V magazine is running a biggie Lady Gaga story in its new issue, which is hitting stands Thursday. Called A Year in the Life, the glossy, photo-driven story has Gaga’s own fashion director and best friend, Nicola Formichetti, sharing his 15 personal favorite GaGa moments from July 2009 to June 2010 — in effect, documenting the singer’s rise to mega-fame. Here are a few rather stunning fashion moments from his best-of list.

Photos courtesy of V magazine.