Doja Cat Channels Tina Turner in Chainmail Dress for Vogue World: Hollywood Performance

The spirit of Tina Turner lit up the stage once again as Doja Cat paid tribute to the late Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll during her electrifying performance at Vogue World: Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Performing her hit song “Gorgeous,” Doja delivered a powerful homage to Turner with a dazzling look that captured the energy, glamour, and strength of the music legend.

A Fashion Tribute to an Icon

Doja Cat stunned the crowd in a metallic chainmail dress designed by renowned costume artist Michael Schmidt — a creative mind who had worked closely with Turner herself on several of her most iconic stage outfits. The gown, made from hundreds of interlocking silver rings, shimmered under the stage lights, creating a futuristic yet nostalgic tribute. She paired the dress with matching Christian Louboutin heels and completed the look with a voluminous platinum blond wig styled high — directly inspired by Turner’s unforgettable appearance in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985).

Schmidt’s modern interpretation honored Turner’s bold sense of fashion while highlighting Doja Cat’s unique artistry and flair for theatricality. The result was a perfect blend of music history and modern pop innovation.

Honoring Tina Turner’s Legacy

In George Miller’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Turner portrayed Aunt Entity, a fierce and commanding character whose wardrobe reflected her strength and charisma. The original costume, designed by Norma Moriceau, weighed more than 70 pounds and included unconventional materials such as coat hangers, dog muzzles, and chicken wire — a true testament to Turner’s fearless approach to performance and style.

Turner, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 83, left behind an unparalleled musical and cultural legacy. She recorded two songs for the Thunderdome soundtrack — “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” and “One of the Living.” The latter earned her a Grammy Award and remains a defining anthem of her career.

Doja Cat’s tribute, both visual and musical, served as a fitting celebration of Turner’s groundbreaking influence on generations of performers.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Film and Fashion

The Vogue World: Hollywood event, staged on the iconic Paramount Pictures Studios lot, celebrated the deep relationship between cinema and fashion. Following successful editions in Paris and New York, this year’s show focused on legendary film-inspired style.

In addition to Doja Cat’s standout performance, the evening featured appearances by Nicole Kidman — who opened the show in a Chanel gown inspired by Rita Hayworth’s timeless look from Gilda — as well as Julia Garner, Angela Bassett, Hunter Schafer, and Gracie Abrams, who also performed.

The event showcased the creative vision of celebrated costume designers including Colleen Atwood (Edward Scissorhands), Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther), Milena Canonero (Marie Antoinette), and Arianne Phillips (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), among others.

A Night for a Cause

Beyond the glamour, Vogue World: Hollywood had a meaningful purpose. All ticket proceeds were donated to the Entertainment Community Fund, supporting costume and production professionals affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

Doja’s Defining Moment

Doja Cat’s performance stood out as both a bold artistic statement and a heartfelt tribute. By channeling Tina Turner — an icon who redefined power, resilience, and style — Doja not only honored a legend but also reminded the world of the enduring impact of music and fashion as forms of storytelling.

For one unforgettable night in Hollywood, the past and present collided — and the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s legacy shone brighter than ever.