MADONNA IN THE FRONT ROW COURTESY: DOLCE & GABBANA
Dolce & Gabbana once again took Milan by storm, turning their runway into a stunning celebration of Madonna's iconic career. For Summer 2025, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce revisited the most defining moments of the pop queen’s style, blending the brand’s signature craftsmanship with Madonna’s provocative and multifaceted aesthetic.
Photos Disclosure Dolce & Gabbana - Getty
Madonna and Dolce & Gabbana have a long-standing history. Long before this runway tribute, she had already become a muse for the Italian designers. In 1991, she dazzled in a crystal-studded look at the Truth or Dare premiere, and just a year later, the duo designed the costumes for her Erotica tour. Their first homage to the diva came in 2000 with the Madonna – Gli Anni Ottanta Summer 2001 show. This long-standing relationship now enters a new, vibrant chapter.
Set against the backdrop of a grand staircase, models – a diverse group of white, Black, and Asian women – strutted in blonde, curly wigs, a nod to one of Madonna’s most recognizable looks. Each outfit carried clear references to pivotal moments in her career, from cone-shaped busts inspired by the legendary bra from the Blonde Ambition tour to the plush white coat reminiscent of her unforgettable look at the 1991 Oscars.
The masculine-feminine duality, a hallmark of Madonna's style, was evident in pinstripe trousers paired with lace tops. Crosses, a staple of her accessories since the 1980s, reappeared in powerful necklaces and earrings, symbolizing both her rebelliousness and spirituality.
The runway also embraced theatricality with corsets laced up in intricate designs, drawing inspiration from her Marie Antoinette-themed performance at the VMAs. Draped dresses and lingerie as a foundation added a layer of refined sensuality, elevated with Dolce & Gabbana’s signature craftsmanship. Floral prints, rich textures, and cinematic glamour infused the collection, creating a seamless fusion of past and present.
Of course, the iconic black suit honoring the Express Yourself music video and the lace top from Vogue were among the show’s highlights. Strong satin hues recalled the moment Madonna wowed in a Tom Ford Gucci dress at the 1995 VMAs, solidifying her as a fashion icon capable of redefining style across generations.
Dolce & Gabbana did more than just celebrate Madonna – they captured her essence, reimagining key moments from her career with the sophistication and extravagance she has always embodied. This was more than a tribute; it was a love letter to the woman who revolutionized both pop music and fashion.
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