On the First Day of Gaga....

This week marked the kick-off of the "12 Days of Gaga," a holiday extravaganza sponsored by Barneys New York.

For twelve days, Gaga’s little monsters will be able to purchase limited edition merchandise, sold only on the day it's featured. The "12 Days of Gaga" leads up to the opening of Gaga’s Workshop on Nov. 21 at exactly 11:59 p.m.. Barneys transformed the entire fifth floor of the men’s store at their Madison Avenue flagship location into eight different shops. Shops include the candy shop, toy shop, closet (clothing and accessories), library (books, CDs, media, and paper goods), gallery (collectibles and specialty items), jewelry, boudoir (candles and cosmetics), and holiday.

Gaga’s workshop is a creation of Lady Gaga, Eli Sudbrack, Christophe Hamaide Pierson, Nicola Formichetti, and Barneys Creative Director Dennis Freedman. Of course, holiday seasons bring holiday windows, and Barneys will be unveiling the Lady Gaga–themed window alongside the launch of Gaga's Workshop.

Monsters can enter to win a chance to attend Gaga’s Workshop, and a quarter of all sales will be donated to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, anti-bullying, well-being, mentoring, and career development.

Visit Gaga's Workshop to have a Gaga holiday!

Text Quinn McBee 
Image The Window – Barneys New York

Thinking Outside Of The Cage: Anna Dello Russo, Fashion Maniac

There is no arguing that fashion videos are by far one of the latest crazes. From cheese chic fashion vids like the recent Fall 2011 Lanvin Campaign Movie to the fashion footage gold found on the website of luxury storyteller NOWNESS and fashion blogger extraordinaire Bryan Boy’s pocket voyeur videos, fashion videos take on many forms and many different levels of production. However out of all the forms and coagulations that fashion and video may manifest, the most engrossing thus far, is by Anna Dello Russo.

Meet Lady Gaga's Alger Ego, Jo Calderone. Again.

For those who may have grown weary of Gaga’s incessant exposés – both dramatically and well, literally, comes yet another that might be seen as refreshing for even those critical of her over-the-top fashion and ongoing nudity. Carrying just as much impact, the latest photos of Gaga, tweeted August 5th, feature a more modestly dressed Gaga than recent shots. Yet the impact is just as strong as Lady Gaga re-introduces her alter-ego, Jo Calderone.

Originally introduced on the cover of Vogue Hommes, Japan in September 2010, Jo Calderone is hardly another Sasha Fierce. A far cry from pop star alter egos of the past, Gaga does what only Gaga can do, leaving no holds barred when cross dressing in finite detail to portray Jo Calderone as an unkempt, bad boy Dylanesque character for the cover of her single, Yoü and I.

While it’s true that Jo Calderone may possess the same shock value factor that is so famously associated with Lady Gaga, one glance at the scowling swagger of Calderone in the stark, smoke filled desaturated photos makes it impossible to argue against the level of execution with which the character has been developed – at least for now. With the music video Yoü and I’s release just around the corner, we’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source: Lady Gaga, Twitter

Lady GaGa Inspired By Thing 1's Color Scheme.. You Decide

Lady GaGa has been sporting teal hair for a while now. But, throw in a furry red coat and she looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. MTV's Mary H.K. Choi thinks this look is Marilyn Monroe plus The Cat in the Hat's Thing 1.

Julien David's Fall 2011 Collection: Gaga-esque

Lady Gaga has truly impacted the fashion world, hasn't she? The new designs in the last year appear almost as if designers are competing to see who Gaga will choose next for her wackiest look. Obviously Gaga, cannot step outside without an out-of-the-ordinary outfit, which means, every day she is wearing something new that no other person has every seen before. She has completely inspired a new realm of thinking. Before her, Alexander McQueen was one of few creating looks unlike anything else. He must have been her inspiration and she decided to expand on it and make the wacky her staple; her image.

