In the world of fashion, there’s only one Madonna, and it’s the pop icon, actress, and fashion trailblazer, Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. This isn’t just a reference to the superstar; it also embodies the Italian word ‘Madonna,’ meaning ‘my lady,’ a concept deeply embedded in the heart of Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2025 collection. This show was a celebration of both the iconic singer and the timeless allure of femininity.
The designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, explicitly stated their inspiration: “Madonna has always been one of our icons.” They described the collection’s muse as “the woman from the cinema, the great diva of the past, the pin-up: a woman who has always played with her personality, while always remaining true to herself.” This sentiment was palpable from the moment you stepped backstage at Milan’s Metropol. The backstage espresso bar, a quintessentially Italian touch rarely seen at shows in New York or Paris, buzzed with models in mid-transformation, giggling over their last sips of caffeine, all while hits from Madonna’s albums, like “True Blue,” “Like a Prayer,” and “Erotica,” played in the background.
The hair was a tribute to Madonna’s 90s style. Every model, from Mona and Vittoria to Mariacarla and Anok, sported a slicked-back platinum blonde lace-front wig, meticulously dyed to match Madonna’s iconic shade. “Blonde, blonde, blonde, and blonde again,” the designers playfully remarked about the look, which featured a simple black headband. Pre-styled into pin curls, each wig was secured with creaseless clips. Wang Fei couldn’t help but admire her reflection, noting it was the first time she’d ever seen herself with blonde hair. (Whether she’ll ever take the plunge for real remains to be seen.)
The makeup, all Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, which launched in the US last year, further transformed each model. It started with the Blueberry Nutri-Tint Hydra-Glow & Fresh Skin Tint, but the true star was the dramatic eyeliner, “That’s My Line! 24H Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner.” The sharp lines created a look that was both cinematically Italian and quintessentially Madonna. Next, Everkiss Liquid Lip was applied, and each model received almond-shaped press-ons in a matching lipgloss-style finish.
As the show commenced, Madonna herself graced the front row, though her own beauty look diverged from the runway. She wore her hair in loose waves, topped with one of the brand’s signature dramatic black veils and a crown. Vogue Runway’s Nicole Phelps reported that, after the show, Madonna told the designers: “I want everything.” And who could blame her?
