Lady Gaga: love, hate and monster fame

Gaga. Just the one word, even without the qualifier, evokes impassioned responses. Genius. Hack. Visionary. Copycat. Goddess.

Personally? I believe she's somewhere in between. (Cue e-mail attacks from the army of little monsters.)

Lady Gaga is, at least today, vitally important to pop music. She makes fans excited about the radio again. She's savvy with her media choices and interviews. She inspires a fervent kind of adoration that's been missing for years. She crafts songs that make you want to, well, just dance. (Gonna be OK!)

"The second you hear Gaga actually sing or play piano, you realize that this is the real deal," says Justin Tranter, lead singer for Semi Precious Weapons, the opening act on the Monster Ball Tour.

"Her work ethic is so amazing, and her relationship with her fans is so amazing. I've learned a lot about that."

Madonna was last in Houston Nov. 16, 2008. Gaga's debut album, The Fame, was only three months old at the time, slowly chugging toward sales of more than 3 million copies.Just Dance, the disc's first single, wouldn't hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for another two months.

Those dates are important because, for some, Gaga is the natural successor to Madonna. (Sorry, Britney, Xtina and Rihanna.) Both are fiercely independent, surprisingly clever and adept at dealing with the demands of celebrity. (Not that Madonna is even close to being out of the game.)

"She's special because she's Gaga -- literally," says Leah Knoble, 15, from Pearland. "She's absolutely insane, and I adore her for it. Her costumes are outrageous, her stage antics border on psychotic, and the way she speaks is just odd.

"Every performance is theatrical, like a play in itself. I think she's bringing back the passion for performance that was prominent in the '70s and '80s in acts such as David Bowie, Madonna, Alice Cooper."

That may be the general sentiment from fans, but the flip side is that behind all the face wreaths and fake blood and metal hoop skirts -- the music just isn't as innovative as it aspires to be.

The Fame's parade of hits were standard dance-pop imitations of more established, better singers (Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Madonna). Last year's Fame Monsteroffered more complex production and songwriting, but it relies heavily on '80s samples and overwrought sentiment. Only Teeth and Beyoncé duet Telephone showcase real personality.

Otherwise, there's nothing happening that hasn't been done for years in gay clubs or overseas by equally deserving vocalists. As a vocalist and a dancer, Gaga is adequate but hardly spectacular. (Cue more little monster e-mails.)

"I really don't find her genuine," says Sam Byrd, 27, from Meyerland. "Everything from her outfits to the shock value seems like a slap in the face of intelligence, like she's pulling the wool over our eyes with the character she's forged instead of relying on the value of her music.

"She's made herself so freakish and outlandish that people can't help but stare and talk about her. All things considered, I think she'll be remembered less for her music and more for her costumes and theatrics."

With so many accessories and outlandish outfits and burning pianos already to her credit, the inevitable question becomes, 'What's next?' How much higher over the top can one Gaga go?

New song You and I, with its Elton John-ish vibe, suggests she might be headed the opposite way. It's a retro piano ballad with rock flourishes and a preview of her next album.

"Music is a lie. It is a lie. Art is a lie. You have to tell a lie that is so wonderful that your fans make it true," Gaga says in this month's Rolling Stone cover story.

"The message of the new music is now more bitter than it was before. Because the sweeter the cake, the more bitter the jelly can be. If I had come out as who I was, no one would be listening. Now people are listening. So I can be inspirational."

For some fans, however, the inspiration happened long ago. And that in itself might end up being Gaga's biggest legacy.

"Gaga creates a space for her fans to be more than what we live our daily lives as," Knoble says. "The love she has for her fans is really quite special, and I'm honored to call myself a little monster."

Musings on Lady Gaga's fashion choices

Style writer Jason Sheeler wondered aloud recently about some of Lady Gaga's fashion choices. Here are some highlights.

Audience with the queen

"It's funny that Michelle Obama's J. Crew cardigan choice to meet the queen caused more of a ruckus than Gaga's sparkly eye mask and latex pouf sleeves. She did show a little reverence with the Elizabethan silhouette, but went all Gaga with the materials: red latex, courtesy of fetish-wear designer Atsuko Kudo."

"How high?"

"The performer is certainly one to choose form over function. One wonders how long it took her to get these custom-made, thigh-high Noritaka Tatehana boots off in the TSA line. And how many assistants it took to get her vertical again."

Plan your life

Lady Gaga performs at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas. $49.50-$175. Ticketmaster. Another performance is scheduled March 14. JOIN the conversation and find out how to upload your pictures from the concert.

From: http://www.dallasnews.com/

Girl Scouts Unveils New National Brand Initiative

NEW YORK, N.Y.—Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), one of the most well known and well loved organizations in the nation, is revitalizing and reenergizing its brand to reach a new generation of girls.

