'It's not just a mask, it's a contemporary art piece,' Gaga told reporters.
By Jocelyn Vena

Lady Gaga at her press conference in Malta on Wednesday
Photo: Rene Rossignaud

At a press conference for the "Isle of MTV Malta Special" in Floriana, Malta, Lady Gaga displayed her latest fashion accessory.

Known for her unusual and eccentric accoutrements, on Wednesday, Gaga showed up to her press conference in a halter dress, one leather opera-length glove, one fingerless glove and, most notably, a mask — but it wasn't a statement, it was art.

	Lady Gaga Shocks At Malta Press Conference

"It's not just a mask, it's a contemporary art piece," Gaga told reporters in Malta, adding that it was made by a designer friend of hers.

It seems, though, that the inspiration for the mask came from her current fashion obsession. "I love all designers. I appreciate a life devoted to fashion," she said. "Right now, I'm having a very strong obsession mostly with clothing found in sex shops. I would venture to say that all that clothing was designed by gay men."

Gaga also reflected on her other inspirations, from moonlight to slasher films. "I am inspired by so many things. My favorite book, 'Letters to a Young Poet.' I was inspired by Helmut Newton for the 'Paparazzi' video. I'm inspired by fashion. I'm inspired by the moonlight. I'm inspired by sex and pornography and slasher films."

"It's been a very remarkable year," she added about her meteoric rise to fame since the release of "Just Dance" last year. "And I feel very blessed. I lived an isolated lifestyle before the media. I lived a life of solitude and loyalty and commitment to my work. I just don't prioritize my life in the same way that other people do. The only thing that matters is my music and my performance."

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