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Madonna celebrates 40 years of music (and iconic fashion, too): how the Queen of Pop influenced generations, from her 80s punk style and Jean Paul Gaultier’s cone bra to Christian Lacroix’s corset

The legendary Queen of Pop Madonna has gone through a 40-year style evolution, but has remained bold throughout. Photos: AFP; Getty Images; WireImage
The legendary Queen of Pop Madonna has gone through a 40-year style evolution, but has remained bold throughout. Photos: AFP; Getty Images; WireImage

  • Madonna has influenced generations through all the different looks she sported – from her 80s punk fashion and the cone bra designed by Jean Paul Gaultier to Christian Lacroix’s corset
  • The 64-year-old ‘Queen of Pop’ is still in ‘vogue’ – she released her 14th studio album Madame X in 2019 and fans are buzzing about a rumoured anniversary tour this September …

No pop diva has reinvented her image with as much precision and creativity as Madonna.

Starting out with a punk rock look, she helped influence an entire generation to embrace spiky hair, fishnet stockings and leather. As a new entry onto the music scene, her fashion cemented her bad girl image, earning her the “cool factor”.

American singer Madonna arrives at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in 1997. Photo: Getty Images
American singer Madonna arrives at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in 1997. Photo: Getty Images
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Over the next three decades of her career, Madonna’s ability to become different versions of herself allowed her to transcend fashion barriers. It was these gigantic steps, rebelling against traditional outfits for women, that made her one of the most influential fashionistas of our time.

Madonna continues to be a style icon today. Photo: @madonna/Instagram
Madonna continues to be a style icon today. Photo: @madonna/Instagram

There is growing speculation that the “Queen of Pop” is working on a secret plan for a 40th anniversary tour, which is expected to kick off around September 2023, and will include dates at London’s O2 Arena, according to social media and tabloid buzz. The tour will, of course, pay homage to her time as a musician, but it will also be a chance for the pop icon to take us through her illustrious fashion moments.

Here are just some of her most memorable looks over the past four decades …

The 80s: punk, leather and fishnet stockings

American singer and actress Madonna takes part in a celebrity fashion show at Barneys clothing store in New York City, US, in 1986. Photo: Getty Images
American singer and actress Madonna takes part in a celebrity fashion show at Barneys clothing store in New York City, US, in 1986. Photo: Getty Images