After extensive research and development, Girl Scouts debuted today a long-term, multichannel brand campaign that is designed to reacquaint the country with the iconic organization and communicate the power girls have to change the world through Girl Scouting. The campaign is also keyed to boosting the number of girls and adult volunteers who participate in Girl Scouting annually after a period of declining membership.

"A revitalized and energized brand is absolutely essential for us and our future growth," said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer of GSUSA. "About one out of every 10 girls participates in Girl Scouting and that's a tremendous number when you think about it. But that also means that we have a great opportunity to grow even after almost 100 years. We have literally revamped our entire organization to appeal to that 90 percent of girls who aren't benefiting from the Girl Scout leadership experience. And with our new brand work, we think we have the right message at the right time."

The branding, in the works as part of the organization's comprehensive transformation that began in 2004, is composed of a striking new visual identity, which includes a distinctive trefoil mark, revised color palette, and refreshed logo that was originally created in the 1970s by the legendary designer Saul Bass. In addition, the initiative also includes plans for a 360 degree marketing program that taps the online, place-based and traditional media.

As part of the new campaign, Girl Scouts also has developed Spanish-language advertising to target the Hispanic market, one of the few girl populations in the country that is growing. GSUSA already has secured more than $10 million in donated exposure in Spanish-language media ranging from Telemundo to People en Español. In its general market campaign, Girl Scouts is working to secure $30 million in pro bono placements from national online and in-mall and airport outlets, as well as traditional broadcast and print media.

"What we're doing with this initiative is repositioning Girl Scouts with a message that is relevant to girls and the lives they lead today," said Laurel Richie, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at GSUSA. "To some degree, our brand had faded and our research revealed that while many girls and parents knew about us, they had a very limited view of us. While we are proud of our $700 million cookie business run by girls, we offer so much more than that, and this new work is designed to let people know about all the new and exciting things girls do every day as Girl Scouts.

"Our brand promise is that Girl Scouts gives every girl access to life-changing experiences that inspire her to do something big. That's a promise we keep every day, and you don't have to look much further than our National Young Women of Distinction and Gold Award earners to see evidence of that."

Girl Scouts has already implemented major changes in recent years as part of its Core Business Strategy, which was developed under Cloninger's leadership to turn around the organization amid changing demographics and a gradual decline in membership. In just the past few years, the organization has realigned its federated system of 312 councils to 112. Those councils now operate with bigger budgets and are able to draw on economies of scale. And in 2008, the organization rolled out the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, a program that every Girl Scout will engage in from the youngest Girl Scout Daisy to the eldest Girl Scout Ambassador.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience also features a series of 15 outcomes, or benefits, that for the first time in the organization's history will allow Girl Scouts to gauge how well its program is working in terms of developing key leadership skills in girls.

Richie said that Girl Scouting is launching its rebranding from a position of strength because it can draw upon strong name recognition and a long legacy of leadership development. With this new campaign and the projected growth in overall girl population in the United States, Girls Scouts expects to see its membership begin to increase over the next few years. The campaign will also pave the way, Richie said, for a major effort to gain exposure during the organization's national centennial celebration in 2012.

About Girl ScoutsFounded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.3 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls living overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

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Uttam London Autumn Winter 2010

Uttam London Autumn Winter 2010

Hotly anticipated; Uttam London, renowned for its distinctive prints and unique designs, does not disappoint with its Autumn/Winter collection. Four Key trends emerge triumphant this season, utilising in-house designed prints of brushstrokes, butterflies, and distinct creations using floral paisley and geometric elements cleverly combined across the trends.

1940's Nostalgia is re-ignited with a collection of timeless dresses all intricately finished with traditional and understated hand embellishments, which denote Uttam's signature style. Re-interpreting the silhouettes of this forgotten era, dresses and coats with neat waist proportions become statement items in this stylish nod to pre-war fashions.

Focusing on ancient Greece for inspiration, 'Grecian Goddess' combines draped knitwear with more structured and intricate pieces to dramatic effect. These modern neo-classic interpretations feature multiple layering accentuated with antique gold embroidery and accessories. Set against a contemporary background incorporating shades of gunmetal grey, onyx black and winter berry; this Grecian goddess leaps forward to the 21st Century.

'Eastern Promise' brings elements of the Orient to this range through its use of cerulean jade silk crepe, delicate floral and butterfly prints and modern interpretations of antique kimono shapes. Texture is utilised throughout the collection to add depth and subtle interest whilst the considered use of print combined with modern silhouettes create truly original garments.

Concluding the stories is 'Art Deco', a true homage to the 1920's. The juxtaposition of beautiful and simple clean lines against the architectural inspired structured detailing add a modern twist to this evening inspired collection. Geometric prints add definite interest whilst the vintage inspired accessories provoke an individual look.
Uttam London Head of Design Justine Lee comments; "Historical design references work effortlessly with the Uttam silhouette this season, focusing on key shapes, intricate signature hand finishing and our in-house prints creating Autumn/Winter wardrobe staples for all ages."

