Before 2008, if someone told you there was a woman out there singing by the name of Lady Gaga, you probably wouldn’t have thought much of her at first glance. She looked like any other wannabe musician, other than the fact that she occasionally liked to walk around in her lingerie. But two years and a double platinum debut album later, Ms. Gaga is almost as well known for her eclectic costumes as she is her synth-pop hits. People want to see her not only to ogle over her performances, but to see what she’ll be wearing. But would you call her fashion-forward or a fashion-freak? Here’s a list of some of the Fame Monster’s most infamous looks as she’s evolved that made us go goo goo for Gaga.
7. Same Talent, Different Style
We’re pretty used to Lady Gaga wearing a minimal amount of clothing. But in 2007, she was just Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, an up-and-coming musician who liked to wear her undergarments outside of her clothes.
Verdict: Fashion Freak We’ll give her a thumbs up for the fact that her undies match, but as far as style goes, she’s a big no-no. P.S., wearing pearls with your knickers doesn’t make you classy.
6. The Beginning of the Freak Show
After releasing the single “Just Dance” in 2008, Lady Gaga was dominating the airwaves and setting trends. Would you call this a fashionable trend? The singer showed up at a fashion show in July 2008 wearing a red blazer with shining hood, a gold form-fitting dress and some black gloves.
Verdict: Fashion Forward For Lady Gaga, this is actually pretty tame. In fact, it’s a very chic ensemble. The contrast of that bright red jacket with the shoulder pads that could take your eyes out, against the muted gold dress and black gloves is pretty fabulous. Let all the little monsters rejoice!
5. Feeling Froggy?
During an interview on German television, Gaga wore one of her boldest outfits yet: Kermit. I wouldn’t call it a dress, nor a top, it’s just poor Kermit the Frog everywhere. Including on the top of her head, holding on for dear life.
Verdict: Fashion Freak Nobody likes that much green. Plus, all the Kermits start to look like frog carcasses if you stare long enough. And that’s just not hot.
4. Some Feathers and a Frog
At the 2009 VMA’s, Gaga had everyone talking (and hey, all talk is good talk in Hollywood) about all of her interesting-to-say-the-least get-ups. Her ornate neck-brace and Phantom of the Opera-esque mask might have been her standout costume of the night though. But her most interesting accessory was Gaga’s favorite amphibian: Kermit the Frog.
Verdict: Fashion Freak In all actuality, the neck brace is actually really funky, but Gaga was a bit over-accessorized for my liking. And what exactly is the point of that horrid hat???
3. Poke Her Face
While accepting her Stylemaker Award at the 13th Annual Accessories Council Excellence Awards, Gaga stepped out in her dryest ensemble yet. High-waisted shorts, black dress top and bra over the top of her clothes, of course all by Marc Jacobs. The elephant in the room though is not that electrocution-esque afro wig, but that lace head piece covering her entire face.
Verdict: Fashion Forward If the outfit didn’t look like it was dipped in powder, it could definitely be a go-to get-up for when you’re ready to hit the town. Plus, those claws must be hiding a killer manicure. Now, if we could just get that bra inside of her clothes…
2. When Rocker Chic Meets Grandma Chic
The queen of accessories made an appearance at a Marc Jacobs after party during Fashion Week last September and surprised everyone with a more toned down look. What, no legs? No glitter? But the same old Gaga wasn’t too far away as her pink highlights and patented facial obstruction accessories made a predictable appearance too.
Verdict: Fashion Forward It’s not her usual look, but we dig it for its classy side with just a touch of that over-the-topness we’ve come to expect from our Lady in waiting. If the accessories, including the killer Marc Jacobs bag were worn with a totally different ensemble (little black cocktail dress anyone?), it would be an A+ all around. But the dress and the fresh overcoat are definitely a nice twist to the punk rock look.
1. Gaga does the Grammys
I know what you’re thinking: Her mother must have made this outfit and she only wore it to be nice. Quite the opposite. Instead, Gaga teamed up with fashion king Giorgio Armani to create this double whammy for the night’s festivities. The look was a bit of futuristic Barbie meets queen of the battleships on your head with a side of clown makeup. Whatever it was, it got people talking as usual.
Verdict: Fashion Freak The bodysuit is hot and the shoes…well, they’re…different. But you wouldn’t catch yours truly out in something like that on a Friday, Saturday or any day. But what do I know? Lady Gaga’s fashion sense, or lack thereof, has made her a household name. So she gets a “fashion forward” label for that alone. Not everyone can get away with looking like Lady Gaga. But if you’d like to try, here are seven less expensive pieces inspired by the many faces of Ms. Germanotta. They just might make you the talk of the town. Or at least your dorm. Feel free to wear the underwear outside of your clothes if you so choose, just maybe not to class. Leopard Ruffle Bra Charlotterusse.com $7 Red Faux Leather Studded Bow Fingerless Gloves $12.99 hottopic.com Urban Renewal Ruffle Shoulder Body Con Dress $58 urbanoutfitters.com Black Feather Velvet Cocktail Hat $19.99 Hottopic.com Faux Leather Flutter Sleeve Jacket $24 Forever21.com Gold Latex Leggings $12.99 Wetseal.com Diamontina Shoes $149.95 Karmaloop.com