Gaga as a contemporary fashion icon?

Saturday November 14 marked the 30th annual celebration of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. There was international art, fashion expos and appearances from many famous celebs. One of the highlights of the night was a performance piece by Francesco Vezzoli, featuring the one and only Lady Gaga. She was decked out in Miuccia Prada and collaborated with dancers from Russia's Bolshoi Ballet. They performed a short contemporary musical piece. Lady Gaga quickly rose to fame after the release of her debut album The Fame and it almost seems that she hasn't left newspaper headlines and magazine covers since. It's undeniable that she is extremely talented, both musically and performance-wise, and I do think she has earned the title of the Modern Queen of Pop. However, she would be much less of a superstar today if it weren't for her ridiculous (and marvelous) fashion choices.

The way she styles herself is obviously unique. I don't think for a moment she hopes to be compared to other pop stars of today such as Britney Spears or Rihanna, and of course she's not, because she simply is one of a kind. Although, I can't help comparing nonetheless; not her physical style perhaps but her attitude, charisma and ability to some great entertainers of past decades. Many critics have compared her to Madonna- (often controversial, always fabulous) and although she admittedly channels Madonna as inspiration, I see more of a new-age Cyndi Lauper when I think of Lady Gaga.

She's crazy, she's a genius, and when it comes to fashion; bigger and bolder are better. I love her style because it reminds me of something fresh off of the runway and it's almost always couture. I've even heard that she's gone bankrupt more than once due to her fashion indulgences. Some of her favourite designers include Donatella Versace, John Galliano, and Christian Dior. As I browse through pages and pages of photos of her incredible outfits I can't help but laugh at what some critics have written about her. Those who know little about fashion criticize her avant-garde “costumes,” but if they were to flip through a fashion magazine once or twice or simply attend a couture fashion show, they would realize she's dead on with her style and even fashion forward in some cases.

There has been talk of her starting her own fashion line, which I highly encourage and anticipate. I find it almost impossible to detect who exactly she is wearing in so many of her press photos and it makes me wonder if this is on purpose, and just how much personal influence she has on each garment she parades around town in. Her fashion risks are starting to personify herself and now when I see certain items I can't help but link them to her. For example, dangerously sharp pegged skirts, tight and bright bodysuits and of course the accessories like her crazy sunglasses, face make-up, hats and hoods and bows. To me, it's fantastic and I think she is the best style icon of the new millenium thus far.

Fashion show alert:
Fanshawe's Annual Re-Vamped Fashion show is coming up fast. This year it is titled Rock ‘N' Runway Revolution and students from the fashion design and fashion merchandising programs will showcase their incredible rock ‘n' roll inspired designs. The show is always a ton of fun, and this year it is again located at the London Music Hall downtown, 185 Queens Avenue, on Thursday November 26. Tickets are $30 with proceeds going towards WOTCH-My Sister's Place, a local charity that focuses on helping women who are homeless (or at the risk of being homeless). In addition to the show, a silent auction of goods, services and door prizes will be provided by local businesses. There will also be a best dressed contest. Tickets are available at Biz Booth on Fanshawe Campus or through eoakley@fanshawec.ca. It's always a ton of fun and completely worth every penny, so come out and support your local fashion students for a great cause and see some incredible designs on the runway. Hope to see you all there!