Nobody saw it coming. One minute, the 2023 Met Gala red carpet is a sea of standard-issue tuxedos and shimmering Chanel gowns. The next, a six-foot-tall, hyper-realistic white fluff-ball is prowling up the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
It was surreal. It was confusing. It was, honestly, just very Jared Leto.
When the head finally came off, the internet basically exploded. The Jared Leto cat costume wasn't just a gimmick; it was a high-stakes, top-secret tribute to Choupette, the legendary Birman cat belonging to the late Karl Lagerfeld. While other celebs played it safe with pearls and vintage tweed, Leto decided to embody the designer’s "one true love."
The Mystery Behind the Fur
For weeks, the project was kept under lock and key. Leto is famous for his "method" red carpet antics—remember when he carried a replica of his own severed head in 2019? This was arguably weirder.
The costume was built by SCPS Unlimited, a production studio in Torrance, California, that usually works on massive blockbusters for Disney and Marvel. They aren't exactly "fashion designers" in the traditional sense. They are creature builders.
Project manager Joshua Balster later revealed that Leto didn't want a cartoonish mascot suit. He wanted the "essence" of Choupette. That meant the team had to study every single existing photo of the cat. They analyzed the way her fur transitions from white to gold, the specific depth of her blue eyes, and even the "judgemental" tilt of her head.
How They Built a Human-Sized Cat
The technical specs are actually kind of wild.
- Cooling System: Mascot suits are famously hot. To keep Leto from passing out, they installed battery-powered fans inside the head to circulate air.
- The Fur: They used high-end synthetic fur, the kind used for movie monsters, and hand-painted it to match Choupette’s "blue-cream tortie" markings.
- Visibility: The "eyes" of the cat were actually the windows for Leto to see through, though from the outside, they looked like solid, glassy feline pupils.
- The Reveal: Because Leto had a second outfit underneath (a black caped ensemble), the suit featured "breakaway" seams that allowed him to shed the fur in seconds.
Why the Choupette Tribute Actually Mattered
To understand why this was more than just a furry convention moment, you have to understand Karl Lagerfeld’s obsession with his pet. Choupette wasn't just a cat; she was an heiress with a private jet, two personal maids, and a Goyard dinner set.
Lagerfeld once famously said he would marry her if it were legal.
When the Met Gala announced the 2023 theme—"Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty"—most people expected suits and dresses. By showing up as the cat, Leto tapped into the more eccentric, personal side of Karl’s legacy.
It was a bold move. Some critics called it terrifying (the "uncanny valley" effect was real), while others hailed it as the most creative interpretation of the theme. Even Lizzo was caught on camera looking genuinely terrified when the giant cat approached her for a hug.
Reactions from the Fashion World
The real Choupette—who still lives in Paris with her nanny, Françoise Caçote—actually "responded" via her agent, Lucas Bérullier. Apparently, the feline camp was "amused" by the look. Bérullier noted that while the accuracy was impressive, the real Choupette never stands on two feet.
Fair point.
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Other celebrities had mixed reactions:
- Anne Hathaway: She was seen laughing and cradling the giant cat head after the reveal.
- Jimmy Fallon: He actually leaned in and kissed the faux-fur nose.
- Aubrey Plaza: She joked that she was disappointed he took the head off so early.
Interestingly, Leto wasn't the only one with feline fever. Doja Cat also arrived as Choupette, but she opted for facial prosthetics and a hooded gown. While Doja went for "high-fashion feline," Leto went for "full-blown mascot." It was a total contrast in styles.
The Biopic Connection
There’s a business side to this, too. Jared Leto is set to play Karl Lagerfeld in an upcoming biopic.
He’s been working closely with the Lagerfeld estate for years. In fact, Leto once told the designer himself, "I’ve got to play you on film," to which Karl reportedly replied, "Only you, my love."
The cat costume served as a massive "billboard" for this upcoming project. It signaled to the industry that Leto isn't just an actor for hire; he is deeply immersed in the world of the man he’s portraying.
Actionable Takeaways for Fashion Fans
If you're looking to channel this kind of energy for your own projects or just want to appreciate the craft, here is what you can learn from the Jared Leto cat costume moment:
- Research the Source Material: If you are doing a tribute, go deep. Don't just look at the person; look at what they loved. The "Choupette" angle worked because it was personal to Lagerfeld.
- Function Over Form: If you're wearing something experimental, plan for the "exit." Leto’s breakaway seams and cooling fans are the only reason he survived the red carpet without a heatstroke.
- High-Low Collaborations: Sometimes the best fashion doesn't come from a tailor—it comes from a movie special effects studio. Don't be afraid to look outside your industry for inspiration.
Whether you found it iconic or nightmare-inducing, there is no denying that Leto won the night in terms of pure visibility. He proved that sometimes, the best way to honor a legendary designer is to stop taking fashion so seriously and just have a little fun.