Photo Story: Recreating Iconic Madonna Looks

In honor of Madonna coming to Austin for her “The Celebration” tour, Afterglow photographer Mackenzie Coleman captured students in outfits resembling the pop star’s iconic looks from the 1980s to the 2000s.

Photos by Mackenzie Coleman

Modeled by Arianna Jaimes, Catherine Roland, Chloe Lewis, Meryl Jiang, and Sophie Robins

Makeup and Hair by River Perrill and Meryl Jiang

The cone bra corset graphic on the shirt is a tribute to Madonna’s iconic alternative style, which launched her into stardom in the early 1980s. [Model: Chloe Lewis]

“Lucky Star,” released in 1983, was Madonna’s second music video to gain traction on MTV. The model’s outfit features some iconic Madonna accessories that appeared in the video: a black bow, lace gloves, and a cross necklace. [Model: Catherine Roland]

At the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, Madonna performed her hit "Like a Virgin" while wearing a corseted wedding gown. During the performance, she rolled around on the floor —, revealing lace stockings and a garter —, and stirred up significant controversy at the time. [Model: Arianna Jaimes]

In 1985, Madonna starred in “Desperately Seeking Susan,” securing her first lead movie role, where she wore an iconic leather jacket with her signature hair bow.  [Model: Catherine Roland]

Madonna released her “Material Girl” music video in 1985, in which she pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe in the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” In the video, Madonna wears a hot pink silk dress and copious diamond jewelry identical to Marilyn’s outfit. [Model: Meryl Jiang]

In 1989, Madonna released her “Like a Prayer” music video, showcasing her interest in religious themes and imagery. In the video, we see her in a simple black corset, black pants, and a cross necklace — a departure from her past alternative goth wardrobe. [Model: Chloe Lewis]

The “Vogue” music video was released in 1990 and was one of the first mainstream pop culture works to highlight elements such as voguing, a dance style popularized by the queer, Black, and Latino-led ballroom scene that emphasizes exaggerated hand gestures and poses. The video features  Madonna in a black suit with pinned-up bleach-blonde hair. [Model: Sophie Robins]

Madonna released one of her most controversial music videos for her song “Erotica” in 1992. The video only aired three times in late-night slots on MTV before being removed for its sexual content. The release of this video and, later, the album of the same name, ushered in a more expressive era in Madonna’s career. [Model: Sophie Robins]

Madonna released a cover — and music video — of “American Pie” in 2000 to promote the soundtrack of a movie she starred in titled “The Next Best Thing” In the video, Madonna dances in front of an American flag, wearing blue jeans, a blue lace tank top, a rose choker, and a diamond tiara. [Model: Meryl Jiang]