Lady Gaga: I use fashion to deal with my insanity

Lady Gaga arrives for a presentation of her upcoming album in Berlin.Photo / AP

Lady Gaga says her experiments with fashion help her "deal with my insanity".

The singer, who is renowned for her over-the-top outfits, has told Graham Norton's BBC talk show that clothes keep her mentally on track.

"It's how I deal with my insanity," she said.

"From when I was young I had voices in my head and for the longest time I was drinking and doing a lot of drugs and it was the clothing and the artistry that saved me.

"I get sheer joy out of creativity. It's like a psychedelic experience for me."

Gaga performed in two costumes on the show - a skimpy costume with a seashell bra that made her look like Botticelli's Venus, and a Marc Jacobs ensemble with a sheer black top that she teamed with a feathered headpiece.

Check out a gallery of some of her wacky fashion choices below:

Image 1 of 16: Lady Gaga makes an appearance during ZEDD's performance at the iTunes Festival Showcase during the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Photo / AP

The singer - who releases her fourth album, Artpop, next week - also revealed she spoils Sir Elton John's two children in her role as godmother.

"I bring them presents all the time. I spoil the hell out of them. They are the most beautiful kids and I've never seen such a loving family," she said.

"They are absolutely the symbol of the future modern family."

- PA