Our Writer Spends an Evening with Gaga
It’s only day three, but I’m thrilled to announce that I can officially get my beauty sleep for the rest of NYFW because last night I found myself at the legendary Plaza Hotel for what I’m predicting will go down as the chicest and wildest bash of the season. It was Harper’s Bazaar’s ICONS party, celebrating the “unforgettable women” that appear in all 30 international editions of the mag’s September issue. In honor of these incredible ladies—hand-picked and styled by Global Fashion Director Carine Roitfeld and photographed by Sebastian Faena—the fashion pack were treated to a jazz performance by the one and only Lady Gaga.
Many a Moet-sipping supermodel was on hand to indulge in the revelry with the Red Carpet situation practically turning into a smize off. Linda Evangelista, Karolina Kurkova, Karlie Kloss, Candice Swanepoel, and a (very kind) Lauren Hutton all gave their best face, while Hollywood hotties Nicki Minaj, Brooke Shields, Joe Jonas, and fashion’s crème de la crème Stephen Gan (BFF to Gaga and Bazaar’s Creative Director), Jason Wu, Jeremy Scott, Richard Chai, Gareth Pugh worked the room with aplomb. But it was Donatella (“Get outttt!!!”) Versace, who gave me the biggest goose bumps. I somehow found myself, like, six inches away from her while she hugged it out with Lady Gaga and Mother Monster’s beau, Taylor Kinney. And that’s when it got really weird. On a cig break, I experienced butterflies/questioned my sexuality when Kate Upton strolled past me. How she is even more drop-dead gorgeous in person makes my brain squeal. The same happened after when I ran into burgeoning supermodel, Gigi Hadid. Of course I felt compelled to tell her that I love her mom, Yolanda Foster, the scene-stealing cast member on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Gigi thanked me for the Yola loving. As for her evening look? It’s an Alaïa! (That’s a Clueless reference, obviously).
I also asked R&B crooner Miguel (who, btw, is sweeter than whipped cream-smothered funnel cake) about dueting with an icon who, unfortunately, did not greet us with her iconic presence, the legendary Mariah “Mimi” Carey. “I don't think people understand how brilliant Mariah is,” he said. “She writes her records and she's brilliant. Working with her was a huge honor. She's sexy as fuck too, so it was a pleasure. And honestly she made an amazing moment for me in my life, so I really appreciate her.” Just when I thought I couldn’t love this dude anymore, he went and complimented my broach, which I wore instead of a tie. I revealed to him that fabulous DJ Mia Moretti kindly lent it to me.
Anyway, back to the performance. The curtains opened, the Plaza’s massive chandelier shined brightly, and Gaga, backed by her jazz band, began crooning the cover songs that appear on her latest album, Cheek to Cheek, with Tony Bennett. My favorite was “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” although she also belted out “Anything Goes” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” in a custom dress designed by her sister, Natalie Germanotta. My review: it was like watching a Patti Lupone belt-fest, but Patti Lupone wearing a Linda Fargo-inspired wig. Literally, I did a double take, but then I saw Linda Fargo watching the performance to the left of me. Gaga sounded all kinds of great, though the living-for-the-applause songstress wasn’t so thrilled with the echoes of chatter. “Will you motherfuckers shut up? I’m playing jazz.” Yes, yes, you are Gaga, and it’s quite good. But Tyson Beckford is to my left, so, hold on one sec, please. Anyway, the champers was running out, the lights were turning on, so my date (Natalia Kills) and I, finally sashayed out of the chicness. Beauty sleep awaited.
