Doja Cat’s recent and controversial appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, themed “Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion,” has undoubtedly cemented her status as the reigning pop fashion icon of our generation. Whether you adore or abhor her looks, there’s no denying their audacity and meticulous craftsmanship. They ignite conversations and captivate the fashion world.
The Evolution of a Fashion Maverick
Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known to the world as Doja Cat, burst onto the music scene at seventeen, signing with Kemosabe and RCA Records in 2013. Although she had been honing her singing and dancing skills from a young age, her journey to fame began on Soundcloud. Her early fashion choices, though not as avant-garde as today, hinted at her willingness to experiment. Success, as they say, is often built on a foundation of daring failures.
In the nascent stages of her career, Doja Cat remained a relatively obscure figure, which granted her the liberty to explore and cultivate her unique style. An avid netizen, her sartorial choices drew heavily from internet culture and humor. Platforms like Tumblr and TikTok became breeding grounds for alternative subcultures and niche communities. One of the most prominent digital fashion trends of 2019 was the E-girl aesthetic—characterized by bold eyeliner, vibrant hair, and statement pieces. Doja was at the forefront of this movement, infusing it with her signature blend of humor and sensuality.
From Viral Sensation to Fashion Phenomenon
Doja Cat’s parody song “MOOO!” went viral in 2018, not just for its catchy tune but for its sheer absurdity. Despite its spontaneous creation during a livestream, the song underscored her immense talent and potential. Her albums “Amala” and “Hot Pink” further solidified her pop prowess. The music videos from these eras showcased playful costumes with BDSM undertones, establishing her as a fashion chameleon. Her breakout hit “Say So” became a TikTok sensation, drawing inevitable comparisons to Nicki Minaj. Draped in pink and plastic, Doja Cat resembled a living game character, and her eclectic style was impossible to ignore.
A Creative Collaboration With her rise to stardom, Doja Cat teamed up with stylist and creative director Brett Alan Nelson, who previously worked with Nicki Minaj. Their collaboration transcends the typical stylist-client relationship; it’s a dynamic fusion of creative minds. Nelson once told Variety, “She’s down to play. She is very opinionated about the way she looks, but she also trusts me and lets me do my thing while collaborating with her.” This ethos—doing what she wants, when she wants—defines Doja’s style. Before meeting Nelson, Doja Cat managed her wardrobe with minimal assistance, but their synergy has produced some of her most iconic fashion moments.
A Defiant Transformation
Doja Cat’s style began a significant transformation around 2022, evolving from homage to truly unique. Publicly vocal about her disdain for industry pressures and the dehumanization she faced from fans, she rebelled against expectations. She shaved her head—a decision long desired but delayed by societal misogyny, particularly towards Black women. Known for her elaborate wigs, this bold move shocked many. She continued her transformation by shaving her eyebrows and adorning herself with tattoos. Accusations of satanism swirled, but Doja Cat embraced the
controversy. For her “Scarlet” album promotions, she dressed as the devil, using body paint to highlight her features, even those typically concealed. This irony was lost on many; her fashion was a satirical response to public misinterpretations.
The Future of Fashion
Doja Cat’s journey is a testament to the power of fearless self-expression. Her audacious fashion choices challenge norms and redefine what it means to be a pop icon. As she continues to claw her way to the top, one thing is clear: Doja Cat is not just following trends—she’s setting them.
Anaïs-Aimée Rafaelsen is an artist and critic based in Toronto. Her work has been shown in exhibitions as well as featured in The Walrus. She is currently obtaining her BDes in Material Art and Design at OCAD University.