“A Vest Fit for a King: The Heartwarming Story Behind Freddie Mercury’s Iconic Cat Waistcoat in His Final Video”
In Freddie Mercury’s final music video, These Are the Days of Our Lives, the Queen frontman is seen wearing a striking silk waistcoat that has since become iconic—not just for its beauty, but for the poignant story behind it. This waistcoat, adorned with delicate hand-painted portraits of Freddie’s beloved cats, was a deeply personal gift crafted with love and care in 1990. It was designed by Donald McKenzie, who was both a good friend of Freddie’s and the partner of his personal chef and confidant, Joe Fanelli. Knowing how much Freddie adored his feline companions, McKenzie secretly organized a photoshoot of all the cats living with Freddie at the time, capturing their unique personalities. He then commissioned a friend to create the bespoke waistcoat, with each cat lovingly illustrated onto the silk fabric. The finished piece was presented to Freddie as a Christmas gift—and he was, as many close to him recall, “over the moon” with joy.
The waistcoat took on even greater significance as Freddie wore it during what would become his final filmed appearance, giving the video an emotional depth that fans continue to feel decades later. Among the cats featured was Delilah, perhaps the most famous of all Freddie’s feline friends, whom he even immortalized in song. A whimsical fan illustration showing Delilah herself wearing a miniature version of the waistcoat recently surfaced online, capturing hearts and spreading joy across the Queen fan community. It’s a perfect tribute to the gentle, humorous, and animal-loving side of Freddie Mercury that so often gets overshadowed by his rock legend persona. Through this lovingly crafted garment, fans get a final glimpse into Freddie’s private world—a world full of affection, elegance, and a whole lot of cats.