The 2023 Met Gala was overrun by catgirls and boys

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The 2023 Met Gala is currently underway, with celebrities and fashion industry insiders gathering in New York to compete for the title of Most Ostentatious Getup. And also to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I guess.

This year’s Met Gala theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” in honour of the late German fashion designer who passed away in 2019. During his 60-year career, Lagerfeld became the creative director of prominent fashion houses such as Chanel and Fendi, and eventually established his own label. 

He was also accused of making fatphobic, racist, and misogynistic comments before his death, making this year’s Met Gala theme not without controversy.

Most Met Gala guests dressed in Lagerfeld’s signature black and white, adding pops of pink and red as well. However, some preferred to be slightly more adventurous with the theme, opting instead for costumes paying tribute to Lagerfeld’s beloved cat Choupette.

Choupette is a 11-year-old Birman cat who has had a Twitter parody fan account for over a decade, grew accustomed to being pampered and attended to by maids, and was left a sizable fortune in Lagerfeld’s will. Also, Lagerfeld said he’d marry his cat if it were legal.

Considering Lagerfeld’s outsized affection for his feline companion, it’s unsurprising that some Met Gala attendees turned to the famous cat for outfit inspiration. Results varied.

Doja Cat becomes Choupette Cat.
Credit: Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images

Lil Nas X went full Glamour Cat.
Credit: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

Janelle Monáe accessorised with a cat bag.
Credit: Cindy Ord / MG23 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue

Chloe Fineman’s Choupette tribute was more subtle. (Again, check the bag.)
Credit: Kevin Mazur / MG23 / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue

And yes, naturally Jared Leto did something unhinged: Arrived not in a ‘fit, but in a fursuit.

That’s Jared Leto in the fursuit.
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue

At least the Met Gala’s most enduring meme, “Jason deRulo” singer Jason deRulo, wasn’t there. Nothing good happens when you mix Jason deRulo with cats.