Madonna’s penchant for causing controversy isn’t limited to her quick Malawian adoptions—her clothes have brought about their fair share of strong reactions too. After more than two decades in the entertainment industry, she’s still adept at making heads turn.

Born Madonna Louise Ciccone in Michigan in 1958, this star has done it all from singing to acting to producing to writing children’s literature. Over the years, Madonna has been held up as the queen of image-making, proving there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Today, the 48-year-old London resident still looks hip and perky, showing the world it’s OK to be middle-aged, fashionable and hot.

Clothes

Style
Like most performers, Madonna has the opportunity to lead a double life. She gets to wear one style on the street, and a completely different one on stage.

During a show, Madonna wears real show-gear: spandex, satin, lace and anything that has a young, vibrant look and feel to it. The colours are equally bold and attention-grabbing: red, purple, green and red.

On the street, Madonna’s a different person. Tweeds, cottons and subdued colours rule the day. Pastels and beige dominate her wardrobe. Her day clothes have a high society, elegant feel. Knee length skirts and wide leg pants, dressed up with elegant coats and suit jackets are typical Madonna wear. Denim, although it still resurfaces once in a while, is slowly disappearing from Madonna’s wardrobe.

Fit
Unless on stage, Madonna’s stopped wearing skin tight clothing. Perhaps because of her age, Madonna, or her stylists, might have realized that the world would take Madonna more seriously, if she were to dress age-appropriate. While her clothes have a reserved feel, the dresses and suits are still given a touch of funk with accessories.

On stage, there’s no such thing as inappropriate. With her history, I am sure there isn’t anything left that would make Madonna blush. Her stage outfits are occasionally outrageous, frequently skin tight and always more revealing than her day clothes.

Make-up

Chameleon-like transformations aren’t unusual for Madonna, as she bounces back and forth between her hip London life and her vibrant shows.

By day this diva has a natural look when it comes to make-up. Makeup artist Gina Brooke has been taking care of Madonna’s face for some time now, and she swears by Shu Emura products. For those of us who can't afford these magical products, she suggests cutting out smoking and drinking. She also says less is sometimes more. Brooke would much rather see features enhanced than covered up.

If Madonna’s $10,000 diamond encrusted eyelashes are a stretch for you, natural foundation, colourless powder, beige eye shadow and simple mascara should do the trick. Finish with a coral-toned lipstick.