My Favorite and Least-Favorite Moments from Lady Gaga's Videos

So the "Applause" video came out this week... And I'm very impressed.
So impressed, in fact, I wanted to take a minute and evaluate exactly where this new video ranked among my other favorite Lady Gaga music videos.  Surprisingly, this took a bit of thought, and it led to me going back and re-watching each of the 15 Lady Gaga music videos and coming up with a very deliberate list of best to worst, in my own personal opinion.

In this post, I am going to reveal that list, one video at a time, from worst to greatest, according to my personal opinion at the present time.

The cool thing about opinions is that they are able to change.  There are no immutable rules when it comes to art and taste.  As new videos get released and as I change as a person, this list may very well change.  But for the moment, let's just appreciate Gaga and her iconic work since the beginning.  Maybe this will change the way you see some of her videos. 

#15: The Edge of Glory

Definitely the most minimal of all of the music videos by Gaga. I understand that there were some extenuating circumstances in the creation of this video.  The planned production fell through and they had to come up with something brand new at very short notice.  It's quite a shame, because this is probably the most epic and the most personal song on Born This Way.  This video really could have been great.  But it turned out to be very uneventful, unexciting, and unimpressive.  It's just Gaga dancing around on what looks like an empty stage for Rent.  To add insult to injury, the amazing Clarence Clemons, who features in the song, was given hardly any stage time.  This was his final public work before his death in 2012.  I sure wish there was a little more for him to show for it.

Favorite Moments: Considering its clumsy creation, this is still a pretty good video. It's nice to see Gaga all alone, without any fancy choreography and backup dancers to distract us from her raw emotion and passion for what she is singing about.  There is only one real outfit worn for the entire video (another unique factor): some archives borrowed specially for this purpose by Donatella Versace.  The look was well chosen. Love the hairstyle, especially. The video has some beautiful moments, as well.  The lightpost shot (a la Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain) was pretty iconic, as well as the few moments where Clarence is pictured.  But overall, you hardly need to watch this video twice, and for Gaga, that's almost challenging.  

#14: Born This Way

I'm sure a lot of people will be upset that Born This Way is so low on my list.  It's not terrible.  None of Gaga's videos are terrible.  But this video is (in my opinion) very immature and puts Gaga in a very pretentious light.  I feel like Gaga is taking herself WAY too seriously in this video.  Okay, sure, she's passionate about social issues like marriage equality and self-worth, but I feel like this video not only feeds into the ever-growing cult of self-esteem practiced by today's youth, but it also puts Gaga up on an almost God-like pedestal, as if she herself can change people's opinions about prejudice in one fell swoop, single-handed.  She can't.  Ironically, so many people judge her for using religious imagery in her other videos like for "Alejandro" and "Judas," but I think this video is more sacrilegious than any of her other endeavors.  She's a creator of a new race, embodying all-powerful forces of good and evil. Calling the birth of the new non-prejudiced race "infinite," referring to herself as an "eternal mother" hovering in a multiverse, and redefining the origins of good and evil... Such language makes me uncomfortable. Particularly the last line: "How can I protect something so perfect without evil?" Sounds like she's trying to play God, or at least be one of his chosen prophets, campaigning for self-worth and punishing those who disagree with her view.  I understand it's all metaphor, but it seems very self-righteous and short-sighted.  As influential as Gaga is, she had let her fame and influence get to her head by the time this video was made (ironic, since she is so obsessed with Fame and claims to have such control over it).  

Favorite Moments: Aside from the message and dialogue, this video is pretty impressive as far as imagery and music goes.  I love the moments where Gaga is just rocking out, without planned choreography.  Whether she's dressed in the bikini, the skull make-up, or the strange alien-like zipper outfits she's got when she's surrounded by other alien heads... I just love seeing Gaga caught up in a passionate moment.  She's quite pretty when she doesn't have eyes on her chin.  The exchange she has between Rick Genest (aka Zombie Boy -- the guy with the skull tattooed on his face) is my favorite part.  I also love the final scene -- the references to Gaga's childhood, as well as icons like Michael Jackson with those gloves. That carried so much  more meaning for me than the flowery language and ridiculous kaleidoscopic birth scenes you've got at the beginning of the video. I would watch the final refrain to the end over and over again and be just fine.  

#13: Beautiful Dirty Rich

This video ranks low mainly because it is not memorable.  It is, however, very iconic of Lady Gaga's early style.  The bottle-blonde, hooded, pantless, glasses-wearing superstar that has become a household name no longer exists.  She has long outgrown the retro Bowie-homage that she had in her early twenties, but videos like this immortalize that iconic "Gaga" image so well.  If you ever miss the old Gaga, watch this video and the nostalgia will come flowing back to you. However, this video doesn't do as effective of a job as the film for "Just Dance."  They are both very similar, and this one has sort of followed off the radar, while "Just Dance" has continued to stay in the limelight, even five years after it came out.
Favorite Moments: It's kind of nice to see Gaga just being young, wild, and free. This video, along with the video for "Just Dance," represent the grassroots, rags-to-riches, love-in-the-little-things attitude that so many young people enjoy.  The statuary, the piano, the wads of cash, the lipstick... No agendas, no huge shock-value stunts, just sex, fashion, and lotsa dough. It's less about specific imagery; it's just the overall party atmosphere I love. This was what got Gaga on the map.  I sometimes wish she remembered her roots.  What makes an icon are the things that you do consistently without fear that make you memorable.  

