If one person sums up 2009, it’s the Gaga. She divides opinion like no other and over the course of the past twelve months has travelled the globe entertaining us all with not only her music but also, or perhaps more importantly, with her outfits.
It’s the time of year for retrospectives so with that in mind, here are Gaga’s best looks of the year.
The Kermit
The outfit that launched a thousand imitations… Or perhaps not. This Kermit cape, including Kermits with glittery eyeshadow, was debuted by Gaga on a German TV show in July. Of the course the real question isn’t who designed it, why they designed it, or why she wore it. It’s how many Kermies had to die to create this? Do PETA know? Does Miss Piggy?
The Teacup
Hey remember that week back in April when Gaga took to carrying a teacup and saucer round with her? At the time we were all taken in by the misconception that she’s just completely nutso, but no! As Gaga explained, it’s because she used to drink tea at home with her mom and this reminds her of it. OK! She added that it was wasteful to use disposal cups and while that’s an admirable truth, it doesn’t stop the whole thing being fucking weird.
The My Little Pony
I’m not sure who kick started the leotard trend this year. Coulda been Gaga, coulda been Beyonce. Which came first? I don’t know, but they both work it. What pushes Gaga into first place is the fact that when Be does it, she looks sexy. When Gaga does it she wears fishnets, leather and studs and looks like Cher in the 80s. I digress. Gaga brought the hair bow to popular hairdressing, but my favourite look of hers was definitely this pink and purple multi-extension, My Little Pony colour scheme look. Hair that a little girl would love, leather your dad would. That’s the Gaga way!
The Bubbles
I know we’re supposed to disapprove of the fact that Gaga (or at least Gaga’s costume designer) ripped off Hussein Chalayan’s glass bauble bubble dress but, Bjork aside, who else are you gonna see prancing around in this kind of thing? Taylor Swift? Nah, didn’t think so. You’ve got to admire the behaviour of a pop star who is happy to look like a complete tit at all times and wear such an impractical outfit. As I’ve said before, this attitude to fashion is what makes Gaga the perfect pop star for the 00s. I’d high five, but I don’t know if she could manage it in this.
The Bondage
Not since the punk era has it been acceptable to walk the streets in heavy bondage gear. These days you could stroll through any neighbourhood with a ball gag in your mouth and a pair of crotchless leather pants on and no-one would even bat an eyelid. That’s the gift Gaga has given us. Here she is hanging out a press conference in a mask that she can’t speak out of. Oh Gaga! You so crazy!
The ‘Meeting The Queen’
Meeting the Queen and performing at the Royal Variety Show is a big deal for any artist. So much protocol to follow, such a complex dress code. Luckily for Gaga, she couldn’t have got it more spot on if she’d followed an etiquette book from the 1930s. Floor-length, long sleeves, pouffy shoulders and a royal ruffle, all resplendent in tasteful red latex. Well played, Gaga, well played.
All pics c/o The Fab Life except number six, c/o Ken McKay