Few animals possess the captivating allure of cats. Whether adored or disliked, felines are among the most popular pets due to their exceptional and unique traits. Some even regard them as mystical beings, capable of absorbing human energies and sensing the supernatural—a belief dating back to Ancient Egypt. Regardless of such esoteric views, even the most skeptical acknowledge that cats are an endless source of affection and entertainment, displaying remarkable elegance, intelligence, and a notable cultural presence in art, cinema, and fashion.
From the poet Charles Baudelaire, who penned verses in honor of cats, to the artist Pablo Picasso, who often surrounded himself with them, felines have captured the hearts of many creative minds. Icons like Karl Lagerfeld, with his famous white cat Choupette, and contemporary stars such as Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, also share this affection. Cats have undeniably left their mark on various cultural figures across different eras.
An eccentric and sophisticated creature, the cat has often been a central figure in fashion collections, embodying both mystery and whimsy. For the Pre-Fall 2024 menswear collection, JW Anderson featured a striking knitwear design with a cat’s big yellow-eyed face. This design isn’t just any cat but is inspired by a painting titled “Polly” by Katharina Kubrick, daughter of the renowned director Stanley Kubrick. Katharina gifted this painting to her father on his 60th birthday, commemorating his beloved cat Polly, who he cherished dearly, even allowing her to sleep on his chest. A large reproduction of this painting is also seen in Kubrick’s final film, “Eyes Wide Shut,” starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise. Anderson’s collection pays homage to the film’s dreamlike atmospheres through this unique pattern.
Cats continue to be a prominent theme in fashion. For the FW24 collection, Givenchy features tank tops adorned with prints of gray cats, while Acne Studios showcases a white “glacial” cat with blue eyes on oversized t-shirts and utility jackets for the upcoming Fall/Winter season. Skims’ recent Valentine’s Day campaign starred Lana Del Rey in a “Coquette Core” style, surrounded by pink hues and white kittens. The Parisian brand Ottolinger presents cats on red mesh ensembles, and New York designer Kristin Mallison draws inspiration from tapestries and vintage textiles to create corsets and mini skirts with cats as central figures. Celebrities like Millie Bobby Brown and Lila Moss are fans of Mallison’s modern Marie Antoinette-inspired outfits.
The trend of incorporating cats into fashion is not new. In 2006, Jean Paul Gaultier sent models down the runway holding real felines, creating a dark, “witchy” atmosphere. Alessandro Michele, during his tenure at Gucci, frequently used vintage cat patterns to give a “granny chic” vibe to stylish knitwear. Miu Miu’s Spring 2014 collection embraced playful elegance with cat-themed designs, featuring stylized feline motifs on midi dresses and brocade coats, adding a whimsical touch to their looks.
In January 2024, Claudia Schiffer attended the premiere of “Argylle” in a complete Versace outfit, but it was her beloved cat Chip, carried in a stylish backpack carrier, that truly stole the show. Chip also had a role in the film, adding to the charm. Meanwhile, in “And Just Like That,” a mature Carrie Bradshaw is often seen with her pigeon-shaped clutches and her new kitten, which actress Sarah Jessica Parker adopted in real life.
Cats have certainly left an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion and pop culture, continuing to inspire and enchant with their unique blend of mystery, elegance, and charm.
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