Lady Gaga's Most Unforgettable Red Carpet Looks Over The Years
"I live for the applause, applause, applause ... the way that you cheer and scream for me," Lady Gaga memorably sang in "Applause," (via Genius). The pop star is used to plenty of applause by now, as her talent and unique personality have made Gaga one of the most successful and highly talked about members of the music industry. Not only does the "Bad Romance" hitmaker have an outstanding voice, but she's always unapologetically herself.
Gaga isn't afraid to push boundaries in Hollywood and frequently shows off her nonconformity in her song lyrics. The talented musician gives a voice to anyone and everyone, especially the outcasts and misfits. We see this in the lyrics: "There's nothing wrong with loving who you are" and "whether life's disabilities left you outcast, bullied, or teased, rejoice and love yourself today, 'cause baby you were born this way," (via Genius).
In addition to her impressive songwriting skills, Gaga also expresses herself through fashion. While her dauntless ensembles are too over-the-top for some, we always look forward to seeing what she wears. These are some of the most iconic outfits thus far.
The eye-catching, sci-fi-inspired purple look
Everything about Lady Gaga's red carpet outfit from the 2010 Grammys was epic. Her custom Armani Privé lavender dress featured 3D details and an all-over futuristic shimmer, per Entertainment Tonight. In fact, Gaga looked like she could've been an alien queen from another planet, or causing havoc in a sci-fi movie. According to La Maison Gaga, Gaga's stylist for this look was Nicola Formichetti, who did an excellent job creating an iconic fashion moment for the unique pop star.
While the dress alone was a showstopper, Gaga's accessories and prop — that's right, prop — deserve just as much recognition. Her super high and ultra-glittery platform heels were every bit as eye-catching as the dress itself and complemented its outlandishness. Plus, she carried around a spiky, shiny piece of art in her hand that added to the futuristic vibe — talk about committing to a theme.
Plus, Gaga's bright, voluminous blond tresses and bold makeup went great with the overall look too. Although the "Born This Way" hitmaker wore this outfit to the Grammy Awards, her ensemble would have fit right in at the Met Gala, easily making it one of Gaga's most memorable looks yet.
Lady Gaga's famously controversial meat dress
If any other person wore a dress made of raw meat, we'd be shocked, but this is Lady Gaga we're talking about. She donned the instantly infamous gown at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Fashion designer Franc Fernandez designed the unconventional dress, which eventually found a new home in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (via HuffPost). While this may seem like one of the weirdest, most random outfits in the history of celebrity fashion, Gaga had a deeper reason for wearing the meaty look.
The singer and actor explained in an interview with CBS News: "The moral and ethical and political implication of that outfit was far beyond what most people think which is eww ... But the reality of it is I was there with four soldiers that had been discharged under the pretense of 'don't ask, don't tell,' and what I was really trying to say was 'dead meat is dead meat,' and anyone that's willing to take their life and die for their country is the same."
Gaga stated firmly, "You're not gay and dead, straight and dead, you are dead." Per NBC News, the "don't ask, don't tell" rule meant that soldiers belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community could only stay in the military if they hid their sexual orientation. So, while the meat dress was certainly one of the most outrageous outfits Gaga has ever worn, it conveyed an important message about equality.
This sleek look brought out her inner Marilyn
Lady Gaga's style has become noticeably more sophisticated and mature over the years, particularly since she started acting. Gaga traded sci-fi and meat dresses for old-school allure at the 2016 Golden Globes. She brought nothing but classic glamour to the red carpet in a long, figure-accentuating off-the-shoulder black gown (via YouTube).
According to The Hollywood Reporter, it was a custom Versace gown, but not any old one. Only Versace could create a chic black dress that still manages to turn heads when the celebrity wearing it is the same person who wore an outfit made of raw meat. Gaga's hair and makeup from the event deserve recognition, too, since the details elevated her look.
The pop star wore her hair in platinum blond, near-shoulder-length, carefully sculpted curls very similar to the late Marilyn Monroe's signature hairstyle. And Gaga's makeup perfectly matched her sleek outfit, as she flaunted eyeliner and long lashes. Thus, this surprisingly traditional outfit is also another of the pop star's most iconic ensembles.
Gaga was anything but plain in this white gown
Last but not least, we had to include Lady Gaga's outfit from the 2022 SAG Awards red carpet. The pop star opted for a clean, angelic look in a long, fitted white gown that hugged her curves (via Instagram). According to People, this dress was custom Armani Privé. While most of the gown was white, the fabric intentionally flapped down at the bust area, revealing a cleavage-flaunting section of the dress covered in sparkles.
Furthermore, Gaga rocked a glistening necklace, ring, and earrings, all by Tiffany & Co. for additional glamour. The pop star wore her hair in long, light blond, flowing waves for the event. Meanwhile, her makeup consisted of flawless-looking skin, glassy lips, and eyes enhanced with a striking contrast between dark eyeliner and light eyeshadow.
This elegant look shows how people's styles can significantly evolve and mature over many years but still look fabulous. And, more importantly, they're all quintessentially Gaga.