Revisiting Lady Gaga’s most iconic fashion moments through the years

Today, as we celebrate Lady Gaga’s birthday, there’s no better time to look back at the evolution of her legendary style. From her early days of disco-ball bodysuits to the extravagant Met Gala ensembles and sophisticated Old Hollywood glamour, Gaga’s fashion has been as daring and transformative as her music. Each era of her career has brought a new aesthetic—sometimes shocking, always unforgettable. Here's a glimpse at some of her most iconic looks.

The Fame Era (2008-2010): The rise of Avant-Garde Pop

Think oversized bows, platinum blonde hair, and futuristic bodysuits. Gaga’s early red carpet moments, like her shimmering planetary look at the 2009 MTV VMAs, set the tone for her fearless approach to fashion.

2009: At the MTV VMAs, she was dressed in a red lace Alexander McQueen face veil, showcasing her flair for dramatic fashion.

2009: During her "Paparazzi" performances at The Fame Ball Tour, Gaga donned a dress adorned with clear plastic bubbles, emphasising her avant-garde aesthetic.

The Fame Monster & Born This Way (2010-2012) – Edgy, Dark, and The Meat Dress

With hits like Bad Romance and Born This Way, her style took a darker turn—latex, spikes, and, of course, the infamous raw meat dress at the 2010 VMAs.

The infamous raw meat dress at the 2010 MTV VMAs, made headlines as Gaga made commentary on individuality and society.

2011: She arrived at the Grammys in a translucent egg-shaped vessel carried by attendants. 

 

2011: At the CFDA Fashion Awards, Gaga wore a dramatic black sheer lace gown by Alexander McQueen, paired with a teal bob wig, blending gothic and high fashion elements.

ARTPOP (2013-2014) – High Art Meets Fashion

Bold and experimental, this era featured everything from seashell bikinis to sculptural headpieces.

2013: Gaga made a grand entrance on a white mechanical horse, wearing a flowing lilac Versace gown, merging performance art with fashion at the American Music Awards .

Seashell Bikini (2013): In her "Venus" performances, she sported a seashell bikini with long blonde waves, channeling Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus."

2014: The Versace muse wore an ornate gold gown, epitomising opulence,.

Cheek to Cheek & Joanne (2015-2018) – A Shift to Elegance

Teaming up with Tony Bennett, she embraced classic glam—think Marilyn Monroe-inspired gowns and sophisticated silhouettes. The pink cowboy hat from Joanne marked a more stripped-down, personal style phase.

2015: Gaga appeared in a sculpted white gown by Azzedine Alaïa, complete with red gloves, showcasing refined elegance.

2016: At the Grammys, she donned a tailored white Marc Jacobs pantsuit, that paid homage to David Bowie.​

2017: The Joanne album cover featured Gaga in a soft pink wide-brimmed hat, symbolising her stripped-down, personal style during this era.

​A Star Is Born & The Oscars (2018-2020) – Timeless Hollywood Glamour

As she conquered the world of Hollywood, Gaga served unforgettable looks, including the breathtaking black Alexander McQueen gown and Tiffany diamond at the 2019 Oscars.

2018: Gaga stunned in a feathered pink Valentino gown, reminiscent of classic Hollywood starlets, at the Venice Film Festival.​

2019: During the 2019 Oscars, she wore a black Alexander McQueen gown paired with the iconic Tiffany Diamond, exuding timeless elegance.​

2019: Embracing Met Gala's "Camp" theme, Gaga executed a four-part outfit reveal designed by Brandon Maxwell, starting with a voluminous pink cape and ending in a black lingerie set.

 

Chromatica & Beyond (2020-Present) – Futuristic Fashion & Statement Pieces

With Chromatica, she blended cyberpunk aesthetics with couture, from metallic armour-like pieces to neon-hued ensembles.

2020: Gaga donned a series of surreal, avant-garde outfits, blending futuristic and artistic elements in the 911 music video.​

2021: She performed the national anthem at the inauguration ceremony in a custom Schiaparelli gown featuring a navy jacket and a voluminous red skirt, accessorised with a large golden dove brooch that symbolised peace.​

2025: Gaga accepted the Innovator Award at iHeartRadio Music Awards in a striking poppy red silk georgette McQueen dress with floral lace, embodying her "haunted glamour" aesthetic. ​

All images: Getty Images

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