The Making of V: Inez and Vinoodh on Lady Gaga’s Quadruple Transformations
The duo reminisces on their work with Mother Monster for V85.
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To illustrate our V family values, we revisit this close-knit trio’s most scrapbook-worthy clips.
INEZ & VINOODH: Ahead of V85, Gaga was [gearing up] to announce ARTPOP. Everyone was waiting for her next crazy look, but we said, “No, let’s go naked”—that’s how we started: with nothing. It was a pure expression of, “This is me,” and that’s it. When I look back now, the photos don’t seem all that bare. But for [the time] it was a big statement. It spooked her a little, not hiding behind the masks and hair. But I think for her it was important to say, “This is how I feel beautiful.” No frills, no extra, no hiding. We had such a deep mutual understanding since the first day we met, for an earlier V shoot. It felt like we had been sisters. It’s strange, meeting someone literally 25 years younger, with the exact same references [you had] at her age. So there was an immediate understanding, and I think she trusted us a great deal. What is so remarkable about Gaga is that she’s so unbelievably convinced of what she’s doing, and pulls everyone into that. From the hair and makeup people to the catering guy. She has a way of valuing everyone in the same way, which is remarkable. For me, it shows that she is a true artist.