When we gaze at this image of a model sporting Julien David's Fall 2011 Collection, we are all wondering: Did Gaga inspire him or does he desire for her to be his top client? Or both? Because, most of us know there aren't too many people in this world, not even the most passionate fashion lovers, who would wear something like a mosquito net over our faces on a normal day.

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): Style.com

Sarah Burton: A Dream For Alexander McQueen

Though Alexander McQueen may no longer be with us physically, the designer's line still lives on, and quite gracefully I might add, through the work of Sara Burton. This has been endlessly written about due to how quickly she designed Kate Middleton's dress for the Royal Wedding, and yes she did a spectacular job. However, that dress is not her only masterpiece. If you view her latest collection through runway shows or through the site www.alexandermcqueen.com, you'll realize her other pieces are just as amazing.

Alexander McQueen was known for his out of-the-box designs, unique craftsmanship and shapes most have never seen before. Burton is slightly more simple. Her shapes are not quite as unique, though she adds that special touch that is unlike anyone else. Whether that be through the pattern of the fabric or the texture or accessory. McQueen's designs were the type a fashion connoisseur could wear as soon as the piece was created, but never again in their lifetime. Burton's designs are more timeless and elegant. I am definitely not putting down McQueen in any way. He was an absolute genius and there will never be any other designer quite like him to walk this earth. Lady Gaga was his ideal muse. As a person with a more simplistic style, Burton is also a genius. She understands a woman's curves and knows just how to accentuate prominent features on the body such as the shoulders, the collar bone, the waste line, and more.

Text Alexandra Faye

CDFA Fashion Awards: Fashion Icon Goes to Gaga?

Among the young talent nominated for this year's CDFA Awards are the obvious contenders: Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and...Lady Gaga? According to Hollywood Reporter, this year the songstress will be given the "Fashion Icon Award". Past winners of this particular award have been comparatively subdued: Kate Moss, Iman, and Nicole Kidman are a few. Yet, to many, Gaga seems the obvious answer. What do you think? Is Gaga deserving of a seat among fashion's elite? Or is she just a spaz with a glue-stick?

Text Hannah Morris
Sources: Hollywood Reporter, CFDA

Image: Vogue

Pray for Japan Gaga Style

With the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster that took place in Japan, over the weekend, many people are asking how they can provide aid and relief to those affected. Well, if you're interested in making some type of donation, you should definitely check out Lady Gaga's Pray for Japan rubber bracelets. The bracelets read "Pray for Japan" in both English and Japanese. The writing is in red and the bracelet is white; the colors meant to represent the colors of Japan's flag. The bracelets also feature Gaga's claw symbol and they are selling for $5 with all the benefits going directly to the Japan Tsunami Relief Fund. Check them out at her online shop (posted below) and make your donation!

http://ladygaga.shop.bravadousa.com/Product.aspx?cp=14781_42444&pc=BGAMLG88

Text Lauryn Stone

More is....More?

It seems to be that we have entered into a new day and age where everything is about the bigger, the better, and the more attention drawing you can make something (OK, rephrase, definitely revisiting a day in age...lets not so hastily forget Marchesa Luisa Casati, amongst many others). I think maybe for our generation it's less Marchesa and more Gaga, but nonetheless you get my point. What I can't but wonder is where a lot of this clientele is coming from.

Yes, toned down versions of the pop up ring are everywhere, but who is buying the originals that cascade inches off the finger? Who bought the Givenchy leather masks? And furthermore, who is keeping these artisans in business to continue creating such over the top accessories?

Exhibit A) A friend recently sent me a link for some jewelry she thought I'd really love, made by Joji Kojima (try saying that five times fast!), and while I can't say that I'd go around wearing it all the time, it definitely has appeal. It's very avant garde and macabre but never in my wildest dreams do I think I'd be clicking the checkout button for the pieces anytime soon. I'm not sure what I my reaction would even be if I saw someone on the street wearing most of these things. I guess here is the real question...I'm all for trying out trends and pushing the limits a little...but can anyone tell me who's walking their bunny rabbit in that S&M mask?

