Lady GaGa will donate a portion of the proceeds from her Barneys partnership to her youth-focused foundation. (API/Fame Pictures)
It makes sense that Barneys, the edgiest, most fashion-forward department store in the city, and Lady Gaga, the edgiest, most fashion-forward pop star in the world, have combined forces for the holidays, spawning a most unholy and unusual collaboration. As the Mother Monster put it herself in a song, “It doesn’t matter if you love him . . . or capital H-i-m.”
Gaga’s Workshop will feature fantastical Gaga-designed shop windows, eight stations inside Barneys that will sell limited-edition treasures created by the singer and artists such as fashion designer Nicola Formichetti, plus an outrageous store façade. The madness debuts at exactly 11:59 this evening, and the store will stay open all night. As the countdown begins, art installations located across the city will give you a sneak peek at the wacky and whimsical gifts and creations in store. Simon Doonan, Barneys’ creative ambassador, provided us with hints at what’s waiting.
Location #1: Broadway and Houston Street
SIMON SAYS: “Here comes Santa claws!”
Location #2: Broadway and 23rd Street
SIMON SAYS: “ ’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a . . . spider?”
Location #3: Columbus Circle
SIMON SAYS: “Lady Gaga is HEADing home for the holidays . . . ”
If you’re moved by the spirit while checking out these sights, join in by singing with creatively costumed carolers in each location. Because, baby, you were born this way.