White Corset
Gaga is first introduced in bed, wearing a white corset and a fluffy white cape, presenting her as innocent and virginal. It is worth noting that this is one of her earlier music videos, and may be a reason why she has been portrayed as an innocent victim; she has just been released into the music industry and already has been attacked by a white male who may represent hegemonic society. The heavy eye makeup and cuffs on her ankles reflect how women are sexualised and oppressed by society, trapped in the male gaze. The corset supports this as it makes it hard to breathe and shapes the body into the idealological shape.
Black Latex
Juxtaposing to the above, elements of S&M are connoted with this revealing black latex outfit. It has similar readings in that the masculine colour acts as the oppression male dominated society has on young women. This screenshot is a good example of how Gaga feels she is in the controlling grasp of this society. Her pose is also significant as her crossed legs could be seen as how women are still expected to act 'ladylike' and refined, yet Gaga is craving to have a more exciting role in life, hence she proceeds to roll around on the sofa explicitly, and then kiss the Snakes of Eden triplets, supporting queer theory.
Wheelchair
Some feel that Gaga sexualises disability here, but I argue it is her that is the focus of the male gaze, and the wheelchair simply serves the narrative of the music video. She has, after all, just been thrown off a building! Furthermore, she is wearing more clothes in this shot than any other, presenting disability as not sexual. One could comment on the use of black in the clothing; it could symbolise the mouring of ability to walk in this case. Gaga's glasses give her control over the paparazzi as she is able to lift the shades and therefore can keep her identity hidden.
Gold Armour
Furthering the above argument, disability is somewhat celebrated here as Gaga is adorned in gold and is being fanned by the other dancers. Her outfit alone portrays her as strong as armour connotes defense, making her seem protected against others. The gold tones reflect her wealth and high status in celebrity culture, again proving her dominance and influence in pop culture. The back-up dancers arguably represent her audience who are more than willing to serve and suport her. The whole video demonstrates her relationship with the paparazzi and spectators which she has power over.
Ruffled Unitard
This grey tulle half-skirt is an example of how pop music videos feature unorthodox fashion peices to present the musician as out of the ordinary. It is wacky and whimsical and even romantic, portraying Gaga as the same. Having the dancers wear something similar but slightly less bold makes Gaga stand out even more, something that helped push her into the limelight in 2008. Jason Hamilton, the production designer, was awarded the MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects. Hamilton also worked on the video for Telephone.
Mouse Unitard
The most popular of Gaga's costumes in Paparazzi is her yellow mouse outfit. Many fans have made their own versions of the costume with tutorials online. Like so many of her clothes, the outfit is intertextual as it alludes to the famous Disney character. That being said, it may have a more personal significance to Gaga as her younger sister, Natali, was often called 'Mouse' as a child by her family. Either way, Gaga is aware of the postmodern pop-cultural link to Disney as she states, "pop culture is art. It doesn't make you cool to hate pop culture, so I embraced it and you hear it all over The Fame."
Mugshot Dress
This shiny dress is only present in the mugshots scene, but is similar to the gold armour. The exaggerated curves on the hips give help it a phallic look that contrasts to the innocence connoted at the beginning. The mouse costume somewhat infantilises her, whereas this style is much more sexual and mature. One could read this as the way society sees female promiscuity as a taboo, hence the mugshots. This is something Gaga preaches against; fighting for sexual liberation for women and the gay community in particular. The dress is a symbol for her rebellion against society's views.