Text Corinna Fabre

Gaga's New Fragrance

Since coming on the scene Lady Gaga has been nothing short of a buzz word in the fashion industry, to put it lightly, and she’s done it yet again. In the last few days many of the major fashion blogs and newspaper sources reported a new fragrance in the works for Gaga; no news yet on WHEN the fragrance will be coming out, but the one thing we do know is WHAT it will smell like. Apparently the scents she’s going for are blood and…uhhh…semen? No, no…no need to reread that, you read it correctly the first time—blood and semen.

Ok first of all, I think it’s almost a little sad how un-shocked I was by hearing this. Yes, surprised to hear it the first time, but when Lady Gaga’s name is connected to anything, are you notalready bracing yourself for impact?

Secondly, although I’m sure all those “little monsters” will be running out to support their mama monster and support their no pants wearing community, I’m wondering how well this will really sell. I mean i’m sure the backers knew they were signing up for something off the wall, but how many people are really going to walk out the door smelling like a binged-out vampire with some sort of bird’s nest sex hair?

Thoughts?

Text Corinna Fabre

Over Gaga

When I sat down to write this post I was flirting with the idea of discussing one of fall’s biggest trends: camel. Then I came across this picture and decided that I couldn’t comfortably ignore it. My apologies to those of you who would have preferred to read a post about taupe colored accessories. This image, taken at Lollapalooza, pretty much sums up the feelings I have been nursing for Lady Gaga as of late. In classic passive aggressive fashion, however, I have been biting my tongue only to reveal my true feelings later in a less composed manner, like that time sophomore year when I fumed for a good forty five minutes before snapping at my roommate for spring cleaning at 4 o’clock in the morning. Although I was completely on board when she made her pant-less debut and believe that she is truly a phenomenal entertainer, Gaga’s usual antics have recently become meaningless and dare I say, trite. The theatrics, that until lately showcased her confidence and individuality, now reek of attention-seeking fame whore. In my opinion this outfit looks less chart topping diva and more hot mess. What do you think? Do you love or hate the fishnet body stocking?

Text Jessica Best

Ebony Bones!

Personal style defines us, so it's pretty important to find a signature look that works for you. But if you're British singer Ebony Bones! (don't forget the exclamation mark), you take several signature looks, mix them up, wear them all at the same time and frighten small children. To make it in the music industry, you need to stand out- just ask Lady Gaga. This is precisely what Ebony Bones! does, enthralling audiences as much with her crazy clothes as with her schizo music.

After making her first single We Know All About U with beer bottles, woks and pans for percussion, and a single named Don't Fart On My Heart, she's famed over here for her eccentricity and bizarre dress sense. And with a new album due out this year, she's going to be lighting up the press again in the very near future. Forget Cheryl Cole, Ebony Bones is our coolest style icon.

Kay Weston

Kokon to Zai

Kokon to Zai is an amazing cult store run by Macedonian designer Marjan Pejoski and his partner in crime Sasha Bezovski. The shop moved from London's Greek Street to a new location on Golbourne Road during London Fashion Week earleir this year, but the good news for those a bit further afield is that you can still shop online. Check out their S/S 10 collection- the KTZ x Linda Farrow sunglasses (as worn by Lady Gaga) are sure to be the hottest accessory this season. The blog is more than worth a look too- the sneak preview of their A/W 10 collection is amazing.


For the Kokon to Zai website click here

Kay Weston

Marko Mitanovski

Eastern Europe seems to be churning out some fantastically talented young designers right now, and one fine example is avant-garde designer Marko Mitanovski, who graduated from the College of Design in Serbia. Mitanovski won Best Young Designer at the Nokia L'Amour Awards during Belgrade's Fashion Week in 2008, and showed his S/S 2010 'Lady Macbeth' collection at the Vauxhall Talent Scout event during London Fashion Week last year.

