Not being her biggest fan and then some, I can at least appreciate Lady Gaga's commitment to creating a look and a show for her 'Little Sheep Monsters (just how patronising is that endearment?).
In the past she's predictably attempted to shock in designs from Gareth Pugh to Nicola Formichetti at Mugler but now Gaga's gone one further by selecting bastion of respectability, Mr Giorgio Armani, as the designer for her 'Born This Way' Asian tour. If anything, the Armani/Gaga link (following past collaborations between the two) shows the strength of the relationship and a surprising departure from typecast at Armani who's brand name is synonymous with fine tailoring, suiting and clean, unadorned lines. The outfit descriptions highlight just how far Mr Armani has chosen to veer leftfield on this project confounding fashion critics. However, there's a part of me that thinks, v odd pairing, and I'm certain I'm not alone in this respect.
The custom made Giorgio Armani stage wardrobe is characterized by extreme forms and futuristic materials – latex, metal, studs, PVC (not usually Mr Armani's materials of choice), all crafted with his usual clean savoir faire.
The first design is described as "a black bodice made of tubular PVC elements connected with metal studs, with mirrored metal inserts to define a curvaceous design. The ensemble is highlighted by a matching headpiece, robotic thigh-high boots, and exaggerated gloves ending in mirrored nails."
Another of Gaga's looks is created via a shiny black grid-patterned PVC bodice with matching headpiece and embroidered ankle boots. Shoulders are outlined by a play of sharp spikes, black Swarovski jet crystals and flowing fringe, creating a moving architecture.
On the third design, a black bodice of transparent Plexiglas, black crystals and luminous studs create construction of abstract guitars. The matching headpiece comes in the shape of a keyboard.
The final design is a long tunic with leg-o-mutton sleeves made of skin-toned latex. Luminous PVC elements create flashes of synthetic light inside the garment. The same avant garde lighting is featured on the triangle decorating the chest, on the headpiece, and on the platform of the matching latex ankle boots.
“Collaborating with Lady Gaga is always an exciting experience for me. I admire the way she uses fashion as a scenic element and as a means to build a character," says Giorgio Armani. "She is an artist of many talents and great intelligence. Creating stage costumes for her is a stimulating and creative exercise."
Let's see how they look in actuality. For now, we only have the sketches.
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