Exclusive | ‘Everybody calls it embarrassing’: The designer behind Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ look reflects on the chaos it caused 40 years ago

Maripol accidentally asked Madonna to take off her top while partying at NYC’s The Roxy in 1983. That’s how they put it.

A year later, the French fashionista found herself styling the power of pop to stun – Like a Virgoin a white tulle wedding and “Boy Toy” belt — at the first annual MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall.

“I hand-stitched that wedding dress, put it on with all those f-king crosses,” Maripol told The Post. She laughed as she reviewed clips of a then-26-year-old Madge’s polarizing performance on the 1984 show.

Maripol tells The Post that it was her idea for Madonna to wear all white and use a wedding cake stand for her inaugural VMA performance. MTV

“The Catholic Church, the music industry, puritanical America—everyone called it shameful,” the couturier continued. “But all the young ladies liked him.”

And still, four decades later, the NSFW number reigns supreme as one of the most iconic fashion moments in VMA history.

Maripol says the secret to making a lasting impression on the esteemed red carpet is, “Don’t try to be who you think people want you to be. Be who you already are.

“That’s what I told Madonna.”

Madonna entrusted Maripoli with her look at the 1984 VMAs after the pair met at The Roxy in 1983. Getty Images
Maripol advised Madonna to be true to herself as an icon. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Understated elegance, the superstar’s sharp ensemble set a style standard that today’s players will surely try to beat, or at least match, at the 2024 VMAs. The 40th annual party, hosted by rapper Megan The Stallion , 29, airs live from NYC’s USB Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Running concurrently with New York Fashion Week—an avant-garde parade that has drawn former supermodels back to the runways, and adorable dog-whistling toddlers in the spotlight—the music-driven event is one that often sees VIPs come out the most. fashion clothing

While some celebrities in attendance dress to shock, others come to slay.

Lady Gaga’s meaty number is said to have been designed by Franc Fernandez in collaboration with her fashion director, Nicola Formichetti. Reuters

Memorable adaptations, such as the much-talked about “meat dress” Lady Gaga, 38, modeled at the 2010 VMAs, and the “spider web” threads Doja Cat, 28, wore to the 2023 duties, have likely to live strangely. shame

Softer outfits, however, like the late Roberto Cavalli singer Aaliyah’s dress in 2000 — which beauty influencer Bretman Rock, 26, reimagined for the 2021 show — or the caramel-style dress that Rihanna , 36, wore to accept the 2016 Video Vanguard Award. match forever in the annals of MTV’s top memories.

The late More Than A Woman singer’s designer outfits at the 2000s Video Music Awards have become a legendary look. Getty Images
The “Needed Me” singer dazzled in Alexandre Vauthier haute couture to take home MTV’s top honors. FilmMagic

Misa Hylton, the mastermind behind the busty outfit Lil Kim, 50, rocked at the 1999 VMAs, says curating a timeless masterpiece for the occasion is a chore.

“You have to be authentic and believe in your art and your gift,” the fashion architect told The Post, adding that she dreamed up the beautiful jewelry with the rapper’s sexiness in mind.

“The idea was inspired by Missy Elliott,” she recalls of the hitmaker, who has collaborated with Kim on classics like “Not Tonight” and “Lady Marmalade.”

Hylton tells The Post that she and Lil’ Kim flowed well together as they created the memorable outfit. Getty Images

“[Elliott] joked, “Since Kim is so wild, she might as well have a breast out,” Hylton continued.

And just like that, a star — or, in this case, a seashell-shaped pasty — was born.

Hylton directed the construction of the head roll, in lavender Indian bridal fabric, from her studios on Avenue 7. The bold one-sleeve design was actualized within a week.

His eye-catching presentation aside, Hylton wasn’t worried about any mishaps with the finery until Diana Ross, 80, blasted Lil Kim’s exposed chest with gas during the live broadcast. The chest-pounding stunt happened seconds before the duo introduced the moonman for “Best Hip-Hop Video” alongside Mary J. Bilge.

Diana Ross’ tap on Lil’ Kim’s chest remains one of the most memorable MTV VMAs in history. MTV
Hylton says her commitment to authenticity is what sets her red carpet looks apart from everyone else. Getty Images
Lil Kim’s 1999 VMA ensemble is currently archived in a secret location, according to Hylton. Getty Images

“That was the only time I felt nervous about the dress,” laughed Hylton, crediting hairstylist Dionne Alexander and makeup artist Nzingha Gumbs for getting the emcee on the big night. She was afraid that the poorly attached top would fall off, revealing Lil Kim’s nipple. “The paste was attached with eyelash glue.”

Fortunately, the theme cover remained and the evening went off without a hitch.

Still, similar to Maripol’s masterpiece for the Madonna, Hylton’s costume caused a stir among people with sermons on the modest.

And yet, both outfits have been heavily copied throughout the years.

Cyrus is one of the many celebrities who have copied the bomb suit. @MileyCyrus/Instagram
Fans suspected that Jenner took inspiration from Kim and Hlyton’s regalia for the 2019 Met Gala. Getty Images for the Met Museum/Vogue

Miley Cyrus, 31, paid homage to Lil Kim’s outfit during Halloween 2013. Kylie Jenner, 27, also channeled the look — purple wig and all — at the 2019 Met Gala.

Everyone from Jennifer Lopez, 55, to Paris Hilton, 43, to Ice Spice, 24, have rocked Madonna’s white wedding dress to death. The “Material Girl” herself even gave a kiss of approval when the look was reworked by Britney Spears, 42, and Christina Aguilera, 43, during their trio performance of “Like A Virgin” at the 2003 VMAs.

JLo donned Madge’s ‘Like A Virgin’ Halloween 2020 outfit. Instagram
Spears (left) and Aguilera (far right) slipped into Madge-wear while performing alongside the diva at the 2003 VMAs. WireImage
Ice Spice wowed in Madonna-inspired outfits last year at the VMAs. FilmMagic

Maripol, who single-handedly crafted the original tulle skirt, lace bodice, veil, fingerless gloves and jeweled accessories — all tied together with a “Boy Toy” belt — credits the regalia’s enduring fame to the songstress and the city.

“She was young, sexy and beautiful, singing lyrics like that — it inspired me,” Maripol said, acknowledging her lasting influence on fashion in the Big Apple and beyond.

“I have inspired New York City as much as it has inspired me.”

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Image Source : nypost.com

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