#12: LoveGame

Another unmemorable music video, but I like the costumes, setting, and choreography in this one more than that in "Beautiful Dirty Rich."  This is during Gaga's "lavender-blonde" stage, which I like a lot.  And there's the use of the iconic "disco-stick."  There is a lot of questionable content here.  She's very naked in some scenes, and the dancing is pretty suggestive.  But this still follows with the more simple time of Gaga's career when it wasn't as much about making a statement and pushing the envelope as it was about just being your crazy no-pants self in the middle of a subway with a bunch of sexy friends, both male and female.
Favorite Moments:  The motifs.  The lavender-blonde color scheme, the disco stick, and the Stevie Boi fence glasses.  Also the pretty bob she's got going on during her nothing-but-glitter scenes.  You appreciate this video more if you've seen the Monster Ball.  Very urban-chic.  The kind of thing that inspires you to appreciate the mundane scenery in your life.

#11: Eh Eh (Nothing I Can Say)

Okay, I wish Gaga knew how wonderful she is when she's not being pretentious.  This video, like the song, is just adorable.  She's constantly smiling throughout the whole thing, and while not very much goes on during the video, it just gives the audience a chance to sit back and enjoy Little Italy the way Gaga would: in heels, with friends, and with plenty of man-candy.  This video becomes more meaningful when you learn that Gaga's parents are Italian immigrants, and that she's a sucker for Italian cuisine.
Favorite Moments: The hairbow.  Definitely one of my favorite Gaga looks ever.  Also love the yellow flower dress she wears near the end, complete with the Baby-G watch.  And there's something super sexy about pink heels in bed, ironing in a leotard, and slurping up spaghetti with a hot man. This is a have-fun video.  Bubblegum pop reborn.  I like it.

#10: Just Dance

You've probably noticed that all of Gaga's earlier videos come one after another on this list.  That's because most of them are very similar to each other.  As I mentioned before, "Just Dance" and "Beautiful Dirty Rich" are almost carbon copies of each other.  Gaga's look is basically the same, and she's doing pretty much the same kind of goofing off and partying with friends in both videos.  But, of course, "Just Dance" has become the iconic, go-to video if you want a good look of how Gaga got her start.  You've got the partying, yes, but also the disco bra, the blow-up whale, and the cameo appearances of the likes of Space Cowboy and Colby O'Donis.  There's the nod to David Bowie with the big blue lighting bolt on Gaga's face.  There's antics and shenanigans had by all.  No inhibition, no worry about tomorrow.  This video captured the "carpe deum" movement that is so prevalent in music today before it was cool.  It's this kind of stuff that probably inspired divas like Ke$ha to try a crack at party-girldom.
Favorite Moments:  The disco bra, the iconic hairstyle, the Gaga hand gestures, and the overall atmosphere.  I tend to live vicariously through videos like this one.  And I have for a long time. This video definitely unlocks a great deal of nostalgia for me. This is the Gaga I would try to emulate when I looked in the mirror when I was a senior in high school.  It was after watching this video when I started wearing huge sunglasses and animal print.  It was this retro, electro-pop style that got me out of my goth phase and into the world of mature art and fashion.
 
#9: Telephone

This video is so full of amazing, I'm sort of surprised it only comes in at #9.  But then I remember that there are several things in this video that I don't love.  Namely, the overabundance of shock without much substance.  As awesome as it is to pay respects to the pop art movement pioneered by folks like Andy Warhol, it's not as revolutionary or inspiring in today's world.  Now, I know it's Jonas Ackerlund's style to stylize, and that's fine.  It's just not my favorite style.  I like the more grown-up approach to telling a story, rather than feeling like I'm standing before a firing squad of brand names, references, and Americana.  I'm also not the HUGEST fan of the whole short-film style that Gaga uses in some of her videos. In this one, she has been sent to jail, but then gets bailed out by Beyonce, and the two of them proceed to poison everyone in a little diner before making a Bonnie-and-Clyde escape in the famous Tarantino Pussywagon. The narrative is only indirectly connected to its supposed predecessor, "Paparazzi." I almost wish there wasn't a connection between the two, because they're different enough for the flow to not be there.  Furthermore, the song is broken up by silly dialogue. Part of me feels like the music should speak for itself.  And speaking of music, another complaint I have about this video is the fact that it has hardly anything to do with the message that is presented in the actual song lyrics.  Prison? Crime? Diners? Pussywagons? What does this have to do with leaving your head and your heart on the dance floor?  NOTHING!
Favorite Moments:  All this being said, I obviously like the video enough to have it in my top ten.  First of all, it's definitely engaging and entertaining.  It's colorful and iconic.  And while I dissed all the comic-book and brand-name allusions in the earlier paragraph, I'm going to go ahead and applaud them here in pretty much the same breath.  The Coke-can hair is ingenious, and it is genuinely GAGA. I don't think any other artist has done anything like that before. And the caution tape look is amazing.  While there were a lot of things in the video -- particularly during the prison scenes -- that made me feel a little uncomfortable, I really think the fashion choices were epic.  The striped jailbird look, the chains and cigarette glasses, the studded bikini, and the departure outfit (complete with that cute little sashay) create a very artistic approach to prison.  That's fun.  And Beyonce is such a good sport!  She's put in these ridiculous situations and she actually sort of pulls them off.  Finally, the Americana dance number at the end of the video is icing on the cake for me.  That choreography is spectacular!  I definitely felt moved by this video when I saw it for the first time.  And that means, to me, that it was successful and important.