Heavily influenced by Renaissance and Elizabethan costume, Mitanovski's designs are characterised by a love of black, elaborate detailing, sculptural shapes and a huge injection of macabre theatre. Everything about his designs screams 'drama', and it comes as no surprise that Lady Gaga can be counted amongst his clientele.

Photography by Peter Ashworth

Kay Weston

Gaga on tops fashion Buzzwords

The minute Lady Gaga stepped on the music scene, she was not afraid to play with fashion. From her hats to lack of pants, she is not afraid to wear anything.

According to Global Language Monitor, Lady Gaga is the top buzzword when looking into fashion. This list is made up from fashion experts around the world when they were asked their top buzz phrase of the moment.

Gaga beat out leggings, no pants, camos and many more.

With critiques always watching Gaga and what she will wear or not wear, it is no suprise that she has topped the buzzword list as well as many other lists.

This makes me wonder... with her music and her fashion being on top right now.. will Lady Gaga come out with her own fashion line in the future? No doubt the styles and trends would be eye catching. Guess we'll wait and see what 2010 will bring.

Jennifer Nikolevski

We're Plastic But We Still Have Fun!

Has everyone seen Lady Gaga's new video for Paparazzi? Yes, I know it's pop culture and we can get right back to our underground indie cravings in just a minute but first, I must rave. 

So the new video plays out like a novella, a mini-film of scorned love, murder, and cheesy dance routines. But it's amazing. Seriously. As soon as she was carried out of a limo in a neck brace and placed in a wheel chair and then started giving me jazz hands, I was kinda hooked. It's a whole other level of ridiculousness for Lady Gaga. But in a good way! It's like, retarded. There's even the same gold robot-esque body suit that was used in George Michael's Too Funky video (c. 1992). 

The video continues with various death scenes of beautiful 'paparazzi stalked' women sprawled out on lawns, marble floors, and hanging from the ceiling. It's the pentacle of pop morbidity but it's so damn fierce. You have to watch to see how it all ties in because I'm not about spoiling shit. I must say that there is a cameo of the triplets from Daisy of Love which kind of turned me off but in essence it only adds to its sexuality.

The video was directed by Jonas Akerlund, a Swedish video director who has worked with the likes of Smashing Pumpkins (Try, Try, Try music video/Try short film), Madonna (American Life music video {the original banned version, not the watered down Bush version}, Ray of Light, Jump, and I'm Going To Tell You A Secret documentary). He also just directed the far-outsy amazing movie about speed junkies, Spun).

What really got me excited was the fact that the ending of the video is the same ending that I thought of when I first heard the song. Don't you just love making up music videos for your favorites? Anyways, watch the video because it really is a visual masterpiece. If you're not already a Gaga fan, then please stop being pretentious and just enjoy. Her music and videos are really all about having fun, pushing boundaries, and ground-breaking fashion styles and isn't that what we're all about?! Hmmm...

Bordelle-oh oh OH!

I hate Lady GaGa. I would go so far as to say I LOATHE her. From her ridiculous name, to her even more ridiculous style, she does not have one redeeming feature. Poker face?? I certainly would like to use a poker on her face....so an email titled "GaGa inspired lingerie" did little to whet my fashion appetite. I was very pleasantly surprised to find not some cheap, nylon granny pants intended to be worn as some form of fashion statement, but a link to Bordelle lingerie. The London based lingerie designer was founded by Alex Popa an investment banker who apparently realised after a few years number punching, her real passion lay in, well exactly that - passion.

The idea of Bordelle lingerie is handmade couture underwear that strive to blur the lines between garment classification "giving rise to the terminology Bodywear" This sounds like total garbage spurted directly from the PR's mouth, but when it looks this good, I really couldn't give a toss. These bondage inspired lycra and leather multi-strapped pieces are underwear so sexy, so striking, so damned beautiful, it would be a crime to not wear it as outerwear.

The website is pretty sparse on info, but it does have some AMAZING photo's. http://www.bordelle.co.uk/, and there are a limited number of pieces available to buy online at Peacock&Strutt. But be warned, these prices aren't for the faint of heart.