Outrageous Fashions in Music

Whether you are a die-hard fashionista or are content to wear the same pair of jeans day in and day out, you can't deny fashion has the power to grab your attention and to have tongues wagging at the water cooler. Who doesn't remember Madonna's infamous cone bras, Lady Gaga's disturbing meat dress, or Lil' Kim's purple pastie? Some fashions are just too outrageous to ignore. Here are a few of the most controversial celebrity fashions from the music industry. Who else do you think should make the list?

Cher may have been one of the first female singers to open embrace her sexuality and show more skin than anyone before her. Whether wearing outrageous Bob Mackie designs or next to nothing at all, her ensembles were always sure to set tongues wagging. Early fashions included headdresses meant to invoke her Native American Heritage. Later designs were more raw and edgy and showcased her famously toned body.

Madonna is a true trailblazer, not only in pop/rock music, but also in fashion. Her look is constantly evolving. She has been an alien, a screen siren and everything in between. Like, Cher, Madonna made it okay for women in rock to be edgy and sexy and to push the boundaries of what women are capable of, not only in the entertainment industry, but in the board room and the bedroom. Madonna unapologetically showed the world that it is possible for wives and mothers to embrace their sexy sides. Whether you find her appealing or not, one must admit that you just can "unsee" her cone bras and bustiers, and ever changing hair styles and colors.

In recent times, Lady Gaga has toned down her outrageous image, often seen without heavy makeup and outlandish costumes. Maybe it's due to her recent engagement to actor Taylor Kinney. But prior to this, she was one of the most controversial if intriguing artists on the scene. Whether wearing a dress made of meat or hatching out of an egg onto the stage, Lady Gaga burst onto the music scene and quickly became one of the most talked about fashionistas in rock and roll history. She has garnered a large following among the gay, lesbian and transgendered community not only with her inclusive lyrics, but also with her unwavering public support and advocacy. She has often been seen dressing in drag as her male alter-ego, Joe Calderone.

With her Easter egg colored hair, hot pink lipstick and skin-tight dresses, Katy Perry has an undeniable appeal with young audiences across the globe. She has a chameleon-like ability to transform herself from naughty schoolgirl into a vibrant alien life form with a simple wardrobe change. Her ever-changing, yet always outlandish style have captured the attention of fellow actors and musicians such as John Mayer and former husband, and British actor, Russell Brand.

No list could be complete without at least one man, or at least one Marilyn Manson. His androgynous looks, demonic make-up and apparent fascination with sex and death, make him a must-see for anyone with a morbid sense of curiosity. Love him or hate him, it’s undeniable…you can’t take your eyes off him. His calculated fashion sense reflects his anti-Christian philosophy. These beliefs are further underscored by the choosing of the name Marilyn Manson, the latter of which was taken from famed murderer, Charles Manson.

With her flaming red (or yellow) hair and eclectic voice, Cyndi Lauper has always stood out from the crowd. Throw in her odd, colorful ensembles and a break-through album entitled, She's So Unusual, and there's no doubt that is exactly what she was trying to do. This early 80s icon was surely an inspiration for Madonna and Lady Gaga as they both seem to channel her in their choice of fashion and bubble-gum pop brand of music. In recent years, she can be heard resurrecting signature hits such as, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," along with more classic hits like, "Time After Time," but no matter what style of music she signs, one thing remains constant: her iconic, wildly colorful wardrobe!