Doja Cat captivated audiences at the 2025 MTV VMAs with her distinctive 1980s-inspired fashion and an electrifying performance. This report delves into her unique sartorial choices and the creative vision behind them, highlighting how she seamlessly blended various influences to create a memorable spectacle. Her appearance served as a powerful statement, cementing her status as a style icon in the music industry.
Doja Cat Electrifies 2025 MTV VMAs with Iconic '80s-Inspired Performance and Style
On the evening of September 8, 2025, the annual MTV Video Music Awards drew together prominent figures from the music world. Among the celebrated artists, Doja Cat stood out as the opening act, premiering her new track, “Jealous Type,” ahead of her anticipated album, Vie, scheduled for release on September 26. Doja Cat articulated her album's theme to Vogue, stating, “The album is about love… All types of love—love of oneself, love between two people, the love of life itself. The music embodies love.”
Her VMAs presence was a masterclass in theatrical glamour, commencing with her red carpet arrival. She donned a spectacular Balmain creation, perfectly capturing the essence of 1980s fashion. Her ensemble included a striking diamond-printed mini-dress, accentuated by towering platform heels, dramatically voluminous hair expertly styled by JStayReady, and a vivid red lip, courtesy of makeup artist Ivan Núñez. Her transformation into a Mac ambassador further amplified her beauty influence.
Brett Alan Nelson, Doja Cat's personal stylist and creative director, expressed enthusiasm for this adventurous fashion direction. Nelson described this period as “electric” due to the expansive creative freedom it offers. He elaborated on his inspirations, drawing from the refined elegance and high glamour of the 1980s, the dramatic flair of the New Romantics, and the rebellious spirit of punk. This fusion, where “fantasy collides with rebellion,” felt profoundly appropriate for Doja Cat's artistic identity.
The synthesis of these diverse elements was vividly displayed during her performance. Emerging onto a neon-drenched stage, accompanied by dancers in elaborate costumes, Doja Cat appeared as if she had stepped directly from a vintage 1980s music video. Nelson revealed the performance’s genesis: “The performance was born from a vivid dream I had—a surreal, trippy vision of a glamorous ’80s mansion with a Tim Burton–meets–neo-horror energy.” A surprising cameo by jazz legend Kenny G added an unexpected, iconic layer to the show, initially conceived as a jest, but ultimately realized due to its compelling potential.
Reflecting on Artistic Expression and Bold Fashion
Doja Cat's bold presence at the VMAs offers a compelling insight into the power of artistic expression through fashion and performance. Her willingness to embrace and reinterpret diverse stylistic eras, particularly the flamboyant 1980s, showcases a fearless approach to self-presentation. This event serves as a reminder that true artistry lies not only in musical talent but also in the ability to craft a complete sensory experience that resonates with an audience. The collaboration between artist and creative team, as evidenced by Nelson's thoughtful design process, is crucial in bringing such visions to life, proving that fashion can be a powerful extension of an artist's narrative.