Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly sunnyStyle
| 
Submit Comments
Madonna performing at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Maidstone
advertisement
Madonna: Fab at 50
Helen Tither11/ 8/2008
HOW many of us would be planning to live it up in a Lycra leotard, thigh high boots and lashings of gothic black lace on our 50th birthdays?
But then, how many of us would have the nerve to try half the things Madonna gets up to?
Love her or hate her, the Queen of Pop sure knows how to cause a stir - and seems to show no signs of turning down the shock factor when she celebrates her 50th birthday on Saturday.
Madge launches her latest world tour, Sticky and Sweet, in Cardiff this month, looking fitter and feistier than pop rivals half her age.
After recent album, Hard Candy, debuted at number one in 27 countries, she has still got what it takes to make her music a business success.
But has she still got her fabled magic touch when it comes to the style stakes, too?
Combination
Ben Maxfield, stylist and head of personal shopping at Harvey Nichols Manchester says yes, she certainly has.
"Her success is all done to a combination of music and fashion," he says. "She would probably be the first to say she isn't the best singer in the world. But, combined with her unique style, something just clicks as a package. She can tap into a trend just before it becomes big - plus she understands how to work a look so that fashion becomes almost a costume."
From those iconic images of Madonna in that conical Jean Paul Gaultier corset, for her 1990 Blonde Ambition world tour, to her more recent penchant for 1980s leotards, where she leads the high street follows.
And that applies to her latest trend - gothic Victoriana - which first cropped up in her performances last year.
With her super fit physique, she can still wear most fashions. Is it a look that most fiftysomethings can get away with?
Ben says: "I think most 50-year-olds can take a leaf out of her fashion bible with my top five tips."
And here they are...
1) Get to know your body shape as well as Madonna - and dress to suit it.
2) Milestone birthdays, like turning 50, are a great time to reassess your look. So take the chance to try a new style.
3) Like most celebrities, Madonna will ask for advice from stylists. You can try one on the high street too in stores like Harvey Nichols or Topshop.
4) Try tailoring, like Madonna, for a really flattering look. Keeping all styles fitted to show off the bits you love and hide the bits you don't.
5) To get her new gothic look, go for tonnes of black with lashings of jewellery.
Most recent 1 of 1 user comments
Got an opinion you want to share?Are you having to stay at home this summer holiday?
Poll has now ended
| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 7.9% |
| Halifax (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
5.50% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
3.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
2.75% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER Online Tracker |
6.00% |
|
ABBEY Instant Access Saver (Special Issue 2) |
6.00% |
|
ING DIRECT Savings Account |
6.00% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER eSaver - Issue 2 |
6.30% |
|
ABBEY eSaver Direct |
6.00% |
|
POST OFFICE Instant Saver |
3.75% |
15/08/2008 at 01:56