Cover Lady Gaga has experimented with all manner of styles (Photo: Getty Images)

To celebrate the Grammy-winning performer’s birthday, we revisit some of her memorable style moments, be it nailing the camp look at the Met Gala in 2018 or the cabaret-inspired outfits for her ongoing Las Vegas residency

Stefani Germanotta, best known as Lady Gaga, is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Breaking onto the scene as a singer in 2007, she quickly impressed with her eye-catching music videos, striking choreography and powerful lyrics which has resulted in 13 Grammy wins. She has since pivoted to acting—getting accolades for her performances in A Star is Born (2018) and other films—and has launched her own beauty line, Haus Labs.

One of Gaga’s talents is her ability to revamp her entire aesthetic—which she often aligns with album releases or latest projects—without losing her authenticity. To celebrate her 38th birthday on March 28, we look at how her style has evolved from the late aughts to now.

Read more: Anne Hathaway’s style evolution, from ‘Princess Diaries’ to Versace’s Icon Campaign, would have made Miranda Priestly proud

Indie sleaze for ‘The Fame’, 2008

Gaga forayed into the music scene with the album The Fame and an indie sleaze ensemble: a heavy fringe, metallic animal-printed blouse and checkerboard print nails. She also sported a lightning bolt as an homage to David Bowie and his iconic make-up look from the ’70s—one of her favourite artists for whom she did a tribute concert following his passing in 2016.

Alien rocker for ‘Born This Way’, 2011

After a successful debut, Gaga dialled up the intensity of her music in her 2011 album, Born This Way. She took inspiration from female headliners such as Madonna and Whitney Houston, and added an edgy touch to her look and the tone of her music videos. In addition to the rocker-meets-grunge vibe of her black leather and lingerie outfits, she also incorporated prosthetics into her make-up, emphasising her cheekbones and temple and resulting in an alien-like appearance.

Regal in Versace at the American Music Awards, 2013

Tatler Asia
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 24:  Singer Lady Gaga arrives at the 2013 American Music Awards on November 24, 2013 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Barry King/FilmMagic)
Above Lady Gaga at the 2013 American Music Awards (Photo: Getty Images)

Lady Gaga attended at the 2013 American Music Awards looking fresh-faced with radiant make-up and a long blonde hairstyle which complemented her soft lavender Versace gown—a contrast to her typically edgy fashion choices. The kicker is she arrived on “horseback” (that is, perched on a horse costume worn by her dancers), true to her theatrical nature.

Influenced by Tony Bennett, 2016

Legendary singer Tony Bennett is someone Lady Gaga grew close to during her career. They first began working together in 2011, went on tour together in 2015, and continued to perform when they could until his passing in 2023. Gaga took notes from the dapper dresser, and we saw more crisply tailored and elegant looks from the performer in this period, including this chic black dress and a hat following her headwear-centric Joanne album era.

Camp chic in Brandon Maxwell at the Met Gala, 2018

For the 2018 Met Gala, Lady Gaga—who had by then established herself as a queen of camp—dressed on theme in a theatrical four-part ensemble by American designer Brandon Maxwell. The hot pink column dress with the peekaboo bra straps and enormous sunglasses added drama, and the tiny bows on her head made of hair referenced the hairstyle that she herself had popularised back in 2009.

Tiffany & Co diamonds at the Oscars, 2019

This was the awards season in which Gaga swept the awards for her performance in A Star is Born (2018). While her periwinkle Valentino gown and matching coloured hair at the Golden Globes that year was a stellar ensemble, it was her black Alexander McQueen dress, leather opera gloves and legendary Tiffany & Co 128-carat yellow diamond necklace look that stole the spotlight. 

Silver siren in Lanvin, 2021

Following her press tour for the 2021 film House of Gucci, Gaga continued to embody the glamorous nature of Patrizia Reggiani, the character she played in the film. Not only did this silver Lanvin trench coat that she wore in New York make a bold statement, her steely gaze and magnificent hair swing left the impression she was a cut-throat fashion queen.

Modern cabaret in Las Vegas, 2023

Gaga announced her residency in Las Vegas back in 2018, and has since been performing two types of shows: her greatest hits and a more jazz- and piano-focused show, with another round of summer dates for the latter coming up in 2024. To express the grandeur of this stage, she’s worn a stunning variety of modern cabaret-inspired stage outfits, complete with bedazzled bodysuits, feathered headdresses and luxurious gowns in jewel tones. While these ensembles might seem like a lifetime away from where Gaga started, they’re still rooted in her love for drama and show-stopping fashion.

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