In late 2013, Lady Gaga was in full promo mode for her third studio album, Artpop, bringing her signature blend of fashion and performance art to cities around the world.
One of the most memorable stops on her tour was Tokyo, where she turned heads at a press conference in a striking tartan catsuit. Blending punk-inspired patterns with avant-garde design, the outfit perfectly captured the bold, experimental spirit of the Artpop era.
Lady Gaga gives a thumbs-up at the Artpop press conference held at Roppongi Academy Hills in Tokyo, Japan, on December 1, 2013, wearing a bold tartan outfit and her signature avant-garde hairstyle (Credit: Kento Nara / Future Image / WENN)
A Tartan Fever Dream: Gaga’s Spiraling Catsuit and Built-In Platform Heels
In true Gaga fashion, her tartan look was, of course, way beyond normal. Yasutaki Funakoshi of Osaka-based goth brand Alice Auaa made the plaid catsuit.
The outfit features a weird attachment that spirals around Gaga’s body. Her plaid platform shoes also seemed to be part of the catsuit.
Lady Gaga makes a dramatic statement in a red tartan catsuit by Alice Auaa with built-in platform shoes and a spiral body harness at the Artpop press conference in Tokyo
Gaga Meets Gagadoll: Life-Sized Singing Replica Blurs the Line Between Art and Oddity
Apart from answering questions about her new album, Gaga also unveiled the “Gagadoll” — a life-sized silicon doll made in her image and created by a Japanese love doll maker, Orient Industry.
Lady Gaga poses with a life-sized Gagadoll dressed in one of her iconic looks at the Artpop press conference in Tokyo
Four Gaga dolls were dressed in very Gaga-like costumes, even wearing sky-high platform shoes that the fashion-forward singer pioneered.
Two life-sized Gagadolls modeled after Lady Gaga showcase her iconic Artpop-era fashion — one in a spiked white pantsuit and sky-high platform heels, the other in a newspaper-print dress and matching sunglasses
These replica dolls also feature technology implanted in their chests, which allows them to play some of Gaga’s songs and messages. Users can rest their ears on the doll’s chest, doubling as a listening station and cuddle buddy.
A vibrant Gagadoll dressed in a colorful Artpop-inspired jumpsuit and glossy black platform heels lounges confidently against a backdrop of Lady Gaga’s iconic album imagery
This latest Gaga invention is just genius and creepy at the same time. The prototypes are used only for promotional purposes and are currently not for sale.
Watch this slightly creepy video of how the Gagadoll is made:
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Tartan and Heels
Tartan has long been a fashion staple, and when paired with stylish heels, it creates a look that’s both classic and contemporary. Here are some memorable moments where celebrities embraced tartan with standout footwear:
Emma Watson’s Edgy Tartan Ensemble at GQ Men of the Year Awards
- Event: GQ Men of the Year Awards
- Outfit: Emma Watson turned heads in a McQ by Alexander McQueen tartan puffball dress paired with a black leather biker jacket.
- Footwear: She completed the look with classic heels, blending punk and elegance seamlessly.
- More Details: How Emma Watson Rocked Pixie Cut and Tartan Trend at GQ Men of the Year Awards
Jenna Ortega’s Gothic Tartan Skirt and Mary Janes
- Event: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Press Tour
- Outfit: Jenna Ortega showcased her signature gothic style in a Thom Browne tartan pleated skirt paired with a white cropped shirt and a school blazer.
- Footwear: She completed the ensemble with Thom Browne’s Mary Jane brogues, featuring perforations, crisscross straps, wingtips, and block heels.
- More Details: Jenna Ortega Returns to the Dark Side
AnnaSophia Robb Channels ‘Clueless’ in Tartan Skirt and Plaid Pumps
- Event: Chanel Tribeca Luncheon
- Outfit: AnnaSophia Robb paid homage to ‘Clueless’ in a yellow tartan skirt from Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection, styled with a black rib-knit top.
- Footwear: She wrapped her feet in black socks before slipping into Chanel’s classic slingback pumps in black-and-white plaid, enhancing the ensemble’s 1990s retro vibe.
- More Details: AnnaSophia Robb Rocks Controversial Socks-and-Heels Look at Chanel Tribeca Luncheon
Zosia Mamet’s Tartan Platform Sandals at Venice Film Festival
- Event: 74th Venice Film Festival
- Outfit: Zosia Mamet embraced a bold look with Miu Miu tartan platform sandals featuring chunky block heels, crystal-embellished buckles, and contrasting black leather straps.
- Footwear: The tartan platform sandals added a striking element to her ensemble, showcasing her fashion-forward style.
- More Details: Zosia Mamet Showcases Fashion Flair in Three Contrasting Looks
Fearne Cotton’s Autumn Look with Tartan Coat and Metallic Heels
- Event: Outside BBC Radio 1 Studios
- Outfit: Fearne Cotton nailed autumn style in a cozy red and black tartan coat paired with cuffed boyfriend jeans.
- Footwear: She completed the look with metallic platform sandals and checkered socks, adding a quirky twist to her ensemble.
- More Details: Fearne Cotton’s Bold Autumn Look: Tartan Coat & Metallic Heels
These stylish moments highlight how tartan and heels can be combined to create standout looks that blend tradition with modern flair.
If you love Gaga’s plaid/tartan look, consider the following Alice + Olivia alternative:
Alice + Olivia Lolita Plaid Platform Pumps, $360