#8: Paparazzi

I probably like this Ackerlund-directed Gaga video more than "Telephone" because it came first.  This was Gaga's first venture into the genre of short-film style music video.  It depicts two destructive relationships: the one between Gaga and her boyfriend, and the one between Gaga and her fame.  Unlike "Telephone," the music in this video is not half as fragmented and cut up for the sake of dribbly dialogue.  It's got a provocative beginning and a very concrete conclusion, with tons of great fashion choices in between.  While it is definitely a little out there, I feel like this video represents one of Gaga's high points.  Her epic VMA performance, her iconic blonde bangs, and her complete obsession with fame... all of this stemmed from endeavors like the "Paparazzi" music video.  This video stays out of my top five mainly because it's a little boring.  There's not a ton going on for the whole middle of the video.  It's not quite as visually interesting as some of her other works.
Favorite Moments:  I love the wheelchair/crutches scene.  The symbolism behind that -- that Gaga is just as crippled by the pressures of fame as she is crippled by a broken leg -- is portrayed very effectively.  This whole idea continues throughout the video as images of murdered women flash on the screen, all with impeccable apparel and stylized poses.  I also love the dance sequence where Gaga's in a white jumpsuit with oversized "poufs."  There are moments there where she just lets the music take her into a frenzy, and I live for those moments.  Finally, the murder scene is quite epic.  I love her makeup, glasses, and jumpsuit.  Very naughty.  And, as icing on the cake, you've got the mug shots that just glue into your brain.  This video shines in the fact that its message is very clearly portrayed in a very artistic way.  Props.

#7:  Marry the Night

This is definitely the most autobiographical of Gaga's videos, and most likely the one with the most emotional investment put into it.  When I first saw this music video,  I didn't like it that much.  But the more I learn about it, the more I appreciate it.  It is definitely more of a cerebral artistic work than it is a music video.  Meant more for a gallery than for MTV.  A lot of it goes over my head, but I think that's part of the nuance of it.  These are things GAGA understands and GAGA cares about -- it's like a glimpse into another person's soul.  You really can't understand everything, but you can at least enjoy the aesthetic of it.  I'm a little more satisfied with the monologue of this video than I am with the "Born This Way" monologue. I love that line about the beadazzler. The burning car scenes and the stripped down "rehearsal-mode" shots in the middle of the clip are sort of passive, but that may be just because I don't understand the imagery. It's a lot more introspective and a lot less pretentious.  But still, Gaga's taking herself pretty seriously here.  But what artist doesn't?
Favorite Moments:  The Ballet scenes.  Hands down, I LOVE that outfit and those awesome Tatehana shoes.  I'm also a pretty big fan of how artistic the hospital wing became in the hands of the Haus.  Gaga's whole spiel about the nurses and their Calvin Klein coats and romantic beret-esque nets... Way to see beauty in the details. The apartment scenes -- although in some ways a little disturbing -- were beautifully executed.  I'm also a pretty big fan of the ending of the video, pretty much from around the point where they begin dancing in the street up to the final shot of that cosmic Philip Tracey hat.  That montage of images hearkening back to Gaga's early days were something I could relate to.  Grassroots artist becomes worldwide superstar.  This is the American dream, with a dark Gaga twist.

#6: Pokerface

This was the first Lady Gaga video I ever fell in love with.  Even though not much goes on in this video, it is visually stimulating, colorful, and incredibly sexy.  Furthermore, it contains some of my absolute favorites of Gaga's looks.  The hairbow, the crystalline motifs, the disco mask, the Haus-of-Gaga video glasses...  It was this video that got me into Lady Gaga.  Strip poker and pelvic thrusts aside, it's pretty calm, by Gaga standards.  Again, there's something to be said for just making fun music without pretentiousness or agenda.
Favorite Moments: The fashion and the close-up shots.  The poolside choreography is also pretty sweet.  I love that blonde hair.  She's just so young here! And there's just enough poker in it for the music to be relevant. It's fresh and wonderful!

