Lady Gaga, perhaps the most visually attractive artist in today's pop culture because of her display of outrageous outfits, unique wigs, and her refusal to wear pants, is also one of the most influential celebrities when it comes to modern dressing expression.
Lady Gaga will perform at 8 p.m. today at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Her show is a part of the Monster Ball tour, which has brought thousands of fans to sing and dance to her well-known songs, and show off their outfits influenced by the artist.
Lora Thompson, a senior creative writing major, will be attending Lady Gaga's concert. She said the main reason she is going to the show was because of how visually alluring her concerts are.
"I've always liked theatrical stuff, so it really caught my attention when I heard it is almost like a broadway show," she said.
Baylea Jackson, a Butler student that is going to the concert with Thompson, said for it to be her first Lady Gaga concert, she was expecting something great.
"I am expecting an epic, highly entertaining production that will make it worth the price," she said. "I'm sure I'll enjoy absolutely anything she has planned."
Thompson and Jackson will both be wearing an outfit close to what the singer wears. While Thompson designed her own headwear, Jackson said she will go with a full outfit. With a mini dress, a matching clip and fake leather shoes, Jackson said her outfit is ready.
"I planned on going all out for this event," she said. "I didn't know what I wanted to buy before I went shopping, but these items popped out at me. They were somewhat more expensive than typical outfit pieces."
But the effect of Lady Gaga's outfits is reaching outside the concert hall. Halloween 31, a division of California-based Koyal Wholesales, will offer licensed Lady Gaga costumes for this Halloween.
Shreyans Parekh, vice president of Koyal Wholesale, said he expects this Halloween to see many fans dressed as Lady Gaga. Outfits from the company will be available for pre-order after Sept. 22.
"We didn't really see many people dressed like her last year, perhaps because some of her songs were not known yet," he said. "But we do expect many people placing orders if her popularity continues."
Besides the Halloween costumes, the artist's influence has grown into becoming an inspiration for people in how they dress every day.
Thompson said she does see some of an influence from Lady Gaga's style onto accessories, like glasses and leather. She said although she does not follow Lady Gaga's style much, she does feel connected with her in a way.
"I can definitely connect with her, in her efforts to dress different," she said. "I do put a little bit of effort onto my outfits."
Jackson said although Lady Gaga's fashion has not changed her casual dress, it has made people more comfortable with wearing what they want.
"She has somewhat tweaked the nightlife style, and I certainly don't mind wearing some funky apparel out on the weekends. I think she added a sense of comfort to all of us, in that, no matter what we wear, she will always be dressed in something more obnoxious."
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