SNL
Lady Gaga is fully, properly, back. The global superstar released her new album MAYHEM on Friday, a triumphant return to the dark-pop of her earlier days and a record that she told The FADER is her most confident yet. Also back are her theatrical, over-the-top live performances complete with ornate couture pieces — which she delivered during her latest stint pulling double duty on Saturday Night Live.
The pop star performed "Abracadabra" and "Killah" (the best song on the record — if you know you know) in full Gaga getup. For "Abracadabra" that meant a ginormous sparkly hat, cane, and oxblood catsuit. Per LUAR, the New York-based brand who created the custom look, the catsuit was bedazzled with thousands of gemstones, and in its angular silhouette felt like a nod to the out-there fashion she'd don early in her career. (Remember those McQueen Armadillo boots?)
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Meanwhile, Lady Gaga's deep violet gown for "Killah" was created by London-based atelier Robert Wun. The "Purple Rain" birding suit, per the brand, was a clear nod to Prince, whose influence is all over MAYHEM and especially on "Killah," with its bright guitars and funk-filled sound. Gaga wore the outfit without a hat, but early sketches shared by the brand shows that the gown did come with a disc-shaped headpiece. We trust Gaga and her stylist knew what they were doing leaving it out since the ultimate look gave her the freedom she needed to smash on some drums and truly wail out on stage like the "Purple Rain" originator would've wanted.
See detailed videos showcasing both outfits, below.