#5: Applause

Now you know where her newest video goes on the list!
I honestly feel like this is a rare instance where the music video actually adds to the song and makes the music more enjoyable.  Usually videos do the opposite for me.  But the thing about this song is it needs a visual context.  It's a club piece, so it's less about what you hear and more about what you experience while hearing it.  Thus, having a video to attach some extra-sensory, multi-media contexts to the music was not only pleasant, but almost necessary.  And the visuals that were chosen were on the whole very good choices.  There's plenty going on in this video.  I've read several reviews that state that the endeavor was more of an artistic one than a pop one, and I'd have to agree.  Inez and Vinoodh are good at this kind of montage work.  Gaga moves from one look to another, and manages to fit in all of them like a glove.  From the crazy Marilyn-caged look to the simple brunette in underwear on a mattress.  It all looks natural for Gaga.  The only part that I personally deem unsuccessful was the part where her head is precariously juxtaposed with the body of a goose.  Not only does it look a little hackneyed, I also don't understand the reference or symbolism in that image.
Favorite Moments:  I love the way Gaga looks in the black bodysuit.  Very classy and very effective.  And when you add the colors to her face to create this sort of harlequin-esque display is almost haunting.  I also love the dance parts, particularly when she's just rocking out in her natural brunette hair and underwear.  There's passion in that.  I also love when she just goes bat-crap crazy and has a nice little seizure in her bikini made of black-gloved hands.  I appreciate the symbolism of the wings (sign of liberation and rebirth), the leg she carries into the spotlight (reference to her recent surgery that led to the sudden cancellation of her tour last year), and the Boticelli Birth of Venus (once again, a sign of a new birth).  Her sandy-blonde hair with that shell bikini reminds me of Mariah Carey, which is a compliment because Mariah is hot.  Her crazy faces are also pretty awesome.  I just like it when artists lose themselves in whatever it is they're doing.  It looks like Gaga had a fun time making this video.  I sense the emotion and joy behind it.  It's well-made.

#4: Alejandro

There are moments in this video that give me chills, even now, after watching it dozens of times. But before we get to the amazing stuff I'm gonna just mention the parts of this that bug me.  First of all... I think it's supposed to be about marriage equality, but I honestly get lost in the narrative.  You've got guys in fishnets and heels, sure.  And you've got lots of military motifs, perhaps representing the ferocity and aggression that exist within this "war" of ideals within American society.  And you've got the images of burning buildings and overall mayhem... a reference to a specific event?  I'm not sure.  There's just a lot going on in this video, and while I appreciate this kind of narrative more than that of the "Telephone" video, I still get a little lost and I must rely on the music and the aesthetic quality of the video to keep me interested.  Perhaps this is as it should be.  After all, shouldn't the music video be about the music?  And the music of "Alejandro" is not really about all that stuff.  It's about Gaga's fear of commitment.  And you can see that in some of the imagery.  The heart left exposed on a black silk pillow, the queen-like Alexander McQueen look, also seen at the beginning of the video, the gun-bra, even the choreography with the other male dancers... I understand all of these images.
People give Gaga a lot of crap for using religious imagery in this video, but I honestly don't mind it.  People have used religious motifs -- particularly Catholic motifs, because there are a lot of them and they're easily recognizable -- in musical and artistic endeavors for ages.  It denotes piety and devotion.  The fact that Gaga is dressed as a nun for parts of the video, for me, help add to the message of the song; she's afraid to commit to a sexual relationship because of events and convictions she has made in the past.  The cross is purposefully placed in the region of her crotch to symbolize the hopeful preservation of her virtue in the face of selfish and prideful men.  It really all makes sense.  Of course, these things make people uncomfortable, and that's yet another reason why Gaga does it.  She loves shocking people and goes to great heights to do so.
Favorite Moments:  The most amazing part of this video is, in my opinion, the black-and-white shots of Mother Monster, clad in a sexy black halter-top and wide-leg pants, strutting herself in solitude, a la Madonna during her "Vogue" period.  It's SUCH an effective shot.  And while the dance she does with her femmy male dancers and gun bra are definitely striking, there's nothing quite like that sexy snap-strut she does near the end of the video.  I also love love love the images of her singing on a makeshift stage, with the glasses and the microphone.  The McQueen look is also so regal. These shots are beautiful to me.  The whole video remains in a very stoic, bi-chromatic place.  The theme runs like a lifeblood throughout the whole thing.  It's well crafted.  Well done, GagaKlein!

#3: You and I

Choosing between "You and I" and "Alejandro" was very hard because they are both great for similar reasons.  While "Alejandro" maintains a cold, stoic mood as it cuts from one unique image to another, "You and I" also maintains its mood, despite all of the crazy changes that occur within it.  Except "You and I," on the whole, is more warm and approachable than "Alejandro."  It's got more of a personal touch, and it isn't quite as self-aware.  In this video, Gaga gets a chance to show her more goofy side.  What with Yuyi the mermaid, the frolicking wood nymph, the aqua-haired dominatrix, and Joe Calderone, this was Gaga's way of exposing the broad spectrum of Gaga's personality.  It also tells a definite story.  She's returning to a love she once knew. After a long period of experimentation and self-discovery, Gaga discovers that the thing she really wants may very well have been the thing that was there all along. As strange and unorthodox as home may seem, it's still home.
Favorite Moments:  There are many, but above all, Joe Calderone.  I'm almost disturbed at how attracted I find myself to this character.  Even though he's obviously got a drinking and a smoking problem and he's feeling up his alternate identity like no one's watching.  But man, don't they both look like they're having a ton of fun out in that cornfield?
I also love the daylight scenes, as Gaga's making the journey to the barn.  That cyborg look is awesome.  And while I feel like the mermaid sex is a little graphic, I appreciate the notion of mermaid/human romance.  And that's a pretty well-created mermaid costume. There's just something very beautiful and simple about it.  The fashion in all of this is really creative.  And the sweet wedding images that we see throughout really are icing on the cake for me.  Great song.  Great imagery.  Just great.