Founded in the late 1990's by fashion entrepreneur Uttam Nepal, Uttam London has grown from it's modest beginnings of selling handmade knitwear from Nepal and the Far East in London's Camden Market to become a leading global brand. With an established in-house design team drawing inspiration from London street style combined with emerging trends, Uttam London offers a liberated collection appealing to the style conscious consumer with an eye for intricacy, creativity and quality. The brand is available to buy from key independent boutiques nationwide and major department stores around the globe.


From: http://www.girl.com.au/

Lady Gaga Fans give Gaga Fashion the spotlight in NYC yesterday

July 7, 2010 -- Lady Gaga fashion is ever changing, but the fans of the entertainer don't seem to mind. Giving the cameras an eyeful at the Lady Gaga concert yesterday, they seemed to portray the singer is so many ways.
On the CBS news today, the cameras went out to the concert of Lady Gaga to catch a glimpse of Gaga. Gaga fashion that is. Fans stood outside the arena and waited for the doors to open all the while singing and dancing with their latest Gaga garb on.
From the famous cig sunglasses, to the hair that comes to a point, the fans were all dressed up to show off and be ready to perform before seeing the entertainer. Once they started singing, their outfits moving and the dance beginning, everyone appeared to be having a great time.
The style of Lady Gaga is every changing but fans have the choice of fashion that they find most appealing to wear. Luckily they can find it by just checking out any of Lady Gaga's videos.

From: http://www.examiner.com/

Lady Gaga deals with anti-gay protesters at St. Louis show

Lady Gaga [ tickets ]'s Saturday night "Monster Ball" concert (7/17) in St. Louis drew more than her excited "little monsters," as a slew of sign-yielding, anti-gay protesters from the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church congregated outside the venue.
The independent church, which is not affiliated with other Baptist churches, organized the demonstration, marking the second time the Fred Phelps-founded group has picketed one of the superstar's St. Louis performances. In January, the group released flyers stating that the "sleazy God-hater" uses art and fashion as euphemisms, "the guise under which the proud whore Lady Gaga teaches rebellion against God."
Lady Gaga acknowledged the protesters with a simple message to fans, sent via Twitter, Facebook and posted at her website a couple hours before the set's kick-off.
"My request to all little monsters and public authorities is to pay these hate criminals no mind," the singer stated. "Although I respect and do not judge anyone for their personal views on any politics or religion, this group in particular to me, is violent and dangerous.
"I wanted to make my fans aware of my views on how to approach, or rather not approach, these kinds of hate activists."
After a full and uninterrupted arena show, the seemingly unaffected pop star tweeted, "tonight love and hate met in St. Louis and love outnumbered the hate, in poetic thousands. Hate left, but love stayed. Together, we sang."
The Westboro Baptist Church, which has been deemed a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, has a history of making headlines with their protests. Supporters have picketed veterans' funerals, football games, and political events, as well as Michael Jackson's funeral, some with signs that read "God hates fags" and "thank God for dead soldiers."
Lady Gaga will continue on with her extensive "Monster Ball" tour, touching down tomorrow night (7/20) in Oklahoma City, where Westboro Baptist Church protesters are also expected to be in attendance.

From:http://www.soundspike.com/

Fashion News Roundup: More Crystal Renn Controversey, Bed Bugs Invade Victoria’s Secret, and Lanvin Lands Stateside

“Renn”ovating The Industry: Crystal Renn sure has been leaving her mark on the fashion industry lately. The size-10 model recently landed a spot in Jean Paul Gaultier’s new campaign, and came under fire for looking slimmer in a Nicholas Routzen-shot campaign for non-profit Fashion for Passion. Glamour’s got the un-retouched photos as well as an interview with Renn, and she says of the photos “in the new pictures…well, that body doesn’t look like my body. It doesn’t.” If that isn’t enough, Renn is now talking of designing her own plus-sized collection. Phew, when does she sleep? {Glamour and Stylelist}

MAC Misstep?: MAC’s Mexico-inspired collaboration collection with Rodarte is set to drop on September 15, but not everyone is excited. The line is coming under some criticism for a nail polish color called “Juarez,” the name of a Mexican town notorious for ignoring the rampant rapes and murders of local women. {The Frisky}

It’s Not Over Until The Exterminator Says So: In yet another cringe-worthy infestation, the infamous chain-store bedbugs have moved on to Victoria’s Secret. Bed begs in underwear? Just terrifying. {Racked NY}

Lanvin Landing: Lanvin is all set to open its first U.S. flagship store next week, at 815 Madison Ave. Rumors of the store-dressings alone have us drooling.

From: http://fashionista.com/