I’m probably in the minority on this one, but I didn’t care much for Lady Gaga’s Inauguration … hmm, what should I call it? Outfit? Costume? Skirt and top? Ball gown?
Whatever we call the Schiaparelli brand ensemble, it was inappropriate for the occasion. Or at least half of it was.
Hear me out.
I know that Lady Gaga likes a grand entrance. She likes outrageous costumes and I think that’s fine for one of her concerts but for the Inauguration of the United States President, tailored pieces are more appropriate than oversized skirts.
I thought the navy jacket and large gilded dove brooch were spot on; her lovely voice and updated, heartfelt rendition of The Star Spangle Banner were stunning, and she looked beautiful. However, the skirt, made of layers of red silk faille, was too voluminous, it took up too much room and looked awkward on that crowded platform.
A skirt like that would be just the thing for the opening night of the opera, the Costume Institute Gala, the Inaugural Ball had there been one. Any formal nighttime event with ample space where its fullness can spread and fill and be completely seen and enjoyed.
Ballgowns (that’s what this was) are not for daytime events. I would have preferred a pencil skirt, perhaps in the same navy fabric as the jacket or in red for a more splashy Lady Gaga look. To keep with her quirkiness, some fabulous vintage shoes – 40s slingbacks or Oxfords with a heel – and a pair of gloves with red embroidered tips as a nod to the original Schiaparelli.
Still, as I said Lady Gaga looked lovely (waist up) and I really appreciated hearing her sing our national anthem with such heart.
Agree? Disagree? I welcome any polite comments from ODFL readers.
OverDressed for Life 
There was no Inaguration Ball. Perhaps she was The Symbol for that? We would not have worn that-But symbolism counts too?
I loved the symbolism of the dove/olive branch brooch. And in supersize too!
“She brought her own red carpet! ” said my husband 🤣 I agree with your opinion on the waist up, and think a red pencil skirt would have been more apropos.
I love that – “She brought her own red carpet.” She sure did! Thanks, Kit.
I agree. The skirt was-over-the-top-below-the-waist, I think she confused the event with the Grammys.
Haha. Yes, she did.
Note: Even though I’m signed in, sometimes I come up as “spamh8ter” but I don’t know why. So if you see that, it’s me