#2: Judas

I love this video.  It's colorful, it's interesting, it tells a story, it's unique, and in some ways it's very simple.  First of all, it's not one of those crazy short films.  It's mostly just about the music, and the images pertain to what the music is talking about.  You've got a twist on the story of Christ and Judas Iscariot, ingeniously told within the setting of an urban biker community.  And in the midst of it all, you've got Lady Gaga, who plays a role similar to Mary Magdalene, although there really isn't much there to support the notion that she actually is Mary.  She obviously has feelings for both Jesus and Judas, and she obviously knows the right choice, but it's still a very difficult choice to make.  There are very few criticisms I can make about this video.  I guess she's got a few immodesty moments, but this is honestly one of the more tame and clean Gaga videos.  And (as with "Alejandro") there is always the whole sacrilege thing.  But I don't think it's that terrible to portray the story of Christ this way.  It's really no worse than Jesus Christ Superstar.  Again, Gaga is using religious imagery (particularly the notion of betrayal with Judas) to carry a message.
Favorite Moments: The clothing.  The setting.  The colorful palate.  The gangsta moves.  The premise.  The makeup and nails.  The hair (particularly in the washing scene) and the final image of Gaga being stoned (killed by fame?) while wearing dapper dancing shoes. Plus... a lipstick gun to accompany the betraying kiss?? What a novel idea!  Also, this ties with "Bad Romance" for best choreography.  This is one of the few videos where I actually really like watching Gaga dance in synchronization with other people.  It's airtight and full of energy.  I am in love with this video.

#1: Bad Romance

Honestly, the one thing that keeps this video at #1 and not "Judas" is the sheer impact that this video has had on Gaga's career and the way we see pop music and videos.  It cannot be denied that "Bad Romance" was one of the greatest music videos released during this decade.  The iconic images that have come out of this video, the level of shock that it stirred, and the pure artistic beauty of it was leaps and bounds ahead of its peers.  This is where Gaga introduces the notion of the "Monster" into her fans' vocabulary.  And this is where she finally sealed the deal in regards to her complete nuttiness in the eyes of the industry.  You've got the twitchy, anime-eyed bath scenes, the sallow ribcage that make her nude scenes not sexy, but monstrous, and the last image of her lying in bed with a pyrotechnic bra and a burnt skeleton.  Yep.  Gaga's nuts.
Favorite Moments:  The choreography.  It's powerful and unique.  Definitely the greatest Gaga has ever seen.  I mean, can you imagine Gaga without her monster claws?  You can't!  Also the Alexander McQueen Armadillo shoes.  And the black outfit. And the "Orbit" look is in this one, too.  And the bathing scenes.  Oh gosh, the whole thing is just so classic, you can't pin down just one point that is more awesome than the others!  I love this video, and I think the entire world loves it too.

Designer Spotlight: Viktor and Rolf

Birthplace:  Amsterdam, 1993
Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren



I love this season's look.  The oversized, yarn-like embroidery reminds me of my younger days when I would pull shoelaces through giant holes on these cardboard pictures to pass the time during sacrament meeting.  I'd totes wear a lot of the dresses in here, particularly the sunny summer dresses.

V&L work a lot with layers.  They've had multiple shows where they've stacked coat after coat and dress after dress onto one single model.  You can also see the voluptuous layers in their Spring/Summer 2010 "Cutting-Edge Couture," as well as others.  Viktor and Rolf are also amazing because they quote amazing composers like Philip Glass and Stravinsky; they also incorporate modern faces like Rufus Wainwright and actress Tilda Swinson.

Viktor and Rolf has been worn by:

Rihanna

Natalie Portman (pregnant at the Golden Globes, in a dress designed for her!)

Katy Perry

And, of course, our one and only Lady Gaga

From their Fall/Winter 2008 "No" collection.  I fell in love with these pants. 

From Fall Winter 2006 -- One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THINGS

This one was also worn by Gaga

This dress is upside-down!

And here's the ad for their fragrance, Flowerbomb

Oh, and PS, interesting tidbit:  Katy Perry wore V&R for her ET music video.  Look how creepy they've made it!!

Most of Their Collections:  I watched every single one of these runway shows.  Yes, I did.

