Lady Gaga's sister, Natali Germanotta, plays a significant role in the superstar's life. Natali has been there to support Gaga since the early days, even before she became a household name. From carrying her musical equipment to creating stunning stage looks, Natali has been an integral part of Gaga's journey.
When Gaga was still playing smaller venues like the Knitting Factory, Natali and their father would help her pack up her instruments and navigate flights of stairs. Despite any potential annoyances, Natali expressed immense pride in her sister's accomplishments, stating that it outweighs any inconveniences.
A talented fashion designer and the founder of Topo Studio, Natali has crafted some of Gaga's most iconic stage outfits. She was responsible for designing outfits for the 2022 Chromatica Ball, Gaga's Las Vegas residency, and even one of Gaga's Grammy dresses in 2022.
However, it's not to say that Natali always agrees with Gaga's bold fashion choices. In a Teen Vogue interview, she shared that there are some outfits her sister wears that she would never choose for herself. Nonetheless, Natali recognizes the privilege of having a sister known for her daring fashion sense. It allows her to wear unconventional clothing and jokingly compare it to Gaga's more extreme ensembles, diffusing any criticism from their father.
Natali Germanotta, born on March 10, 1992, in New York City, shares a close bond with Gaga, despite the six-year age gap. Both sisters grew up on Manhattan's Upper West Side and attended the same high school, the Convent of the Sacred Heart. While Gaga has spoken about being bullied during her school years, Natali had a different experience. As Gaga's star began to rise with the release of the hit song 'Just Dance' in 2008, Natali found herself navigating high school as her sister's fame grew. However, she had a positive experience and developed lasting friendships separate from Gaga's circle.
Instead of relying on her sister's connections, Natali was determined to forge her own path in the fashion industry. She graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City in 2014, honing her skills and pursuing her passion for design. As an undergraduate, she worked on costumes for the off-Broadway show Simon Says and interned for Allison Parris.
Throughout her career, Natali has showcased her edgier sense of style, reminiscent of her sister's fashion choices. Fashion designer Brandon Maxwell, Gaga's stylist and former fashion director of the Haus of Gaga, spoke highly of Natali's talent and character, describing her as 'so nice' and 'such a great girl.'
Natali's collaboration with Gaga extends beyond stage looks. She has styled her sister for various off-stage moments, including a 2014 Harper's Bazaar spread and a 2023 Don Perignon campaign. She has also worked in the costume department for the critically acclaimed film 'A Star Is Born' in 2018.
One significant moment in their professional collaboration was when Gaga wore a beautiful teal crepe back satin silk velvet dress with a feather capelet designed by Topo Studio to the 2022 Grammys. Gaga expressed her gratitude on Instagram, acknowledging her sister's handiwork and talent.
Their collaborative efforts even extended to momentous occasions like the Super Bowl LI halftime show in 2017, where Natali worked on Gaga's wardrobe team. She played a role in coming up with the idea for Gaga to be suspended in the air via cables during her performance of 'Bad Romance.' Natali's support was evident when she embraced Gaga backstage after the show, along with their proud parents.
The bond between the Germanotta sisters goes beyond the professional realm. During Gaga's acceptance speech for the Best Original Song Oscar for 'Shallow' in 2019, she emotionally thanked Natali, referring to her as her soulmate. The sisters have shared many memorable red carpet moments, including their appearance at the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards and Brandon Maxwell's New York Fashion Week show in 2016. They also attended the world premiere of the documentary 'Gaga: Five Foot Two' together at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017.
Natali's own avant-garde fashion sense was on full display during her high school graduation in 2010 when she designed a unique dress with a graduation cap sleeve. Gaga, known for her extravagant outfits, opted for a rhinestone-embellished bodysuit at the event, causing quite a stir.
In 2016, Natali collaborated with Monster High for a Lady Gaga-inspired doll named Zomby Gaga. As a tribute to Gaga's 'Born This Way' music video, the doll was styled by Natali herself. Gaga expressed her pride in her sister's accomplishments and excitement in spreading their shared values of love, kindness, and bravery to young people worldwide.
Apart from her contributions to Gaga's career and fashion endeavors, Natali has a love for animals. Her pet lizard, Phinneas, has been a constant source of inspiration, often perching on her shoulder while she works on her designs. During a Teen Vogue photoshoot, Natali even shared a kiss with Phinneas on the lips, much to the crew's surprise.
Natali Germanotta continues to play an essential role in Lady Gaga's life and career. With her creativity and distinctive fashion sensibility, she has left her mark on the world of fashion and contributed to making Gaga the iconic figure she is today. As the sister of one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, Natali has carved her own path in the industry, proving her talent and individuality.
