I’ve never been absolutely convinced that she owned her look rather than borrowed references from the avant-garde: Leigh Bowery’s performance art masterpieces, Grace Jones’ graphic mark on individualism in collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude, the highly stylized and imaginative ensembles of style icon Anna Piaggi, and even the outlandish outfits of the Club Kids from the late 80’s posing through the night.

Lady Gaga in Armani Prive

That was before last night’s the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

The bar has been raised for the melding of fashion as theater.

What we witnessed at the Grammy’s was one of the most superlative and iconic fashion collaborations of this time between two seemly disparate arbiters of style, Lady Gaga and Giorgio Armani Privé- the Haute Couture collection. “We hear Lady Gaga’s music everywhere we go. It is like a soundtrack of our times. In addition to her formidable songwriting skills, she is a modern fashion phenomenon,” says Armani

From her very first red carpet walk, to her performance, and throughout the night Lady Gaga was dressed in a variety of crystal collage pieces created especially for her. Sharing Armani’s enthusiasm, Lady Gaga adds, “I am honored to be wearing Armani this evening. The series of pieces Mr. Armani created for me are truly iconic; they represent not only beautiful fashion, but my spirit and essence as an artist. Mr. Armani is a fashion legend, and tonight would not have been the same without his touch, and his wonderful team.”

Lady Gaga dressed in Giorgio Armani Privé:

Lady Gaga in Giorgio Armani Privé