Lady holds court with lucky Hobokenite…
For most of us, if we went around talking about our quaint little get-together with the Lady, people would think we were, well, gaga. However, for one lucky, Hoboken woman, not only does she get to spend the rest of her days bragging about the fact that she shared a Heineken with the reigning Queen of Pop, but had the unique opportunity to be styled by the beloved star in hand-chosen clothing. Wait…she went one-on-one with the Gaga? And was dressed by her? Read on “Little Monsters,” for hMAG has the scoop!
Melissa Goldin, a beautiful young professional from Hoboken, registered her name with New York’s infamous radio station, Z100, with the tiniest of hopes that she might win their annual “Z100 Pays Your Bills” contest, a drawing that rewards various winners with a check for a monthly bill of up to $1,000. Months later, Ms. Goldin, self-described as someone who “never wins anything,” was informed that she would not only have her monthly payment taken care of by Z100, but was the lucky recipient of the ultimate grand-prize…the chance to go backstage at one of Lady Gaga’s Madison Square Garden July 2010 performances and enjoy being styled by both Gaga and her personal styling team.
“The whole thing was so surreal…I still can’t believe it.” As Melissa described her experience, she couldn’t stop gushing about Gaga; “She greeted me with a hug!” In a world filled with irate Oscar winners and over-the-top reality stars, Melissa’s experience with Lady Gaga appears to be one-in-a-million. “We talked about New York and how exciting it must be to perform at the Madison Square Garden…she had a great sense of humor.”
Ms. Goldin described the styling experience as a “whirlwind” with various members of Gaga’s team, including her personal stylist Nicola Formichetti, teasing her hair or applying makeup. Her overall look was decided upon by Lady Gaga herself, complete with studded bra, black, knee-high boots (which matched a pair used for the night’s performance), studded jacket, lace panties, ripped up fishnets, blown-out hair, deep red lipstick, and accessories. Melissa was able to keep all clothing items, as well as a few additional pieces chosen by Lady Gaga–including embellished, black skinny jeans and a bathing suit. According to Ms. Goldin, “It was very her vision.”
As for the concert itself (for which Z100 donated two, free tickets), Melissa couldn’t hold back; “It was freaking amazing! The show was incredible…[Gaga] wasn’t ‘working’…she is truly passionate about her art.” According to various sources, the July 2010 MSG Gaga performances were “dazzling” (NPR Music) and “unbelievable” (MuuMuse); but for Little Monster and “pro-Hoboken” resident Melissa Goldin, it was anything but a bad romance.
Photos Courtesy of Melissa Goldin and Kathleen Frazier. For more information on Z100 and its contests, please see www.clearchannelny.com. All information on Lady Gaga is based on an interview with Melissa Goldin and does not represent the actual actions or opinions of Lady Gaga or her team. Photos and videos of Lady Gaga and Melissa Goldin available at z100.com.





