What's The Queen of Pop™'s all-time greatest fashion phase?

In the 30 years since the release of her debut album we’ve seen Madonna go from virgin territory to Earth mother and beyond.

But what’s the The Queen of Pop™’s all-time greatest fashion phase? EW’s style team sorted through all the rubber braceletes and girl-gone-bad torn lace, the cone bras and the crucifixes and finally managed to narrow down the list to seven of Madonna’s most iconic looks.

Madonna's Net Worth

Do you know that the richest singer in the world is worth almost $1 billion? Who is it? It’s a tough one but there’s no need to guess as we have the answer here in this Top 50 Richest Singers list. Really, please don’t second guess it- it’ll be like finding a needle in the haystack!

# 1: Madonna with $650 Million

Madonna, is an influential and best-selling recording artist who has a net worth of $650 million. Madonna, whose birth name is Madonna Louise Ciccone, has sold over 200 million records worldwide. Born in Bay City, Michigan on August 16, 1958, she moved to Rochester Hills, Michigan with her family and spent her youth in that small city. Madonna moved to New York in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. While there, she began a career as a professional singer and recorded her first hit album, "Madonna" in 1983.

She had a second hit album, Like a Virgin, in 1984 and then True Blue in 1986. These three albums solidified her as a super pop star and, around the same time she landed her first role in the movie, Desperately Seeking Susan. Madonna has frequently operated "on the edges," pushing sex in her recordings and in a coffee table book she wrote that was actually called Sex. The Recording Industry Association of America has ranked Madonna as the Best-Selling Female Rock Artists of the 20th century. She is also the Number Two best-selling female artist in the U.S. with 64 million certified albums sold. Guinness World Records has labeled her the most successful female artist of all time.


the others...

Madonna’s Diet

Is there a woman out there more impressive than Madonna? She is the top-selling female artist of all time. She directed the movie W.E., which is not the same as directing the movie Wall-E, but sounds similar. She has a son named Rocco. One time she was interviewed by Norman Mailer and he kept wanting to talk about feminism’s discontents and she subtly made fun of him the entire time and he did not seem to get it.

However, being Madonna is not easy. And how does she do it? She is 54 years old and she had to wear a crucifix on her butt at the Met Ball. Literally no one has ever done that before, and perhaps no one will ever do it again.

So, while Madonna’s actual accomplishments are too much for the modern human to even contemplate, it would be nice to have her biceps at some point in my life. In that spirit (and in celebration of the 30th anniversary of debut album Madonna), I decided to attempt Madonna’s apparently draconian fitness and nutritional regimes. There is no time like the present to do something truly ambitious with your life.

Preparation:

Madonna follows a very strict macrobiotic diet that abolishes the consumption of wheat, eggs, meats, and dairy, and extolls the benefits of something called “sea vegetables.” You were expecting this woman to mess around? She does not mess around.

TIPS ON SQUASHING THE COMPETITION: MADONNA

IT'S A TOUGH WORLD OUT THERE, AND THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE. HERE'S HOW SOME OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST LEADERS HAVE EMBRACED THE CHALLENGE, AND ONE-UPPED THE OTHER GUY.

At a fourth of July barbecue, New York Times reporter, William J. Broad marveled at his hosts’ ability to keep mosquitoes at bay with an unlikely weapon--an electric fan.

Curious as to how his hosts had come up with the idea, in a story for the New York Times, the reporter traces the dissemination of the information all the way back to its originator, a Philadelphia businessman, who told him, “The solution came from trying to think like a bug, and realizing ‘I don’t like flying into a 15 mph wind.’” Since mosquitoes are weak flyers that clock in at a pokey 1 to 1.5 mph, the blow-‘em-away theory works.

Fight Club:
How Enemies Power Innovation

This think-like-a-bug philosophy reminded us of the adage, “Know your enemy.” We’ve all heard the maxim, “Know your customer,” but that will only get you so far if part of your mission is to dominate or defeat a condition, say, Barbecue Host vs. Mosquitos or Big Pharma vs. the Big C. Or if your mission, in large part, involves dominating or defeating a rival as in Coke vs. Pepsi or Instagram vs. Vine. Sometimes for you to win your rival has to lose. So in a world of fierce competition, why do recent studies suggest that business managers who think-like-their-enemies are in the minority?

There are a few obvious ways to gather intel on those you are trying to best: Become a customer by buying your competitor’s products, talk to their customers about their likes and dislikes, check out their social media sites, set up Google alerts, even buy some stock from your rival so you can get financial information. But here are some more creative tips you can take from successful people who understand that a large measure of success depends on beating out the competition.

