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Lady Gaga’s All or Nothing Approach Makes Her a Timeless Icon 20 Years Later
Welcome to Mother of the Month, POPSUGAR Australia’s monthly column that celebrates iconic people in the public eye. Each month, we’ll select someone who embodies everything POPSUGAR loves — a person who’s strong, confident and always keeps it real, even when that means being vulnerable. Basically? They’re MOTHER, and we’re here to tell you why.
Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping. There’s something undeniably extra special about celebrating Lady Gaga as POPSUGAR’s Mother of the Month this October. With the much-anticipated release of Joker: Folie à Deux and her new album Harlequin both hitting the spotlight, Gaga is once again redefining what it means to be an icon. From her groundbreaking music to her transformative roles on screen, Gaga’s career is a testament to her artistry, innovation, and profound impact on pop culture.
HBD to the talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, @ladygaga! 🥳🌟 pic.twitter.com/8R7gATTzCs
— UMUSIC (@umusic) March 28, 2021
As we dive into her latest achievements, let’s explore why Lady Gaga continues to capture our imaginations and remains a powerhouse in entertainment.
Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn In the Joker: Folie à Deux
Premiering on October 4th, this sequel to the 2019 Joker dives deeper into Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and his intricate relationship with Harley Quinn. Gaga steps into the role with a fresh perspective, and she’s clearly excited about it.
“My version of Harley is mine and it’s very authentic to this movie and these characters, and I don’t want to give anything from the movie away, she told Access Hollywood. “I think it’s really something you have to experience in the theatre.”
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She also teased what’s in store: “This film has music, it has dance, it has amazing acting in it. I loved working with Joaquin, I loved working with [director] Todd [Phillips]. What I will say is that I’ve never done anything like I’ve done in this movie before, so it’s all going to be completely brand new and really fun.”
Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is poised to be a standout, adding a fresh layer to a character previously embodied by Margot Robbie, Mia Sara, and Kaley Cuoco. Her unique interpretation promises to bring an exciting new dimension to the film.
Lady Gaga’s New Album, Harlequin
If Lady Gaga’s role in Joker: Folie à Deux wasn’t enough, her new album Harlequin is making waves as well. This isn’t just any album; it’s a deep dive into Gaga’s creative psyche, inspired by her role as Harley Quinn. As Gaga revealed, “After wrapping filming for Joker: Folie à Deux, there was the realisation that I wasn’t quite ready to move on from the character that I had meticulously explored, crafted, and inhabited for so long. I began to imagine what a record would sound like through the perspective of ‘Harley Quinn,’ aka ‘Lee’; finding music through the chaos of it all.”
Harlequin will feature jazz standards like “Oh, When the Saints” (made famous by Louis Armstrong) and “Get Happy” (Judy Garland), marking Gaga’s first jazz release since the death of her collaborator Tony Bennett. The album, recorded this year at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La studio in Malibu, serves as a fitting companion to Todd Phillips’ Joker sequel, which is rumoured to be a jukebox musical.
This album follows Gaga’s collaboration with Bruno Mars on “Die With a Smile”. Gaga expressed her gratitude for the positive reception, saying, “Watching fans from all over the world celebrate this music has meant so much to me. To see the words of the song touch your heart and the video provoke this huge wave of dancing and fun is beautiful to watch and I’m so grateful.”
In addition to Harlequin, Gaga has also been working on a new pop album, tentatively dubbed “LG7”, set to arrive in February.
Fashion Moments: Gaga’s Style Evolution
Lady Gaga isn’t just known for her music and acting. She’s also a fashion icon whose style evolution has kept us all on our toes. Since bursting onto the scene in 2008 with The Fame, Gaga’s fashion choices have ranged from futuristic disco looks to daring red carpet ensembles. In her early years, she rocked hooded bodysuits and architectural dresses, introducing us to The Haus of Gaga — a creative team responsible for her iconic costumes and props.
The 2010s showcased even bolder fashion statements. At the 2010 MTV VMAs, she honoured Alexander McQueen with a custom bosch-print gown, a gold feather mohawk, and those unforgettable armadillo shoes. That same night, she turned heads in her infamous meat dress. A creation by Frank Fernandez, envisioned by Haus of Gaga, complete with a meat hat and purse.
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For her 2013 Artpop era, Lady Gaga went all-in with a kooky-chic style. She showcased extravagant outfits like a massive feathered headpiece from Louis Vuitton and an inflatable spike dress designed by Jack Irving of Central Saint Martins. By 2016, her fashion had a distinct country-western twist for the Joanne album. She often sported denim cut-offs and a pink cowboy hat, echoing the album’s cover.
In recent years, Gaga has transitioned to a more classic Old Hollywood glamour, reflecting her rise as a prominent A-list actress. Following her roles in A Star Is Born and House of Gucci, her wardrobe has shifted to more refined and sophisticated ensembles. During the A Star Is Born press tour, she wore a series of standout couture gowns, including a pink feathered Valentino creation that made a notable impact at the Venice Film Festival.
Currently, while promoting Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga continues her tradition of method dressing. Fully embodying her role as Harley Quinn, she recently turned heads in a striking red gown by Celine’s Hedi Slimane. Gaga’s fashion evolution highlights her remarkable talent for staying at the forefront of style, securing her place as one of the most fashionably influential stars of the 21st century.
Why We Adore Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s journey from The Fame to her current projects underscores why she’s such a cherished figure. With hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”, she introduced us to her innovative style and never stopped pushing boundaries. Gaga’s influence extends beyond music; her advocacy for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights has made her a powerful voice for positive change.
Her bold fashion choices, unforgettable performances, and unwavering commitment to authenticity continue to captivate us. Gaga’s remarkable ability to reinvent herself while remaining true to her core values cements her status as a true icon. Her unique blend of talent, passion, and dedication makes her a powerhouse in entertainment, and we’re thrilled to honour her as our Mother of the Month.
Check out our all our previous Mothers of the Month here.
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