There is no denying how much of a fashion icon Lady Gaga has been since the early days of her career. Over the years, her fashion has been bold and daring - but her look in certain album eras has been more "toned down" when compared to others.
One of the most interesting things about Gaga's fashion is how it changes with each album/project she does. With each style of album comes a new and exciting lineup of outfits for her - and she has never been shy of flaunting some extravagant designer pieces in both the clothing and accessory departments.
This post is part of a new series that will start in the 2000s (this post) and end at the most recent looks we have gotten from Gaga (2024). I will more than likely post more updates about her as the album continues to be teased and as we get more appearances and fashion from the icon herself.
Starting with her pre-Gaga fashion. Before she was known by the world as her stage name, she used her birth name; Stefani Germanotta. One of the earliest recorded sets of photos of her (on Gagapedia, thank you guys so much for all of the wonderful information and insight on one of my favorite artists) is from 2005.
2005:
At the Skirball Theatre in New York Gaga (February) performed a two-song set in a green, sleeveless top paired with white pants. She played two original songs she composed on the piano and she won third place in the competition. The concert she performed at was the UltraViolet Live, which is a concert contest to benefit cancer.
This was a more natural look for Gaga that she kept throughout her earliest eras as an upcoming artist and star. Her hair was straight and black, her makeup light, and her feet without shoes. She was only 18 years old when this performance took place.
Her fashion was still developing and so was her sound. It would be a little while longer before we would get "Lady Gaga" - her artist self, not her "natural" self in a sense. Her persona had not been developed yet and she was still an upcoming songstress during these early years.
Gaga was photographed at another event in the early months (April) of 2005, this time in a light yellow, almost lingerie-esque dress. Her hair is still straight and black and her makeup is very minimal, it almost looks like she is not wearing any at first glance. Her dress appears to have a bit of a lace window on the abdomen area and it has a lace trim along the top as well. It is a very dainty look that fits the era - you can tell that this is mid-2000s by just her hairstyle alone and I think it's wonderful.
Gaga was seen in another cute & casual look in the later parts of 2005 (September) while in a rehearsal room with Frankie Fredericks.
At only 19, Gaga performed at the 60th Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York (October). The event has been hosted since 1929.
This event was broadcasted live on NBC and one of the hosts (Maria Bartiromo) commented about Gaga, saying the following about her performance:
"She's only nineteen and what a voice."
The last "main" photos of Gaga from 2005 (December) were taken at a house party where Gaga is seen dressed in what you would expect from a 2005 party. She is seen in two different (and super cute) tops in the two photographs.
I assume she is wearing a cardigan/sweater of some sort overtop of the white tank she is wearing in the photo below. It's either that or she got changed as the party went on - but I would put my vote on the first option.
Thoughts on the outfit swap? Vote here!
Gaga's House Party Outfit Swap
She was wearing a cardigan/sweater/top overtop of her cami.
She got changed as the party progressed.
My personal favorite look from the 2005 photos is the pale yellow lacy dress. I want to hear your thoughts!
Favorite outfit? Vote here!
Favorite 2005 Gaga Outfit
Green top & white pants with no shoes.
Pale yellow, lingerie-esque dress
Blue cami and low-rise ripped jeans
Black dress from the Columbus Day Parade
Gaga had more consistent/frequent appearances in 2006. She kept the same style elements as the previous year but was changing as the time went on as well.
2006:
Another New York performance of Gaga's took place at The Bitter End in early 2006 (January). She was seen wearing an off-shoulder top with a necklace and what looks to be a pair of jeans. Her hair is more styled and put back than she had it in her 2005 performances.
Gaga had two posters titled 'Stefani Live' for events she had at The Knitting Factory in February of 2006. In the first one she is seen in a black dress and tights, and the second is a face-only shot of her.
$8 to see Lady Gaga... the people who went to this show probably had NO IDEA how lucky they were to be seeing her. Incredible how an artist can grow like that.
In March, her first EP was released and titled 'Red and Blue'. She did two different performances in the month of March (and yes, tickets were still insanely cheap).
Gaga performed at The Bitter End in New York and was seen in a black and white striped top with a necklace to go with the outfit. She is also wearing what appear to be capris (the outfit can also be seen in the poster promoting her performance).
Her second performance of March was at Cutting Room, also in New York. She wore her hair in an updo and wore a patterned top over a dress that was paired with necklaces.
*I would like to make a note here stating that all of these images are from Gagapedia and me going in order of the years. I am using these photos for this post as a way to analyze and comment on Gaga's fashion over the years and how her image has changed since her early career roots.
In another promotional poster, this time for April; Gaga is seen in a black and white patterned dress.
At her performance she wore a grey top that was falling off of her shoulder on one side. Her hair was up in a low ponytail.
In August of 2006 Gaga was photographed wearing more makeup than she had in other photos. This was the start of her more heavy makeup looks that she would use a lot in her more fully formed career.
She also performed at The Cutting Room in October, but the photo is too low-res to make out what she is wearing exactly. Looks to be a white t-shirt with her somewhat new bangs hairstyle.
In November she was photographed in a recording studio with Rob Fusari. She wore a semi-casual outfit with more of that "heavier" eyeliner.
My personal favorite look was the black and white patterned dress she wore for her Sin-e performance poster. Thoughts?
Favorite 2006 Gaga Outfit
Off-shoulder top worn at The Bitter End
Black dress with stockings
Stefani (EP) album cover outfit
Black and white top with *capris *[?]
And that (mostly) concludes her pre-Gaga beginnings! Her style was a lot more casual than it is now and it's so interesting looking at things like this knowing her now and how much she blew up as an artist. It's incredible how that happens with so many artists we know and love.
Stay tuned for part two about the start of Gaga! Enjoy Little Monsters 🖤
Such a fun and interactive read! Looking forward to part. 2! 🥳💟