Actor Colman Domingo has disclosed that his tiny cat bag is not just an accessory but a fashion statement with meaningful insight. Domingo showcased his impeccable fashion sense on Saturday, October 19, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala in Los Angeles.
The 54-year-old Oscar nominee donned a custom Valentino ensemble featuring a black suit jacket in a robe style, a white collared shirt, and striking red pants. The look was completed with black lace gloves, rings, bracelets, and a whimsical white cat-shaped handbag.
The following day, at the 25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival, Domingo shared the story behind his playful accessory with PEOPLE.
Without it, he said, the look would be “just a man in a suit.”
“I thought it’s fun and it’s a conversation starter,” Domingo said of the bag. “I love standing around talking to someone, and they finally notice I have the cat. They’re like, ‘What is that?’ I’m like, ‘It’s actually a bag. It’s actually a little bag, and I could keep a few items in there.’”
The Euphoria actor also revealed what he was carrying that night. “I kept my ID and $20 because you never know if you need $20 for whatever reason,” he shared. “And also it was custom Valentino… so I just wanted to have fun.”
Domingo revealed that his white cat-shaped handbag was inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette.
The fourth annual Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala also attracted stars like Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Pamela Anderson, and Kim Kardashian.
The event served as a prelude to Kardashian’s 44th birthday celebrations on Monday, October 21.
She graced the red carpet in a vintage Thierry Mugler 1998 plunging white corseted bodysuit, a long white robe, nude tights, and perspex heels.