The song Alejandro has a more simple meaning. Gaga's love for Alejandro is unrequited and impossible. The imagery is classic, and one thinks of a secret affair between a woman and some conquistador-like figure.
The video is far more complex, however. Together, Klien and Gaga play upon the premise of the secret affair that was the focus of the song and obscurely recreate it to make a political stance on something they feel strongly about, LGBT rights. In the song, there is secrecy behind the alleged affair between Alejandro and Gaga; in the video, this secrecy lies behind being LGBT. The imagery of the nun-like costumes and the cross over GaGa's crotch represent sexual abstinence the suppression of socially-ostracized homosexual relationships. The dancing gay men dressed in army uniforms contextualizes how homosexuality is suppressed, for example, in the military by the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy. Through the video's dark, cold mood and critical tone, Gaga and Klien pose the negative impact on society attributed to its castigation of homosexuality. Free love for all (no secrets necessary)!
Inspired by the video, my collection is called "Silenced Romance". The symbolism used throughout the collection––like the black and dark colored roses, the black hearts, the dark color scheme, the fans, and the running makeup––are icons of love and representations of sadness. The overall meaning of the symbolism speaks to the silence, heartache, and lifelessness behind the silenced LGBT romance.
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