Fashion
Madonna's 16 Most Iconic Tour Outfits Proves She's A True Fashion Chameleon
Even the stage fall heard 'round the world won't stop Madonna from what she does best: putting on a great show. Fans have long hoped (or suspected) that the Queen of Pop will hit the road this year in support of her album Rebel Heart and now that wish is coming true. On March 2, it was announced that Madonna is going on tour — the 10th of her storied career. While other artists simply play their hits onstage and call it a day, a Madonna concert is more of a visual spectacle filled with gravity-defying choreography, massive sets and backdrops, and most exciting of all, elaborate costumes that blur the line between practical stage outfits and wearable art.
Since her first tour in 1985, Madge has worn costumes that have not only defined certain eras of her career, but have also challenged social norms and elicited conversations regarding sex, religion, and politics. Her tour outfits have ranged from camp to high-fashion, retro to futuristic, and everything in between. Madonna has collaborated with fashion's biggest names when creating her tour costumes, from legends like Jean Paul Gaultier (who designed Madonna's iconic cone bra), to of-the-moment designers such as Jeremy Scott and Alexander Wang. Despite the ever-changing looks and themes of her tour costumes, she has always remained provocative, unapologetic, and inspiring. It's no wonder that Madonna is one of the top touring artists of all time and has inspired those who followed her high-heeled footsteps, including Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga.
Take a look at some of Madonna's most memorable tour costumes here.
The Virgin Tour, 1985
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 30 years since Madonna first toured and the world got a glimpse of her signature style — a mix of religious imagery and ’80s punk.
Image: IMDB
Who's That Girl World Tour, 1987
Madonna’s first world tour showcased the singer embracing more of her sexually liberated persona.
Blond Ambition World Tour, 1990
"Blond Ambition" gave the world the single most iconic piece of Madonna memorabilia: the Gaultier-designed cone bra that she wore during a highly controversial performance of “Like A Virgin” where she simulated masturbation on stage.
Image: Warner/Reprise Video
The Girlie Show, 1993
Fresh off the release of her Sex book, Madonna explored bondage and S&M themes throughout this tour.
Image: Getty
The Girlie Show, 1993
But she also had a bit of fun by re-imagining her classic hit “Express Yourself” into a ’70s disco anthem.
Drowned World Tour, 2001
Coming off the success of her Ray of Light and Music albums, Madonna paid homage to her second home London and its industrial punk scene.
Drowned World Tour, 2001
Two words: Cowgirl Madge.
Re-Invention World Tour, 2004
Billed as the singer’s “greatest hits” tour, Madonna opened the show with a surreal Baroque performance of “Vogue” while wearing a Christian Lacroix corset.
Re-Invention World Tour, 2004
She donned military gear for a segment of the tour dedicated to her politically charged album American Life.
Confessions Tour, 2006
She re-teamed with Gaultier for the equestrian-meets-bondage show opener.
Confessions Tour, 2006
Followed by another headline-grabbing performance of her balled “Live To Tell” while on a cross, also wearing Gaultier.
Confessions Tour, 2006
Madge went full “Disco Inferno” in support of her Confessions on a Dance Floor album.
Sticky and Sweet Tour, 2008
The Queen claimed her throne in Givenchy for her eighth tour.
Super Bowl Halftime Performance, 2012
While it’s not a tour, Madonna’s halftime performance was a massive production filled with her greatest hits, musical guests, and costumes like this Roman gladiator ensemble designed by Givenchy.
MDNA Tour, 2012
Madonna returned to the concert stage guns blazing in a getup inspired by exploitation films like Faster, Pussycat Kill! Kill!
MDNA Tour, 2012
The world’s richest drum majorette wearing Arianne Phillips (her stylist).