Battle for the Sun -- FW 2011 -- Red, gray, and black.  Red paint faces.  Industrial feel.
Shirt Symphony -- SSu 2011 -- Lots of tops, inspired by men's shirts -- varying colors, White Wedding.
Glamour Factory -- FW 2010 --  Special guest model Kristen McMenamy sheds and acquires coats with the help of V and R as models parade about her.
Cutting-Edge Couture -- SSu 2010 -- Pastels, experiments with cutaway shapes and tulle. Dress with holes. Roisin Murphy sings.
Statues -- Fall/Winter 2009 -- Neutral colors, classical architecture.  Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." Simpler womanswear.
Shalom -- SSu 2009 -- Black and white geometric designs interspersed with bold multicolor and spiral designs.  Shalom Harlow models.
No -- FW 2008 -- Use of  the words NO and DREAM ON on face and clothes.  Amazing pants and dresses.  Gray, black, and magenta.
The Pierrot collection -- SSu 2008 -- Feminine look using black/white, musical, Pierrot imagery.  Models emerge out of a mouth.
The Fashion Show -- FW 2007 -- Dutch look (wooden shoe high heels), with light fixtures sticking out and shining on them.  Commentary on today's fashion.
The Ballroom Collection -- SpS 2007 -- Ballroom motifs, high-class formality.  Men's attire.  Rufus Wainwright.
Silver -- Fall/Winter 2006 -- Little black dresses, Gold lamee gowns, and netted masks.  Not to mention Phillip Glass.  Hot.
Upside Down -- Sp/Su 2006 -- Clothes worn the wrong way!!!  Upside down set, dresses, off kilter shirts, etc.
Bedtime Story -- F/W 2005 -- Tori Amos.  Pajama and bedsheet motifs.  This is pretty cool.
Flowerbomb -- Sp/Su 2005 -- Helmets and lots of black with bows.  All pose -- blast -- PINK!  Ribbons, flowers, pink pink pink.  What a surprise!  Also the year they came out with their Flowerbomb fragrance.
The Hunt -- FW 2004 -- Lots of Antlers.  (Peter and the Wolf Music)
Red Shoes -- S/Su 2004 -- Otherwise pretty BORING clothing except for the fact that they all have the same RED SHOES in common.
 One Woman Show -- FW 2003 -- Tilda Swinton is our star, and the models are her clones.  Masculine clothing.
Flowers -- SSu 2003 -- Dancing models, colored hair, and pastel/floral prints.  Lots of spirit and lively dancing.
Bluescreen  -- FW 2002 -- Use of a bluescreen to create images on otherwise blue accessories among black attire.
Russion Doll -- FW 1999 -- They play STRAVINSKY'S RITE OF SPRING!

Listening to:  "I feel Immortal" by Tarja
Things Going On Today:  Went and observed 3-year-olds, sat and watched Viktor and Rolf all day.  Some homework.
Blessings:  Weekends.  Getting ahead.  Roommates with grapes.
Learned:  A LOT about Viktor and Rolf.  Also found Peter and the Wolf on Youtube.  Sacha is a boy's name in Russian.

Designer Spotlight: Alexandre Vauthier

Line created 2009
France
Designed under Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler

Fall/Winter 2011-2012



Amazing, what you can do with just one color.  My favorite can be seen around 8:33.  I just wish it didn't have that giant slit down the middle of it.  I also like the little dresses you can see from 3:00 to 5:00.  I love the fur, too.  All the red kind of accents the "crown jewel" that appears at the end.  This beautiful gown that shines in a sea of crimson and scarlet.  It's quite appealing.

Worn by:

Beyonce Knowles

Rihanna

Lady Gaga

Ciara

More shots of this fabulous line:

Listening to:  "I want it that Way" by the Backstreet Boys

Things Going On Today:  Jacob comes over.  I go to the store.  No school.

Blessings:  No school. 

Learned:  A lot about Alexandre Vauthier.  Also, there is going to be a sequel-series for the show Avatar.  It's called The Legends of Korra.  

Midler/Gaga Drama

Here's what I have to say about Bette Midler's recent tweet addressed to Lady Gaga concerning her Sydney Monster Hall...



The whole show looked great, but skip to 1:40 for the mermaid look.


Here's Bette Midler's response on twitter:

I'm not sure @ladygaga knows that I've performed my mermaid in a wheelchair for millions of people -- and many of them are still alive..... Dear@ladygaga if you think a mermaid in a wheelchair seems familiar-it's because it is!You can see it on youtube 24/7-with ME performing it
Ive been doing singing mermaid in a wheelchair since 1980-You can keep the meat dress and the firecracker tits-mermaid's mine.

It's true!  Bette Midler did do a show back in the '80s that was entirely based around a singing, dancing mermaid in a wheelchair.  Check this out... 

I definitely think the Midler version was a lot more complete.  Gaga has yet to expound on the significance of Yuyi the mermaid, though she has made some tweets of late alluding to Yuyi in the next music video.  (I predict the single is going to be "You and I")  So in a way, her performance in Sydney really was really spontaneous and many on the outside could see that as a copy of Bette Midler's work.

However, looking back on the history of Gaga, you will see that both wheelchairs and mermaids have been repeated elements in Gaga's work.  You've got the wheelchair theme in Paparazzi, and Yuyi the mermaid has showed up (sans wheelchair) in her performance at Le Grand Journal.  So it would only make sense for them to be put together.

Gaga responded to Bette Midler's remarks very professionally.  It turns out she had no idea that Midler even HAD a mermaid act.  "I had no idea that she did that, and I'm a huge Bette Midler fan...  It wasn't [originally a tribute to Midler] cuz I didn't know that she'd done it, but I do now, and I think it's great...  Maybe we're just cut from the same cloth.  I obtusely admire her."  (See the whole interview about Midler here.)

Crisis has been averted.  Bette Midler's most recent tweet was as follows...

 @ladygaga, let's drink this over at the Emmys in September. Fabulous mermaids can coexist!

I think they're both "fin-tastic" performers!!

Listening to:  "New York, New York" as sung by Delores DeLago
Things Going On:  I go to Jensen's with a friend, last day in Minnesota
Blessings:  The internet.  My hair.
Learned:  Lady Gaga's grandmother only had intimate relationships with one man:  Her Husband.

Let Freedom Ring!

Happy Fourth of July!!!