MADONNA

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

A once-cutting edge business that has been around for years could learn a lesson from Madonna, whose first single was released over three decades ago. While most aging artists (and businesses) become uncool nostalgia acts or go quietly into the night, Madonna still commands the public’s attention. Her secret to staying relevant? Instead of viewing younger artists as competition she associates herself with them and appropriates their art. When Madonna headlined the 2012 Super Bowl Halftime Show (that she reportedly beat out Lady Gaga for), it was no accident that a posse of up-and-coming artists--LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Cee Lo Green--surrounded the 53-year-old superstar like planets orbiting the sun. This keeping-up-with-the-kids protocol has been a Madonna staple since she first began to recycle personae: She incorporated vogue-ing from the Harlem ballroom scene for her song “Vogue,” (1990) suggestively kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera (2003), copped krumping for her video of “Hung Up,” (2005) and purloined cheerleader chic from Nicola Robert’s “Beat of My Drum” for “Give Me All Your Luvin’” (2012). The list goes on. And how did that Super Bowl gig work out? Two days after the show, Madonna announced the MDNA Tour, (allegedly to beat out Gaga’s announcement of her competing tour). MDNA was the highest grossing tour of 2012--taking in over $305 million. And Gaga’s tour? Eighteen dates into her Born This Way Tour, the 25-year-old injured herself and had to call off the rest of her shows.

Madonna vs. Metallica: 30 years after their debuts

This week marks a major milestone for two of music’s all-time most popular artists: 30 years ago, Madonna and Metallica each released their debut albums.

On July 25, 1983, when lead singer James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich were still in their teens, Metallica released Kill ’Em All. The album sold more than three million copies and launched the band to rock star status.  Two days later, 24-year-old Madonna released her self-titled debut. The album went on to sell more than 10 million copies and peak at number eight on the U.S. charts on the strength of singles like “Holiday,” “Lucky Star” and “Borderline.”

These are not artists that have a lot else in common. They’re opposites in a lot of ways: opposite coasts, opposite sexes, divergent genres and audiences. But it is a pretty big coincidence that two debuts released within 48 hours of each other ended up launching two huge careers.  Think about it. Thousands of artists release debut albums every year. Most of those artists don’t go on to have 30-year careers and almost none go on to sell hundreds of millions of albums. Given this strange coincidence, we decided to compare Metallica and Madonna's careers over the past three decades.

Album sales

Madonna: With 12 studio albums (and 3 compilations), she has sold more than 300 million copies.
Metallica: The band’s nine studio albums and handful of live albums and compilations have sold 100 million.
Points: +1 for Madonna.

Awards
Madonna: The singer has won pretty much every music award there is including seven Grammys, 20 MTV VMAs and 39 Billboard Awards, in addition to two Golden Globes.
Metallica: Among others, Metallica has won a total of nine Grammys, three MTV VMAs and four American Music Awards.
Points: 0. Metallica was nominated for the first-ever Grammy for best hard rock/metal performance, which they lost to Jethro Tull, forever proving that awards are dumb and pointless.

Strike a Pose...1989

Strike a Pose...1990

Carlos Leon Marries & Lourdes Attends the Wedding

Her father Carlos Leon split from her mother Madonna in 1996, shortly after she was born.
But Lourdes Leon clearly bears no ill will towards the 47-year-old personal trainer.

The 16-year-old was seen attending Carlos' wedding to Zac Posen designer Betina Holte recently in Denmark.

The actor had a passionate affair with Madonna in the 1990s which resulted in their daughter Lourdes, 14, who he says is the love of his life.

Although their relationship did not last, Carlos said in an interview: 'I'm forever grateful to [Madonna]'.

The pair met in 1994 in New York City but split up seven months after the birth of their daughter in 1997.

'I have no regrets. I wouldn't change anything. I got the best thing out of that relationship, and that's my daughter. My daughter is everything to me', he added.

Speaking to People magazine, he admitted that he finds it difficult to be strict with his daughter.

'I'm a lenient dad. I'm very empathetic, and I'm good at listening to my daughter. I'm probably a bad dad when it comes to disciplining her', Carlos shared.

Can You Spot the Difference?

Madonna Loses Close Friend to Cancer; She's Attending his Funeral in Ireland.

Madge will take a grim journey to the funeral of one of her closest pals this week.The Material Girl was heartbroken when she heard her interior designer friend DAVID COLLINS had died – just three weeks after he was diagnosed with skin cancer.
David designed the interiors of some of Madge’s favourite London haunts, including Claridge’s – as well as the inside of her homes. Madonna arrived in the UK on Friday – two days after David’s death – and walked through Heathrow airport dressed entirely in black.
She’s planning to head to Ireland this week for Dubliner David’s funeral.
A pal said: “Madonna is beside herself with grief.
“David was one of her closest pals for years – she adored him.
“They’d often have a laugh around London, driving around together. She can’t believe he died just three weeks after his diagnosis.”Madge’s last post on her Instagram account was a photo of red roses with the message: “In memory of David Collins.
“He was a great talent and a good and loyal friend for 17 years! God bless him and may he RIP.”-Madonna

2008...Out Take

1992 Out Take

Madonna And Her Son Rocco Introduce Us To The Shmak Cam!

