Camp is a part of who we are. It’s not something that we have to try to be.

Lady Gaga certainly knows camp. Given her reputation for seriously outlandish looks, one might think that the Oscar winner has already exhausted every possible variation of campy chic, but not so! On her way to the 2019 Met Gala, Gaga pulled off the ultimate over the top moment by walking from 84th and Madison to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with five dancers, makeup artist Sarah Tanno, and her personal photographer on hand to capture every move in a brilliant live performance. The theatrical journey kicked off the night and delighted onlookers who watched as she playfully swapped outfits—four times!—and strut her way into the venue.

Naturally, each look—designed by longtime friend, Brandon Maxwell—was gleefully over the top. A pink cape dress with a bow and 25-foot train began the proceedings with the team of dancers maneuvering to help Gaga make her way up the steps. If that wasn’t dramatic enough on its own, Maxwell then appeared to unzip the first look and reveal a corseted black dress beneath with opera gloves added on, stopping for a few impromptu selfies.

After that, the primping that usually occurs behind the scenes featured front and center, as Gaga applied lipstick in front of the cameras before trying out a third look: This time, bright pink and form fitting column with Linda Farrow sunglasses and a Tiffany and Co. butterfly necklace accenting the glamour. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lady Gaga moment without a little sexiness; by stripping down to a crystal bra and panties, she upped the ante on the night’s skin reveals.

By VOGUE