Madonna - A Timeline of Her Most Iconic Looks
By Hannah Schmidt-Rees
With her first self-titled album debuting in 1983, Madonna burst onto the scene with a full 80s moment. Bright eye-makeup, teased hair, neon bows, jewellery and tights was worn in excess.
In 1984, her Material Girl music video was released for her second album. The video recreated the classic “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” scene from the 1953 film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, starring Marilyn Monroe.
In 1985, her second album Like A Virgin, was released, ushering on another iconic phase of Madonna’s fashion. Madonna made bridal wear chic and sexy, by pairing the purity of white lace, rosary beads and tulle with the sexualised undertones of her music.
It was also in 1985 where Madonna began to collaborate with Jean Paul Gaultier. The first subtle rendition of her now iconic coned-bra was seen at her red carpet appearance at the 1985 American Music Awards.
By 1987, Madonna created one of her most iconic on-stage looks, starting with her Who’s That Girl? tour. Her short platinum blonde hair, black leotards and fishnets created an iconic look that created a lasting legacy.
1989 brought on a more masculine approach, wearing pinstripe suits and a cropped blonde haircut, invoking references to Marlena Dietrich.
By 1990, Jean Paul Gaultier created one of the most significant Madonna looks. Her cream belted coned-bra corset began the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend, which was further reinforced with her appearance at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival.
In addition, her performance of Vogue at the 1990 MTV Awards is (in my opinion) one of the most iconic music performances ever. Her performance was anything but reserved, as flashes of undergarments shocked the audience when compared to the reserved fashion.
Her 1991 Oscar’s appearance brought another reference to Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe. Her silver sequin dress and matching white stole, pairing with iconic blonde Marilyn styled curls brought the sense of old-Hollywood-glamour to 90s fashion.
1992 brought one of her most controversial look. Walking down the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier, Madonna wore a pinstripe gown with frankly nothing on top (scandalous).
In 2000, Madonna teamed up with Jean Paul Gaultier again to create this bright red kimono look for her appearance for the Grammy Awards.
Across all her fashion ‘phases’, Madonna has always presented the idea of controversy, femininity, sexuality and dominant identity through fashion. Reinforced by her music, feminine sexuality is not dependant on age or gender. She reinvents herself through certain aesthetics, celebrating different aspects of femininity along the way.
Madonna is one a true fashion icons in the music industry, a true icon of powerful femininity.
