Lady Gaga’s headlining performance at Coachella 2025 was nothing short of legendary. The show was an artistic feast for the eyes and ears, with the superstar weaving together high camp, gothic drama, and jaw-dropping visuals. But amid the mesmerizing set changes, intricate performances, and mind-blowing stage effects, it was her fashion choices that truly stole the show, giving fans a deep dive into her fashion evolution.
From towering gothic gowns to iconic footwear, Lady Gaga’s outfits were not just clothing — they were references to her past performances, music videos and longstanding collaborations with designers. Each look was a nod to her career and the boundary-pushing creativity that has defined her as one of the most iconic figures in the music and fashion world.
The gothic Tudor gown: A tribute to the past
Gaga’s opening look was a dramatic red gothic Tudor gown, with a skirt that soared high above the stage. Inspired by Thierry Mugler’s 1985 design for a Lady Macbeth costume, the gown immediately transported the crowd into Gaga’s world of theatrical fashion. It was a classic Gaga move — bold, dramatic, and totally unexpected. The gown's regal silhouette set the tone for the entire performance, blending gothic elegance with an air of mystery.
The 'Paparazzi' armor and crutches: A throwback to 2009
Long-time Little Monsters will immediately recognize the armor and crutches that Gaga donned while performing her iconic track Paparazzi. The outfit was a direct callback to the 2009 music video, where Gaga’s character, after being thrown out of a window, returns in a matching armor bodysuit, helmet, and crutches. Gaga recreated this iconic look with a dramatic twist, pairing it with a giant, billowing cape for maximum impact. This outfit not only referenced one of her most memorable moments but also symbolized her resilience and ability to reinvent herself.
The chessboard battle: Alexander McQueen’s influence
In one of the most visually arresting moments of the show, Gaga took the stage to perform Poker Face while engaging in a battle on a life-sized chessboard. Fans were quick to point out that the sequence was reminiscent of Alexander McQueen’s 2005 “It’s Only a Game” runway show, known for its theatrical use of chess imagery. Gaga’s admiration for McQueen is well-documented, and this moment paid homage to the late designer's visionary contributions to fashion. The chessboard set, combined with the spiky crown worn by the white queen (a callback to her 2009 Bad Romance video), was a masterstroke of fashion and performance art.
The skeleton moment: A nod to 'Bad Romance'
Gaga’s affinity for the macabre was on full display when she sang Perfect Celebrity while lying next to a skeleton in a sandpit. The visual echoed the final shot of her 2009 music video for Bad Romance, where she is seen in a similar pose surrounded by skeletal imagery. This moment was a perfect representation of Gaga’s ability to blend fashion with dark symbolism, cementing her reputation as an artist who is always pushing boundaries.
The return of the ‘Savannah’ corset boots: A symbol of consistency
For Gaga, the Ellie Shoes “Savannah” corset boots are nothing short of iconic. She first wore them during her 2010 Monster Ball Tour, and they’ve since made appearances in her “Rain On Me” music video and even her 2017 Coachella set. At Coachella 2025, the boots made yet another return during her performance of Mayhem’s How Bad Do U Want Me. The boots, which lace up the front in a dramatic fashion, are more than just footwear — they’re a piece of Gaga history, representing her unwavering commitment to maintaining her fashion legacy while also reinventing herself with each new era.
11:59 and the fashion moment
One of the most memorable moments in Gaga’s Coachella 2025 performance was when she started her show at exactly 11:10 PM, aligning perfectly with the 11:59 lyric from The Beast, which she performed at exactly 11:59 PM. It was a nod to the precision and perfection that Gaga has built her brand on, emphasizing the artistry behind her performances.
A final tribute to Gaga’s fashion legacy
Lady Gaga’s Coachella 2025 performance was more than a concert — it was a theatrical celebration of her artistic evolution, told through bold fashion statements and iconic callbacks. Each outfit was a tribute to her past, and to her present, and a signal of what’s to come. From battling former selves on a life-sized chessboard to reviving legendary looks with designers like Thierry Mugler, Alexander McQueen, and Ellie Shoes, Gaga turned her wardrobe into a living, breathing narrative.
Her "manifesto of mayhem" wasn’t just about chaos — it was about transformation, storytelling, and embracing every era of her career. As she moves forward, one thing is clear: Gaga’s fashion will continue to be more than style — it will be her voice, her vision, and her legacy in motion.