Lady Gaga wows with dramatic look at Venice Film Festival

Lady Gaga, known for her extravagant and bold looks, surprised by choosing a classic and sophisticated look for her first major promotional appearance for “Joker: Delirium for Two” at the 81st Venice Film Festival. Rather than following the recent trend of themed red carpet attire, Gaga opted for a dramatic ball gown, dazzling Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and a lace mask with significant fashion heritage.

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_{Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky attend the red carpet for “Joker: Folie à Deux” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival (Photo: reproduction/Getty Images Embed)}

Alongside her fiancé Michael Polansky, Gaga arrived at the event wearing a couture ball gown by Christian Dior. The gown, featuring a plunging neckline, featured a structured bodice, crisscross straps at the back, and a tiered skirt. Complementing the look, she wore a diamond necklace, earrings, and a polished bun, as well as a bold lace mask that partially covered her face. The mask, with a shape that could be interpreted as a slight reference to the Batman universe, is actually a choice more in line with Gaga's love of eccentricity in fashion.

An accessory with history

The accessory was created by hat designer Philip Treacy for his 2001 haute couture show and is believed to be part of Daphne Guinness’s personal collection. It was previously worn by Isabella Blow, the iconic fashion editor who helped launch the careers of both McQueen and Treacy. The mask is so iconic that it has even been displayed in museums in exhibitions honoring Blow’s legacy.

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_{Philip Treacy's Victorian lace hat, dated 2001, is on display at the Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition. (Photo: Getty Images Embed)}

For someone who began her career wearing experimental fashions like the meat dress, it may seem surprising to see Gaga not referencing her character, Harley Quinn, even in a subtle way. Still, this significant and historically charged choice confirms that Gaga is a big fan of couture.

Gaga was in Venice ahead of awards season

Gaga arrived in Venice a few days earlier, showing off her engagement ring and wearing a classic polka-dot dress by La Roxx. She completed the look with sheer tights, elegant heels and a half-up hairstyle. For a morning photoshoot for the film, Gaga showed up in an elegant Christian Dior couture gown, and despite being in Italy, she finished off the look with a French girl’s quintessential accessory: a black hat.

Featured photo: Lady Gaga attends the red carpet for “Joker: Delirium for Two” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival, Italy. (Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images Embed)