LOS ANGELES — She's worn plastic bubbles on her bod, red lace over her face, 10-inch Alexander McQueen "armadillo" shoes on her feet and an Armani "Space Age" dress constructed of glittery rings that seemed to orbit around her. It seems Lady Gaga will wear anything. And so will her fans, who in August dressed in their Gaga best for the Queen of Pop's shows at Staples Center.
The rifle-shooting bra, the can-curl hairstyle, the poker-face mirror mask. In just two years, the performer has become a fashion force with enough iconic looks to costume the entire cast of the TV show "Glee." Inspired by David Bowie, Madonna, Grace Jones, Elton John and Freddie Mercury, she has brought individual style back to the music stage, and become a champion of nonconformity.
The show in Los Angeles didn't disappoint. Like a visual DJ, Gaga sampled far-reaching elements of pop culture. A fairy tale fan-pleated cellophane gown and matching headdress were equal parts Glinda the Good Witch and Erte Art Deco, while a hirsute suit brought to mind the creatures of Sid and Marty Krofft. Giorgio Armani's mirrored bodysuit turned the singer into a human disco ball.
Her fans, who seemed to range in age from 9 to about 70, showed their adoration with hairstyles in every color of the rainbow — wigs and dye jobs in neon pink, neon yellow and platinum blond. There were Vegas showgirl-style headdresses, and all manner of customized sunglasses with crystals, cigarette butts, crossed pistols, etc.
Lightning-bolt makeup was a trend too, as were American flag outfits inspired by the "Telephone" video. The hair bow was a major theme — the bow made out of hair, that is. And so were spidery ripped leggings, bejeweled bustiers and the requisite claw-hand pose. One woman wore a mini dress made entirely from tinfoil.
It was like Halloween in West Hollywood at midnight — in the best possible way.
