'APPLAUSE' - THE OUTFITS

It is no secret that Lady Gaga is beloved by the fashion industry. Designers such as the late Lee McQueen, Donatella Versace and Hussein Chalayan have all clamoured to dress her in the past, and she is good friends with elite fashion photographers such as Nick Knight and Inez & Vinoodh. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Gaga's new video for her single 'Applause' is a fashion orgy of spectacular proportions. Featuring instantly recognisable designs by Gareth Pugh, John Galliano and Maison Martin Margiela, the singer pairs haute couture with D.I.Y creations from her own 'Haus' of Gaga in order to craft a truly memorable aesthetic. This blog post details some of the most eye-catching designs from the video alongside the collections that they came from. 

1. Maison Martin Margiela Artisanal, A/W 2013

The first look was taken from the iconic Maison Martin Margiela's latest couture offering - made up of recycled looks from classic collections, this jacket was one of the most-photographed items of the collection. Gaga chose to wear the sharp-shouldered number with a piece that was conceived by her sister Natali - made from safety pins and fragmented mirror balls, the overall ensemble is the perfect example of Gaga's D.I.Y Couture aesthetic.

2. John Galliano A/W 2009

Perhaps the most dramatic look of the video comes courtesy of notorious designer John Galliano. A customised version of a gown from his A/W 2009 collection, Gaga adds her own twist to the look by adorning sequinned pasties. The make-up, however, is lifted straight from the runway - based on Russian folklore, the collection is often hailed as one of Galliano's most beautiful.

3. Gareth Pugh, custom

The 'Applause' cover art featured Gaga's paint-smeared face partly obscured by a white veil that turned out to be a white coat designed by avant-garde British designer Gareth Pugh. The coat itself is seen in its full glory in the video - when juxtaposed with a chic black Mila Schön catsuit, the look is the perfect contrast of drama and restraint. 

4. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, A/W 2011

Arguably the look from the video with the most potential to become an iconic Gaga 'moment' was designed by Moroccan designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. The 'hand bra' caused a minor stir when it was first shown at his A/W 2011 collection, but Gaga has brought the look to the forefront in the 'Applause' video, teaming it with elbow-length leather gloves and gothic make-up.

5. Seashell pasties, custom Haus of Gaga

Throughout the video, Gaga makes it clear that she is unafraid to bare her body, but this look is a clever example of self-censoring, seeminly inspired by the Little Mermaid. Flowers, seashells and string are all that comprise of the garment that covers Gaga's crotch, and it is yet another custom piece designed by her own Haus of Gaga. The video is the first example of the vision of the Lady's new stylist Brandon Maxwell - and Maxwell himself has already stated that pieces have recently been commissioned by Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang for Balenciaga, meaning that Gaga's high-fashion reputation looks set to soar alongside her 'ARTPOP' album campaign.