The $13 Million Cat Who Stole The Met Gala: A Deep Dive Into Choupette's Legacy And The 2023 Tributes

The "Met Gala Cat" became the undisputed, non-human star of the 2023 Met Gala, dominating headlines and social media feeds in a way no animal has before. This phenomenon, occurring on May 1, 2023, was a direct and playful homage to Choupette, the beloved Birman cat of the late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, whose life and work were the central theme of the event, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty." The night saw not one, but two major celebrity tributes, solidifying the cat’s status as a genuine fashion entity. The curiosity surrounding the cat’s presence—or lack thereof—was a major talking point, with fans and fashion critics alike wondering if the world’s most famous feline would actually walk the red carpet. While the real Choupette chose to stay "peacefully & cozy at home" according to an official statement, her spirit, legacy, and luxurious life were channeled through some of the most memorable looks of the evening. The event transformed Choupette from a muse into a global pop culture icon, cementing her place in fashion history.

Choupette: The World’s Richest Cat and Fashion Muse

Before she was the "Met Gala Cat," Choupette was already a legend in the high-fashion world, living a life of unimaginable luxury and influence that few humans—let alone animals—could ever dream of. Her story is central to understanding the 2023 Met Gala theme, which celebrated her late owner, Karl Lagerfeld.

Choupette's Biography and Profile

• Name: Choupette Lagerfeld
• Species/Breed: Birman Cat (Sacred Cat of Burma)
• Date of Birth: August 15, 2011
• Owner: Karl Lagerfeld (until his death in February 2019)
• Origin Story: Choupette was initially owned by male model Baptiste Giabiconi, who asked Lagerfeld to cat-sit for two weeks in 2011. Lagerfeld became so enamored with the kitten that he refused to give her back, famously saying he was "cat-napped" her.
• Net Worth: Rumored to have inherited a portion of Lagerfeld's estimated $300 million fortune, with her own net worth often cited at around $13 million from modeling and endorsement deals, making her one of the world's wealthiest pets.
• Career Highlights: Modeled for a Shu Uemura makeup collection, appeared on the cover of *Vogue*, and was the subject of the book *Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat*.
• Lifestyle: Famously had two personal maids, Françoise and Marjorie, who kept a daily diary of her activities. She ate from Goyard bowls and traveled in private jets.

Choupette’s relationship with Lagerfeld was legendary. The designer often described her as his muse, even stating in interviews that he wished he could marry her. Her striking blue eyes, fluffy white coat, and calm demeanor made her the perfect embodiment of the elegance and opulence that defined Lagerfeld’s work at Chanel and Fendi. Her inherited fortune and documented lavish lifestyle are not just anecdotes; they are a testament to the depth of Lagerfeld's devotion to his companion.

The Two Major Choupette Tributes on the Red Carpet

The 2023 Met Gala red carpet, a showcase for the "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" theme, was a sea of black, white, and pearls—Lagerfeld's signature aesthetic. However, the most talked-about moments were the two celebrity interpretations of Choupette, which captured the playful and eccentric side of the late designer's persona.

1. Jared Leto’s Full-Body Feline Transformation

Jared Leto, known for his dramatic and often surprising Met Gala appearances, delivered the most literal and attention-grabbing tribute of the night. * The Look: Leto arrived completely encased in a massive, fluffy, full-body Birman cat costume. The suit featured a giant, realistic cat head, complete with blue eyes and a playful expression, and was an unmistakable homage to Choupette. * The Reveal: The initial appearance caused a stir, with guests like Anne Hathaway and Lizzo momentarily confused. Leto dramatically removed the mask on the carpet to reveal himself, instantly becoming the night’s most viral moment. * The Significance: Beyond just a costume, Leto's choice was particularly relevant as he is slated to star in an upcoming biopic about Karl Lagerfeld. His playful yet committed tribute perfectly encapsulated the designer’s flamboyant spirit and his deep affection for his pet.

2. Doja Cat’s Glamorous Feline Persona

Singer Doja Cat, whose stage name already links her to the feline world, offered a more subtle, high-fashion interpretation of Choupette. * The Look: She wore a stunning, hooded Oscar de la Renta gown that was entirely covered in white sequins and featured a dramatic, floor-length feathered train. The gown was meticulously crafted to evoke the texture and color of Choupette’s fur. * The Details: The true tribute was in the details. The hood was adorned with delicate cat ears, and her makeup included intricate prosthetics to give her a feline nose and upper lip. She completed the look by communicating exclusively in meows and purrs during her red carpet interviews, fully committing to the character. * The Intention: Doja Cat’s outfit was a sophisticated blend of her own persona and the elegance of Lagerfeld’s muse, demonstrating how Choupette was an inspiration for high-fashion interpretation, not just a novelty costume.

The Real Choupette’s Decision: Why She Skipped the Red Carpet

The biggest question leading up to the 2023 Met Gala was whether the actual Choupette would make an appearance. While the idea of the world’s most famous cat walking the red carpet was tantalizing, Choupette’s representatives ultimately confirmed her non-attendance, providing a statement that only added to her mystique and topical authority. On her official Instagram page, a post attributed to Choupette confirmed she would not be attending the event, despite receiving numerous invitations. The statement read: "Many people invited me to walk the red carpet of the #METGALA2023 in tribute to Daddy, but we preferred to stay peacefully & cozy at home". This decision was perfectly in character for the notoriously private and pampered feline. Choupette's life, even after Lagerfeld's passing, is one of controlled luxury away from the chaos of public life. Her choice to "ditch" the Met Gala was perhaps the most Karl Lagerfeld move of the entire evening—a subtle, aloof, and utterly chic rejection of the expected, proving that even in her absence, she could steal the spotlight. The "Met Gala Cat" story is more than just a quirky celebrity moment; it is a profound testament to the enduring influence of Karl Lagerfeld’s personal life on his professional legacy. Choupette, the Birman cat, serves as a powerful entity, connecting the man, the artist, and the spectacle of the Met Gala. Her luxurious life, her inherited wealth, and the dramatic tributes paid to her by global superstars ensure that Choupette Lagerfeld’s reign as a fashion icon will continue for years to come.

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