An Oral History of Doja Cat’s Viral Schiaparelli Red Outfit: Pat McGrath and Stylist Brett Alan Nelson Reveal How the ‘Living, Breathing Work of Art’ Came Together

At the Paris Fashion Week, the red crystallized couture of Doja Cat, Lady Gaga’s meat dress that gained attention in recent times, and Cher’s towering Bob Mackie headpiece are unmistakably associated with iconic pop stars and extravagant fashion.

Is her identity simply a stage persona, though, isn’t Doja Cat’s connection to internet culture. She has consistently dominated the realm of social media, ever since her satirical track, “Mooo!” Was released. Doja Cat has established a career based on going viral.

Brett Alan Nelson, her stylist, informed WWD, “She embodies the essence of an internet-savvy individual.” “I believe Doja Cat doesn’t excessively contemplate the notion of becoming an internet sensation.”

Nelson added, “It was a crazy viral moment when we realized that the Schiaparelli sketch got so much attention. We are certain that his clients and Nelson himself are pleased to see such a good thing,” and, “Doja Cat’s intention isn’t typically to break the internet, even though she often does.”

It was a crazy viral moment, igniting countless memes that likened Doja Cat to different things, spanning from Haribo candies to tampons drenched in blood.

Nelson stated, “Since working with creative director Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli, I have been extremely fascinated by his obsession with the beautiful art and fashion that he brings to the table.” This collaboration with Roseberry has been a dream come true and a significant milestone in fulfilling Nelson’s aspirations.

Undoubtedly meet the requirements, Roseberry’s designs, which consist of gold-plated brass masks and dresses decorated with fake animal heads, instead reflect the surrealistic essence she infused into her creations. Since becoming a part of the brand in 2019, Roseberry has not aimed to replicate the style of the fashion house’s original founder, Elsa Schiaparelli.

Roseberry’s custom creation for Doja Cat, which was completed in just 48 hours, featured a strapless silk bustier and a pencil skirt adorned with handsewn wooden beads.

Nelson elucidated, “We received a concise outline that depicted her entirely crimson.” “Subsequently, there was a depiction on the subsequent page resembling a Greek sculpture adorned with crystals.” Upon viewing it, [Doja Cat] expressed her approval by exclaiming, ‘Finished, let’s proceed.’

Enter renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, that’s where. Doja Cat was adorned with 30,000 crimson Swarovski crystals by her and a group of eight aides, dedicating five hours.

In an email, McGrath expressed, “The concept of adorning Doja Cat in a cascade of crystals was a collaborative endeavor involving Daniel Roseberry and me.” Similar to a valuable jewel, radiating with every movement, we were all captivated by the notion of a living, pulsating masterpiece.

Although McGrath has done makeup for decades, she has posed a unique challenge in crafting runway looks for designers, including Cat’s Doja, Galliano, and Alexander McQueen, which have been crystallized.

“The most challenging part, as McGrath clarified, was to strike a balance between aesthetics and comfort while ensuring that each stone was perfectly placed and held its position, thus allowing Doja the freedom to move. It’s a bit like painting on a canvas, where the challenge lies in finding the right harmony between the movement, freedom, comfort, and aesthetics of each stone.”

McGrath added, “I’ve heard one of the best playlists ever and she DJ’d the entire time,” praising her client’s joyful and patient spirit, as well as her taste in music. Despite battling a cold, Cat Doja was not discouraged from enjoying the painstaking process.

Nelson stated that the moment was very stressful, as they felt pressure to perform and wanted to make sure that everything was as big as this. While Roseberry and McGrath are seasoned professionals, Nelson and Cat Doja still felt the pressure.

As he walked confidently into Le Petit Palais with his precious muse, Nelson immediately realized that they had achieved their goal.

He described the scene as a remarkable sight, with onlookers in awe, some laughing, and others expressing awe. He further mentioned that there were numerous diverse responses.

The reception of the look, named McGrath, was extremely satisfying. Her Instagram post showcasing Doja Cat’s Schiaparelli outfit garnered nearly 100,000 likes, going viral. McGrath attributes the success of the stunt not only to its boldness but also to Doja Cat’s lively character.

McGrath expressed, “It is a radiant testament to the influence of bold and uninhibited communication and the charm of the unforeseen.” “I think that is what fascinated individuals.”