What??? You don't know what a "shmak cam" is?!?!?!

Well, to tell you the truth, we really don't know either! But Madonna and her son seem really into it!

Rocco Ritchie is a bit of a social media wiz, and ever since Instagramstarted doing video posts, he's become a little Steven Spielberg!

But he may have just posted his master piece as he introduced us to the "shmak cam," a three second clip (above) where he seems to get into a fight with a shadowy figure.

Yeah, we're not exactly sure what's going on either. But right before the clip ends, the Queen herself makes an appearance with her golden grill!

Unfortunately the video doesn't loop so we have to keep pressing play over and over again, but it's a small price to pay for one of the best uses of Instagram video we've ever seen!!

I'll Remember...1993

MADONNA EXPOSED!

Anyone else remember this amazing show?  This was way before the internet and blogging where fans got a first look of very rare images, footage and songs of Madonna.  I remember being glued to the TV when this aired and watching it over and over on my VHS tape.  I hope you enjoy as much as I did/do.

Music’s Most Scandalous Videos

Madonna, ‘Like a Prayer’ (1989)

As soon as a cross is set on fire, it’s safe to assume people are going to complain. The “Like a Prayer” video is a morality play about racism and murder where for some reason Madonna isn’t inspired to go do the right thing until a statue comes to life. Religious groups were not pleased with the burning crosses, stigmata, and other iconography in the video, and protested both Madonna and Pepsi, which had used the song in ads. It’s since been revered as one of the best songs of Madonna’s career, ranking at No. 300 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest songs of all time.

1995...

1992 Outtakes

mmmm...erotic..a

1995

1991...Rescue Me

Strike a Pose...2012

Someone is leaking personal pictures of Madonna in her closet trying on different outfits she wore during the MDNA era. 

Strike a Pose...2008

Purim Party 2010

With Steven Klein

2012

1989..giving me LIFE!

1992...LUV IT!

#SECRET PROJECT

Strike a Pose...1996

Madonna & Lola, 1996, Herb Ritts, Outtakes

Pet Shop Boys’ 12 Greatest Collaborations

Madonna, “Sorry (Pet Shop Boys Maxi Mix)”

The boys have always had a complicated relationship with Madonna: their hit “Heart” was originally written with her in mind, yet they held it back out of fear she’d reject it. Despite their admiration for La M, she wasn’t spared a gentle mocking in their “DJ Culture” video, nor being made the subject of their semi-satirical Robbie Williams single. Apparently all of that was forgiven by the time they added their signature sheen to this discotastic Confessions On A Dancefloor single.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie Model a ‘Good Divorce’

Celebrities aren’t always the best role models. This weekend, however, Madonna and her ex-husband, Guy Ritchie, showed us how parents should behave by attending their son Rocco’s bar mitzvah together at the Kabbalah Center in New York City. It seems they were able to put aside whatever bitterness might remain from their acrimonious 2008 divorce in order to celebrate an important moment for their child.

Of course, the pop icon and her director ex aren’t the first divorced stars to display mature behavior when it comes to their children. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe are often seen together at their children’s games, and the news media report regularly on Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony reuniting for their twins’ school events. Even the troubled actor Charlie Sheen has been known to set aside his resentment toward his ex Denise Richards after a bitter custody dispute over their daughters, Sam and Lola, in order to celebrate holidays as a family.

Not surprisingly, family therapists strongly recommend that, when possible, parents put aside bad feelings and troubled pasts to attend events and celebrate occasions together with their children. It’s important to show children that they are more important than any hostility between their parents and that adults can keep their emotions in check when necessary.

There are, of course, cases when this is not recommended. If two parents just cannot tolerate each other, can’t avoid arguments or name-calling or have been advised by a lawyer to avoid contact, psychologists say stay away.

I know from experience that moving past anger and frustration, even for the sake of a child, is hard to do. My husband has a daughter from a previous marriage, and the bitterness between our two households has sometimes been more than any of us were able to overcome. His daughter was 5 when we met and is 20 now. As her two sets of parents, we have been to countless birthday parties, school performances and graduations together, many times sitting on opposite sides of the paint-your-own-pottery studio or high school auditorium, having taken turns wishing the supposed star of the occasion a happy-this or a good-job-that.

Paparazzi...1990

Behind the scenes of Dick Tracy

Gives Good Face...1990