 to create dimension. "I needed something that was oil-free and full coverage," Casillas says.
And it is only fitting that the look is complete with a strong cat eye. An intense line of black eyeliner (Casillas used Charlotte Tilbury Feline Flick in Panther) frames Doja Cat's top and lower lash lines and then extends into bold wings on both ends. For even more impact, Casillas says he "rimmed her waterline with Charlotte Tilbury Matte and Metallic Double Ended Eyeliner in Hollywood Exxagereyes for a super sexy, cat eye." With a look this fierce, Casillas didn't hesitate to reach for dramatic lashes as the finishing touch.
Maintaining the focus on the eyes, Casillas keeps the rest of Doja Cat's makeup understated. Matching the pink on the tip of her nose is a delicate touch of blush (Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush, to be exact) along her cheekbones, and a swipe of Pillow Talk Matte Revolution Lipstick on her lips.
Lastly, we must note the diamond smack dab in the center of Doja Cat's forehead. It couldn't be missed — and it won't be forgotten. Though Doja wasn't the only person to channel Choupette on the first Monday in May (we see you, Lil Nas X), her dazzling look will certainly stick with us the longest.
Discover more beauty inspiration from the Met Gala:
Discover more beauty inspiration from the Met Gala: