Doja Cat got daring with her footwear at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 in New York City on Sunday, slipping on a pair of custom Pleaser platforms to complete her 1960s-esque Balmain outfit.
The musician, one of the evening’s performers, hit the red carpet in a pair of butter-yellow Pleaser shoes — applying a current color trend to a footwear style that was popular in the ’90s and still finds relevance today. Doja Cat’s shoes made a statement with an ultra-high platform and towering stiletto heel; a simplistic upper with an hourglass-shaped strap created a peep-toe look. They were also a mule style, leaving the ankles uncovered in back, further underscoring the minimalism of the upper while the heel and platform did the talking.
Several other celebrities have stepped out in Pleasers through the years — Lady Gaga has made a lace-up boot version part of her rotation, for example. Notably, Pleasers are associated with the clear shoe trend — Kim Kardashian wore a transparent pair to the Met Gala in 2024.
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On the topic of Pleasers and Balmain, Doja Cat, styled by Brett Alan Nelson, wore a Balmain look by Olivier Rousteing accented by Chopard diamonds. The colorful off-the-shoulder minidress featured a diamond pattern and jewel embellishment at the plunging neckline and down the center. The garment also included pronounced structured hips and long sleeves. A sparkling lipstick purse by Judith Lieber accompanied her outfit as well, mirroring the red lipstick she carried. Meanwhile, her curled and teased blond hairstyle emphasized her retro vibe.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards take place live at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, hosted by LL Cool J. This year’s show features performances from Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Doja Cat, Katseye and other artists, celebrating music’s biggest names and electrifying cultural moments worldwide.