With Love,

Hannah

Lady Gaga in Japan

Lady Gaga recently visited the country of Japan and wore the following outfits:

Arrival at Narita Airport -- June 21
Gaga wore a green leather jacket from Valentino's Fall 2011 Collection.  The Dafodille platform pumps are by Christian Louboutin.  She also donned her "Pray for Japan" bracelet by Haus of Gaga and the iconic blue wig she wore all throughout Europe and for Canada's MuchMusic show.
Gaga stated in an interview that the green look was to promote an awareness of the environment in the wake of the earthquake disasters in Japan back in March.














Shopping at Harajuku -- June 23
Wearing an outfit titled "Eva – Leather Rings Tee and Ines – Pleather Hook Trousers" by Fanny and Jessy for Spring/Summer "Watch this Face" Collection.

At the MTV Video Music Aid Japan Press Conference -- June 24

The Gags wore a feather necklace designed by Japanese artist Hitoshi Korogi and Keiko Miyakoshi, part of their Roggykei collection of 2010.  The pants are from another Japanese artist, Yasuko Furuta in his Toga collection for Fall 2011.  The new straight-banged wig is by Frederic Aspiras. Accesories by Chanel, and of course the Earthquake relief wristband by Haus of Gaga. 

In this interview, Gaga encouraged tourists to come back and visit the beautiful country of Japan, which is now safe and welcoming to visitors after the travesty of earthquakes and nuclear explosions last spring.









MTV Music Video Aid Japan Performance -- June 26
Outfit custom-created by Masanori Morikawa.  Gaga also shed her blue wig to reveal little blonde topknots as she performed her songs "Born this Way" and "The Edge of Glory"  in a giant spider's lair.  Apparently it was a symbol for overcoming adversity. Liking the big anime eyes.















MTV Music Video Aid Japan Press Room -- June 26
After her performance, Gaga tread lightly across the carpet in Norikita Tatehana boots (she wears this designer EVERYWHERE).  The purse was bought in Japan and is from Gianni Versace's Spring 1992 animal print collection... Or is it from Versace 2011/2012?  She said the vest was made by "AFG Leather," a Japanese brand. Accessories by Chanel and Versace.  Again, big anime eyes.  Very Japanese.

UPDATE:  The vest is by Koshiro Ebata for Garter.

"Sukkiri" TV Show in Japan -- June 28
Gaga went Panda on us on this Japanese Television show, wearing a dress from the Roggykei collection by Hitoshi Korogi and Keiko Miyakoshi.  She wore this designer earlier as well (see above).
Here's a video of the interview.  She was so cute on this show.  I would totally wear this outfit.  The designer of Hello Kitty also appeared on the show and presented Gaga with a custom-made surprise.

On NHK News Watch 9 -- June 28
Gaga gets out her teal wig again and wears a dress by Sachio Kawasaki that was custom made for her.
Watch the interview here.

Appearance on ZIP TV -- June 29
I know nothing about this outfit yet.  I'll keep ya posted, though.









Listening to:  "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" by John Mayer
Things Going on today:  Independence day, breakfast with Julie and Barry, eating chocolate covered Bananas with Rachel Konishi.
Blessings:  My country, my leaders, my freedoms.
Things Learned:  Caitlyn's boyfriend isn't that attractive. There was a 7/11 Rave last night at 3 AM.

Edge of Glory Update

So there are some more things I should say about the EOG music video.  I received a lot more information about why it is the way it is...

The video was supposed to be directed by Joseph Kahn, the same guy who directed Gaga's "Eh Eh" video back in 2009.  However, due to a creative dispute, Kahn walked out on the project just a few days before it was due to be shot, and just a few more days before the video was supposed to be released.  All of the costumes, choreography, and concepts that had been planned were now shot, and Gaga needed to improvise.  She didn't even have choreographer Laurianne Gibson on her side for this one, so the Haus took charge and they created a video that took only one day to produce and record.  It was all very spur-of-the-moment, and Gaga was pretty much on her own for the directing process.

With that in mind, I completely understand why the video seemed unprepared and simple.  My opinion of the video still hasn't changed.  It still looks terrible.  But now we understand why.  

Listening to:  Broken by Seether featuring Amy Lee
Things Going on Today:  Nate and Amoray's wedding reception, Manti pageant.
Blessings:  A good nap, crayons, and wedding dresses.

It's been a while.

Remember how I said at the end of the last post that the Edge of Glory video would leave me with similar feelings of wonder and appreciation for Lady Gaga's artistry and work?
Well... it didn't.
BUT NOT IN THE WAY YOU EXPECT.

I was not turned off by any inappropriate sexual behavior or nudity, nor was I offended by the blatant statements about gay rights or "blasphemous religious imagery."

To put it shortly....  I was BORED.

Yes, I said it.  Something Lady Gaga did BORED me.

This video is probably one of the greatest Gaga will ever write.  It's an anthem about a lot of things... love, death, victory.  But the video shows none of this symbolism, this energy, this LIFE.  I can sum up the vid in five words:
Gaga Dancing on Street Corner.

And that is it.

