Scrapes with capes aside, Madonna – the long-reigning queen of reinvention and image-driven pop – has a well-documented history of stealing the limelight, as somebody who’s always had an innate understanding of the marketing power of character dressing. No-one who grew up in the ‘80s can have failed to observe the atomic impact each new incarnation had on youth culture, as the singer’s attire (and attitude) fearlessly challenged long-held conventions regarding sexuality, gender, religion and, of late, age-appropriateness.
As a child, Madonna wanted to be either a film star or a nun when she grew up. She’s extensively explored both roles through clothes ever since, with both Marilyn Monroe and Catholic iconography being key inspirations behind her expansive back catalogue of looks, from 1950s glamour girl (Material Girl) to penitent sinner (Like a Prayer) and spiritual entity (Ray of Light). The most defining image of her career arguably remains the wedding dress worn on the cover of second album Like a Virgin, with its white bustier, long lace gloves, crucifix jewellery and Boy Toy belt. Madonna’s long-time personal stylist, Arianne Phillips, described the bright-white bridal juxtaposition as “one of the most shocking, liberating and influential moments in pop culture/fashion history”, adding that “fashion has never been the same”.
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