Madonna, the pop superstar, has shaped the music industry since her early beginnings in the 1980s. Known as the "Queen of Pop," the American singer is the first woman to top 10 titles on Billboard in the last five consecutive decades, demonstrating her continued success and global influence. Throughout her career, the 64-year-old pop icon has explored various musical genres, making her an instant icon among music and fashion aficionados alike. Here's a look back at Madonna's memorable fashion moments that have defined her career and her transformation over the years.
Madonna: Tracking the pop icon's style evolution
The 1991 Cannes Film Festival
The renowned singer attended the 1991 Cannes Film Festival and she opted for a beautiful dress by Jean Paul Gaultier. During her entrance on the red carpet, Madonna stripped down to a bustier with conical breasts, which was draped in a large pink cape.
The 1995 Gotham Awards in New York
The "La Isla Bonita" singer was remarkable at the Gotham Awards on September 9, 1995, in New York City when she ported a rhinestone long jacket.
The 1997 MTV Video Music Award
Madonna chose to wear a menswear-inspired black coat, white blouse, black tie, and full-length skirt at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. The world's most renowned pop artist completed her look with a pair of boots.
The 1998 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in California
The popular pop singer and her brother, Christopher Ciccone attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s in 1998 in West Hollywood, California. For that occasion, Madonna shimmered with her mid-19th century diamond, sapphire, and pearl necklace.
Madonna met Queen Elizabeth II
On November 18, 2002, the pop superstar met Queen Elizabeth II at the world premiere of "Die Another Day" at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. Madonna was glamorous in her black strappy dress with rhinestones.
The 2004 French NRJ Music Awards
We were accustomed to seeing Madonna in Hollywood-style carpet dresses, but this time she chose to opt for a standout look with a black trench coat at the NRJ Awards in 2004.
Madonna at Tokyo press conference in 2005
The famous pop singer posed at a News Conference in Tokyo to promote her new album “Confessions On a Dance Floor” in 2005. She rocked glittering sequenced sleeves and genie pants accentuated by a purple leotard.
The 2008 Cannes Film Festival
Madonna graced the Cannes Film Festival once again in 2008 to promote her documentary film, 'I Am Because We Are.' During the 61st International Cannes Film Festival, she took centre stage in a Chanel black flapper dress.
Met Gala 2011: Madonna radiated glamour
The American singer highlighted her glamorous side at the 2011 Met Gala, dedicated to the legacy of Alexander McQueen. Teamed up with Stella McCartney, Madonna radiated in a pale blue satin gown that exuded sheer sophistication.
Performed during the 2012 MDNA tour
During the 2012 MDNA tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the diva, 54, performed with several iconic looks including an updated version of her signature cone bra.
Madonna wasn’t unnoticed in 2013 at the Met Gala
Madonna's presence at the 2013 Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was widely noticed as she trotted out Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. With her pants-less get-up featured with the studs, the spikes, and the chains, the timeless singer channelled a punk vibe.
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards
In 2014, at the 56th Grammy Awards, the pop diva arrived with her eight-year-old son David Banda, while she adorned herself in a Ralph Lauren suit, a wide-brimmed bowler hat, and a diamond-encrusted cane.
She stole the show at the 2016 Met Gala
For the 2016 Met Gala, the renowned singer made a bold statement in a black dress featuring exquisite sheer lace panels, designed by Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy.
Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier on the red carpet
In 2018, the superstar attended the Met Gala in New York wearing a major camouflage Moschino gown. Jean-Paul Gaultier, the celebrated French haute couture and fashion designer, accompanied her as they graced the red carpet together.
The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards
At the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at the Radio City Music Hall, in New York City, Madonna, 60, chose to wear traditional Berber clothes. She shared her enthusiasm for the ensemble on Instagram, stating, “I love my dress!”
The 30th GLAAD Media Awards
Madonna was recognised for her outstanding contributions to advocacy at the 30th GLAAD Media Awards. The iconic pop star received the Advocate for Change awards during the celebration.
The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards
At the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, the renowned pop singer made a surprise entrance to start off the event at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. As she always steals the spotlight, she rocked a sexy leather look, leaving the audience in awe.
The WBA World Lightweight Championship
In 2022, in Brooklyn, New York, the superstar graced the Davisvs Romero fights event for the WBA World Lightweight Championshipat the Barclays Center.
Onstage at the 65th Grammy Awards
Madonna made a brief appearance at the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California in February 2023. Her outfit always standout, a vintage look from the Mugler 1997 Couture collection, combining a shirt and tie with a corset blazer for a vintage aesthetic.