Not joking.  There are no back-up dancers, no special effects or symbolic imagery... not even a real COSTUME CHANGE!!  Okay, so there's a sax-player, just sitting and watching Gaga gyrate on the steps.  But this movie had no action, no real climax.  I went in watching the video expecting fireworks.  When it began, I got chills because I THOUGHT it could only get better.  But it didn't.  It stayed exactly the same for the whole video.  Her dance moves were even repeated a few times within the five-minute song.  I kept expecting SOMETHING to happen.  Maybe at the end some of her background dancers would come out and they'd all dance in the streets together.  Nope.  Maybe the lighting will change once the saxophone starts. Nope.  Maybe she'll jump out the window into another dimension or something.  Nope.  Maybe she'll strip naked.  NOPE.  NOTHING.  Nothing but stupid dancing on a stupid staircase.  No climax, no "moment of truth."  Seriously, no "edge of glory."  I am confused.

I think Lady Gaga was TRYING to sum up her feelings about her humble beginnings on the New York West Side, and while that's great and all, there really should have been more to it than what I saw.  Gaga's into schmultz, glamor, shock value, MEANING.  I felt like this whole video was really slapped together with little thought and interest in what the song was REALLY about.  I have yet to hear her comment on it, but I wouldn't be surprised if people completely forgot it existed the first five minutes after watching it.  It is in no way memorable or revolutionary.

When I watch a music video, I ask myself this question:  Would I watch it again?  If the answer is yes, I dub it "good."  Not only did I answer "no" to that question in regards to this Gaga video, but I actually said to myself:  "Not only will I never watch this video again, I almost regret wasting five minutes of my life to watch it!!"

Don't take my word for it. Watch it yourself!



I'm sure my feelings will be a lot less intense in a few hours.  But right now I am very disappointed and almost frustrated by how unexciting that vid was!!

Listening to:  The Edge of Glory.  (I still like the song!!)
Things Going On Today:  No school.  Amoray goes through the temple.  I practice a song for sacrament meeting.
Blessings:  Leather gloves, coloring books, and crying.

I learned love is like a brick. You can build a house or sink a dead body.

I knew that quote long before the words were used as lyrics...

Anyway, I thought you all oughta know that Lady Gaga's directorial premiere, the Judas Music Video, is probably my favorite that she's come out with so far.

On E! News, Lady Gaga discussed the video and called it "a fresco."  And I can totally see it.  I didn't notice how well this music could fit with some middle-eastern dancing and colorful Jewish art.  It's gorgeous.  All of the outfits, the scenes, the biblical portrayals, the Biker culture.  All are done tastefully and with deep meaning and love.  Love.  It's obvious Lady Gaga loves this song and its story.  The story is quite simple.  All the Biblical metaphors aside, it's about a girl who just can't let go of a bad boy.  She knows it's unhealthy, she knows it's not going to end well, and yet she pursues and pursues.  You can see that in the video.  Gaga, aka Mary Magdeline, while loyal to Jesus and his work, still feels the lurking love for Judas, even as she watches him betray her master, and even as she is stoned for her apostleship at the end of the video.  The fashion and choreography in this video is stellar.  And it's so clean!  Yeah, the immodesty is there, but wow...  I've been so used to the crazy near-nudity and sexuality of videos like Alejandro and Telephone... Now she's calming down, it seems, working in a different kind of unique territory that isn't as much about shock value as it is about artistry and beauty.  I'm liking that turn.  I have a feeling the Edge of Glory video will leave me with similar feelings.

My favorite outfit... the first one.  The purple veil with the gorgeous crown by Marianna Harutunian... who is amazing.

So Incredible

Listening to:  Judas... again and again.
Blessings:  YouTube, a Swell Roommate, tomatoes that don't fall apart when you cut them.
Things Going On Today:  Start a paper, end an entry.

A Shark...

It's been a while, so I guess I could update the world on what I've been doing these past few days...

Now that the boyfriend is gone to Seattle, I suddenly have more time to focus on homework and reading and sleeping and other good do-by-yourself things.  I'm taking two classes this semester -- 4th Semester American Sign Language and Intro to Contemporary Art -- and they've been pretty cool, more or less...

The ASL class turned out to be harder than I originally expected.  I spent two or three hours practicing for the first midterm but still only got 79% on it.  That's the lowest grade I've ever received on a midterm.  Ever.  So now I'm all paranoid that I won't get an A in the class.  So I'm working hard to get 100 percent on EVERYTHING in that class now.

As for Contemporary art, I think I got a shot at an A.  My paper is going to be about Damien Hirst, this guy who  dips sharks in formaldehyde as a metaphor of death.  I don't quite understand it yet, but I think I will once this paper gets written.

The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living

What else?  Oh yes, my new roommates.  I've sort of latched on to my ROOM-roommate, Sammy, who's from California.  She and I have a lot in common and that's pretty cool, seeing as we came from completely different backgrounds and didn't know each other existed before we were set in this room.  She is very brave, very musical, and always looking for a good time.  I have a feeling she may have the key to unlocking my social single self again.  Spending a whole semester with a boyfriend in the ward kind of tunes you out to the rest of the ward population, and now I need to try reconnecting with people.  Sounds fun...

Listening to:  The Edge of Glory by GAGA.  An amazing song, by the way.  Like nothing she's ever done before.  Kind of a Springsteen-esque anthem with a dance twist.  There's this pretty cool sax solo in the middle that gives it some class, and she soars on these high notes I didn't know she could sing when she came out with the Fame.  By the looks of things, this is going to be a pretty good album, methinks.  

Things Going On Today:  Laundry, no work.

Blessings:  Headphones, TA labs, and... sharks.