Lady Gaga Drops a Jaw-Dropping Throwback at the MAYHEM Ball—You Won’t Believe the Story Behind Her Iconic Born This Way Jacket!

Ever wonder what it feels like when a pop culture titan drops a piece of history right on your doorstep? Last night, New York City was drenched in that indescribable magic as Lady Gaga kicked off her MAYHEM Ball at the iconic Madison Square Garden—a show that was more than just a concert; it was a full-on emotional rollercoaster. Picture this: nearly two decades of groundbreaking music, wild fashion, and unapologetic self-expression all crashing together in an explosive two-hour set that felt like the ultimate homecoming for every Little Monster out there. But here’s the kicker—Gaga didn’t just play her hits. Nope, she threw in a rare, heartfelt twist by rockin’ a vintage oversized biker jacket from her 2011 Born This Way era, proving once again that history isn’t just made—it’s worn with flair. So, can a single jacket tell a story louder than a stadium full of screaming fans? Last night, it sure did. LEARN MORE

The MAYHEM Ball has arrived in New York City! Last night, Lady Gaga officially kicked off her six-show run at Madison Square Garden, with an emotional performance that truly felt like a homecoming.

For two hours, the icon worked her way through nearly two decades of her music, playing hits and deep cuts alike for a screaming crowd of loyal fans who have been there through it all. As an extra-special surprise, she added Born This Way’s beloved “Hair” to the setlist, and even closed the show in a true archival piece for a full tribute to her past.

(See photos here.)

From the front—and to the untrained eye—Gaga’s oversize biker jacket appears to be just that: an oversize biker jacket. But if you’re a Little Monster, you’ll recognize the piece as a piece of history, first worn in Gaga’s Born This Way album photo shoot back in 2011.

The sentimental leather piece, which she paired with matching thigh-high boots for her performance, was designed over a decade ago by Tom Tom Fashion, a New York-based label founded by costume designer Thomas Knight. Known for his avant garde, one-of-a-kind pieces, he embellished a worn-in jacket with gold paint and studs, spelling out the name of Gaga’s album on the back.

Fans have since taken to recreate the style, adding their own twists to the intentionally messy lettering, central unicorn design, and mismatched studs. It is both quintessential 2010s Tumblr and a timeless archive, and we certainly hope it becomes a staple as the pop star takes her MAYHEM Ball around the globe.