Madonna has never been shy about revisiting her own mythology, and her latest moment was nothing short of iconic. In a new campaign for Dolce & Gabbana, the Queen of Pop leaned into bridal lingerie that instantly calls back to her “Like a Virgin” era in 1984-1985. In photos and videos shared on Instagram, the 67-year-old proves that age is nothing but a number.
At an intimate dinner in Milan, inside the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda atelier, surrounded by roses, candlelight, and a tightly curated guest list, Madonna took over a small stage, accompanied by longtime collaborator Stuart Price on piano and a live string quartet.
She performed in Italian, singing “La Bambola,” originally sung by Patty Pravo, as part of the Italian house’s latest campaign rollout. Madonna is the face of Dolce & Gabbana’s The One fragrance, and the song is the same one used in the commercial. With a corset cinched, veil cascading, and lace gloves stretching up her arms, she looked incredible and sounded amazing.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupMadonna's boyfriend, Akeem Morris, was there to support her as they made their way into the after-party. She kept the theme going with a white fur coat over, wearing a structured white lace bodysuit with delicate paneling, paired with high-cut lace bottoms and fishnet tights.
© The Grosby GroupShe later shared behind-the-scenes Instagram shots, captioning the post, “Una Notte D’amore,” which means a night of love.
The performance came after she attended Dolce & Gabbana’s runway show inside Milan’s Metropol theater. Rumors had been swirling all day that she would appear.
© Vittorio Zunino CelottoShe arrived dressed in a black lace mini layered under a sharp tuxedo jacket, turquoise leather gloves, and patent pointy pumps.
© The Grosby GroupHer "Like a Virgin" era
© GettyWhen Madonna released Like a Virgin in 1984, the title track shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for six weeks, turning her into a household name. Follow-up singles like “Material Girl” cemented her image as a savvy, self-aware provocateur who understood both irony and image better than anyone else.
© New York Daily News ArchiveBut it was her performance at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, where she rolled around the stage in a wedding dress and “Boy Toy” belt, that truly sealed the era in history.
© Frank Micelotta ArchiveIt sparked outrage, headlines, and endless debate, with critics calling it scandalous while fans saw a woman reclaiming sexuality on her own terms. The controversy only fueled the success, and she took the album on tour in 1985.
© GettyTo this day, it remains one of her most iconic songs.
