Lady Gaga’s Style Evolution
Taking a look at the singer’s most iconic looks, her style inspiration and how her unique style has become a part of her image.
Written by Holly Shulman, Contributing Writer
Illustrated by Riya Shah, Contributing Illustrator and Designer
Since the release of her first album, “The Fame,” Lady Gaga has not only been shocking everyone with her incredible voice, but also her show-stopping, over-the-top runway looks. The singer, actress and songwriter takes her famous song lyric, “Baby, you were born this way,” and makes it her lasting image. As someone who has always wanted to take risks and stray away from societal beauty norms, Gaga expresses herself through crazy outfits meant to make fans and critics stop and stare.
One of Gaga’s most iconic looks of all time is her famous “meatball dress” from the 2010 Video Music Awards (Harper’s Bazaar Staff, 2021). Through her shocking fashion statements, Gaga reclaimed her creative independence, defying the beauty standards of the music industry. “What I've done is that when they wanted me to be sexy or they wanted me to be pop, I always fucking put some absurd spin on it that made me feel like I'm still in control,” she said in her Netflix documentary (Truffaut-Wong, 2017). In Gaga’s documentary, she discusses the mistreatment of women in the music industry. She explains that not all of her fashion choices have been stylistic, but a way to assert power and show that the industry’s expectations don’t restrain her view of herself. Although she’s expected to dress like every other star in Hollywood, Lady Gaga does not let those expectations get in the way of how she wants to be perceived by her audience.
In an interview with Rolling Stones, Gaga discusses her experience with bullying as a kid. She was often deemed as “different” or “weird,” and known to be a risk-taker by her parents and friends. Gaga dropped out of New York University Tisch School of Arts to pursue her dreams, a perfect example of her daring attitude. Throughout her popstar journey, Gaga always adored fashion and the expression that comes with it (Beaudoin, 2015). Gaga’s hard work has allowed her to ricochet through the music industry. Working hard to reach a passion is nothing new for Gaga: “I used to save up my money to buy a Mugler vintage archive that was at the store down the corner,” (CFDA Fashion Awards, 2011). That Mugler vintage archive has now, in turn, become custom Versace dresses made especially for her.
Gaga’s desire to dress a certain way goes beyond her goal to defy beauty standards. Gaga uses fashion to express her inner feelings and emotions. She explained in an interview with Billboards, "If you see me dressing really out there, I tend to be self-deprecating inside. When I dress like a lady, I tend to be feeling very wild and confident,” (Dodero, 2015). Over the years, Gaga has moved on from her bizarre, outlandish runway looks. Ever since her album, “Joanne,” her style has become more muted and mature (Truffaut-Wong, 2017). While Gaga has not discussed why her more outlandish style was associated with her insecurity, it’s possible these outfits masked her true inner feelings, acting as a distraction. Her more recent muted clothing is a signal of her being unafraid to show more of herself.
Lady Gaga is the perfect reminder that fashion is more than just pretty dresses, sparkles and designer labels. Fashion is a way to express yourself beyond words. Gaga explained in her 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards speech that when she would receive a one-of-a-kind dress from a designer, the way it was sent in the mail was often not what would appear on the red carpet. She would get creative with different dyes or fabrics if the piece was not exactly how she originally envisioned it. Gaga always makes sure her looks are exactly how she wants the world to perceive her as she walks down the red carpet (CFDA Fashion Awards, 2011).
Lady Gaga’s style evolution will forever leave an imprint on the fashion industry. If anyone can rock nine dresses at the VMAs or a dress covered in meatballs, it's Lady Gaga. Despite people’s mixed feelings about Gaga’s current, more muted aesthetic, this evolution simply reflects her coming to terms with and embracing her identity. No matter what drives her runway looks, no one will ever top Lady Gaga’s everlasting presence on Hollywood’s runways.
Sources:
Beaudoin, K. (2015). The Story of How Lady Gaga Became Famous Will Make You Like Her Even More. Mic.
CFDA Fashion Awards. (2011). Lady Gaga’s Acceptance Speech at the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards. Youtube.
Dodero, C. (2015). Billboard Cover: Lady Gaga Gets Personal About Saving Troubled Teens — ‘I’ve Suffered Through Depression and Anxiety My Whole Life.’ Billboard.
Harper’s Bazaar Staff. (2021). Lady Gaga’s Best Fashion Moments. Harper’s Bazaar.
Truffaut-Wong, O. (2017). Lady Gaga’s Reason For Dressing So Weirdly All the Time Will Break Your Heart. Bustle.