They say good things happen in threes, however we’re already expecting Doja Cat’s fourth appearance at the 2026 Met Gala to be a welcome exception to that rule. From her first attendance in 2023 to her meteoric rise to host committee member this year (plus Vogue’s April cover star) she has consistently been ahead-of-the-curve in the high-costume art spectacles that have taken hold of the event’s red carpet in recent years.
While many may shy away from being too bold at their first Met Gala, Doja Cat came out swinging. The 2023 theme was, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” understandably prompting many guests to pay homage to the late designer’s ready iconography. However, while many went for the theme’s more traditional route, wearing black, white, and plenty of tweed, Doja Cat’s look was a tad more…let’s say, method. That year she donned what we’re calling “Choupette demi-drag” as she conjured a striking resemblance to Lagerfeld’s treasured cat—a nominally appropriate reference—in full facial prosthetics and a custom glittering and hooded Oscar de la Renta gown, complete with sewn-on ears.
In contrast, Doja Cat’s 2024 look may have felt like a more toned-down option, but her once again unique approach to the theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” cemented her Met Gala best-dressed status. The evening’s sartorial performance began at The Mark Hotel (the favored, and very glitzy, get-ready spot of attendees), where she emerged on the mini red carpet wrapped in a terrycloth towel alongside Vetement’s designer Guram Gvasalia, the only teaser for her Met look being her dripping Pat McGrath eyeshadow. By the time she reached the Met steps, she had donned a floor-length Vetements wet look dress, reminiscent of a comfy sleeping shirt. Double points are warranted for her almost campy, hyper-literal approach two years in a row.
