Madonna is considered to be one of the most iconic pop icons in the world. She challenges convention, breaks stereotypes and never follows the rules. This attitude is not only reflected in her music, but also her fantastic looks. Both her sound and style have transformed constantly since she first hit the stage in the 1980s and for over 40 years, Madonna has flaunted every style imaginable, making it difficult to put her into one style category. Read on as we explore all the different faces of Madonna through the ages.
Material Madonna
Back in the 1980s, where it all began, the princess of pop arrived on the scene. The first Madonna that we met and fell in love with was the material girl. During this iconic phase, we saw the star don over-the-top makeup and huge hair accessories.
Madonna is the queen of reinvention and image-driven pop, constantly changing her look from day one. She uses clothes as a form of rebellion and expression, which we saw from her very first phase of her iconic high, messy, side ponytail, clearly defined beauty mark, dark lips, smoky eyes, and big, dark brows
Retro Madonna
Madonna is nothing if not a master of transformation. With the release of ‘True Blue’ in 1986, a new era of Madonna was unleashed. Gone were the days of the soft vocals and candy makeup, Madonna was about to become rebellious. Over the second half of the decade, Madonna’s voice not only got richer and deeper but so did her attitude and style. Her pink gloss was swapped for deep red lipstick which contrasted with her pale skin. This look was partnered up with edgy ballerina tutu and her signature strands of beads, crucifixes and pearls, echoing a 1930s pinup. Madonna oozes controversy and this rebellious step was simply foreshadowing her future looks.
Sexy Madonna
No matter who you ask, we cannot deny Madonna’s strong association with sex. Madonna has and always will be subversive. Her partnership with Jean Paul Gaultier for their creation of the iconic cone bras is considered one of her most ambitious outfits of her career. The iconic pink cone bra ensemble is one of her most famous looks and remains a strong symbol of her attitude.
One of the most important stages during this era was when she became a feminist icon. She showed people that dressing provocatively and being smart in the boardroom were not mutually exclusive, she showed that women could wear what they wanted and dance as they wished. This era of empowerment was recognised by the world and inspired many.
Actress Madonna
Madonna is first and foremost known as a singer, but her acting career must not be overlooked. During this phase, Madonna’s portrayal of Eva Perón in the movie adaptation of 'Evita' is considered one of her best performances. Although acting was not Madonna’s calling in life, we cannot deny that it showcased her driven personality and strong work ethic. Before each role, she would do intense research and even first person studies to make sure she was at the top of her game. Madonna never did anything half-heartedly; a trait which translates into her style, music and personality.
Modern Day Madonna
Enter the disco phase where Madonna was seen wearing nothing but leotards, bomber jackets and curled hair. However, although on the surface this era may seem like another fashion phase, what Madonna was showcasing through her skimpy looks was powerful. Madonna believes that women, no matter what age, should be able to wear whatever they want and should feel empowered in doing so. The fact that at age of 50, Madonna strutted around in a leotard is a direct challenge to the constraints of society. This inspirational era saw Madonna’s crown sit even firmer on her head. There is nothing that the queen of pop cannot achieve.
Madonna is a long-reigning queen of pop, pushing boundaries in both music and style. She changed her look so many times during her career, it is hard to believe that she is just one woman. Madonna inspired a generation of women and proved that she was not just a popstar, but a worldwide fashion icon. Head over to our Fashion auction to find a whole range of styles and start channelling your inner-Madonna today. More into her music than her style? Head over to our Record auction for a diverse selection of vinyl and memorabilia!