“I think you can be defiant & rebellious & still be strong & positive.” — Madonna

I love Madonna. I can’t get enough of her newest album, Confessions On A Dance Floor, & have you seen the video for Hung Up? Girl is FIT! If I have a body like that when I’m 49 (!), I will be extremely pleased.

Why is Madonna a style icon? As if I even need to tell you! She has been making music for years — this year marks her 28th year in the pop business. Even more incredibly, almost all of her albums have been critically acclaimed, each distinctly different from the next. Her image is as mercurial as the weather — she is the ultimate chameleon. While she often shocks & surprises, she manages to pull off each look attempted with incredible flair & panache. Through taking these fashion risks, she inspires entire generations of women to imitate her. While I’m not under the illusion that she is perfect, I think she is a pretty fantastic role model.

She moved to New York City at the end of her sophomore year at school with $35 in her pocket, hoping to pursue a career in dance. She worked at Dunkin’ Donuts for a while, but in 1979 became involved with a musician, which kick-started her career. Since then, she has released ten studio albums & scores of singles, compilations & live albums. Anyone with that kind of drive gets my stamp of approval!

Here are some of my favourite Madonna moments…

Remember, this was before Britney went off the rails!

Partly responsible for introducing pole-dancing to the masses…

Love the shoes.

Dress, gloves, hair! Perfection!

I almost wish I was Italian, just so I could wear that t-shirt in tribute.

“I’ve been popular & unpopular, successful & unsuccessful, loved & loathed, & I know how meaningless it all is. Therefore, I feel free to take whatever risks I want.” — Madonna

For your viewing pleasure, I present two of my favourite Madonna videos… maybe not totally appropriate for work, but totally hot.

Some wise words from the superstar?

“Be strong; believe in freedom & in God; love yourself; understand your sexuality; have a sense of humor; masturbate; don’t judge people by their religion, colour or sexual habits; love life & your family.” — Madonna

I couldn’t agree more.

P.S. She likes to sing “My Way” by Frank Sinatra in the shower.

Extra For Experts:
Celebrity quotes
Madonna on Letterman in 1994.