Haute or Not?

By textbook definition, fashion is "a popular trend, especially in styles of dress, ornament or behavior". To state that something is "in fashion" is to indicate that a particular look or form of expression has a large following. Based on a few of these terms it is understandable to see the appeal of wildy popular public figures like Lady Gaga, Madonna or Nicki Minaj. Yet, although the masses may consider the style of these women to be entertaining, how trendy or stage transcending could they be?

In June 2011, Lady Gaga was presented with the Fashion Icon Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Most recently, Nicki Minaj was invited to accompany Anna Wintour, Ms. American Vogue herself, to shows for both Carolina Herrera and Oscar De La Renta during New York Fashion Week. Clearly the fashion industry has embraced these entertainers and their individual forms of expression. It is doubtful that Anna Wintor will be gracing the halls of Conde Nast with a dress constructed from raw meat and a Barbie pink wig, would you?

Listed below are a few of the more notable outfits from the closets of ground breaking performers. Stop - evaluate - maybe one or two could be trend inspiring...or not!