all about Madonna

Painter works on the finishing touches of an H&M billboard in Soho, New York :

6 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (March 30 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna plans to celebrate 25 years of her showbiz career with a massive party and a special multimedia release.
In an interview with the International Herald Tribune, the 48-year-old star spoke about her plans, saying, "I'M thinking about doing a 25-year retrospective multimedia, with video and photographs of me by Mario Testino, Herb Ritts, Steven Klein and Steven Meisel."
The singer also mentioned that she would love to throw a party for all of her friends that would, "celebrate all the designers", such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix, who have created famous and groundbreaking designs for Madonna over the years.
source : sofeminine.co.uk

Carlton Wilborn lived life on center stage as Madonna's lead dancer on her "Blond Ambition" and "The Girlie Show" tours.
He was the energetic and daring dancer in her documentary film, "Truth or Dare."
But Wilborn wasn't being upfront with a couple of secrets he was hiding back then.
Not only was he HIV-positive, but he was suppressing the impact of being molested by his karate instructor for five years, from the age of 8 to 13.
It all came crashing down on him in 2001 when his work out of the limelight on a cruise ship didn't generate the gratification he had loved since being the principal dancer in Chicago's Hubbard Street Dance Company.
His solution was to put his secrets into "Front & Center: How I Learned To Live There."
He's planning a poetry-based recording with music based on the book, but he's on the promotion circuit now. He'll sign copies of the book Wednesday at Peppertree Books in Palm Springs.
He talked about it and his life in a recent Desert Sun interview:

DESERT POST WEEKLY: Did you continue with karate after your molestation or did your instructor's actions drive you away from it?
CARLTON WILBORN: No, I did not continue with karate after that - not because of any conscious decision, it sort of just fell away from me. But I do feel that the karate experience - especially seeing that I had reached the brown belt level - awakened the athlete in me so I could be confident for my dance career, which was just around the corner.

DPW: What attracted you to dance and how did your father react to your pursuit of it?
CW: Honestly, what got me dancing was my mom and my old grammar school teacher, Carolyn Currie, rushing to find a school that I could transfer to (in) mid-season. It ended up being the Whitney Young Magnet High School through the dance department. It seems that it was my destiny. Yay! In regards to my father, he was fairly neutral about it, at least until he started seeing me in newspapers. Then he'd run off to work bragging about me.

DPW: Was that period in which you were dancing with Madonna an especially happy time for you? Were you able to repress the molestation? If so, how were you able to do that?
CW: My Madonna years were fairly happy times, but because I was also hiding my HIV diagnoses, I was always nervous that I might be found out, and that it would all be taken away from me. My efforts to repress the molestation started years before the Madonna stuff came around. But, yeah sure, the screaming my name, the cameras and the private jets, they can all be a Band-Aid for a while.

DPW: You seem so spiritual now. Did an epiphany lead you there?
CW: No, there was no exact moment of epiphany. It honestly seems to be something that I've been continually growing into, ever since being a kid. My grandmother, my mom and even my dad were all spiritual in their own ways. I can definitely see that today.

DPW: Did you keep in contact with Madonna? If so, do you find that you've grown in similar spiritual directions? How do you feel about her today?
CW: It's been a few years since she and I have spoken. But, I will always have nice thoughts about her. She gave me the chance of a lifetime. Plus, Madonna honestly got me started on my real structured spiritual path. She paid for my first entire season of Kabbalah classes.

source : thedesertsun.com

From Madonna's MySpace :
The 'M by Madonna' collection, which was designed by Madonna for H&M, is now in stores. We're sure that you've already visited your favourite H&M store and picked some great 'M by Madonna' items, right? It's now time to show Madonna and her friends on Myspace that you can model like the Queen of the Dance Floor herself! Send us a picture of you dressed with some 'M by Madonna' clothes and/or accessories before April 6 and maybe your picture will be featured on Madonna's official Myspace page! Just pick the best picture and click the 'message me' button to start playing! One picture per person please. Thank you!

14 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (March 28 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Fashion giant Hennes & Mauritz (HMb.ST: Quote, Profile, Research) posted a 27 percent rise in first-quarter pretax profit on Wednesday, helped by celebrity collections, pop icon advertising and costs control.
The Swedish high-street firm, with clothes designed by pop diva Madonna, said it would push up the pace of its store expansion in the second quarter and added February sales were strong.
The launch of its new, higher price concept store had gone well, while sales at its first regular store in Hong Kong had exceeded expectations, said the company which boasts Australian pop queen Kylie Minogue as the face of its new beachwear campaign.
H&M reported a pretax profit of 3.41 billion crowns ($486.7 million) in the first quarter, against analysts' average forecast of 3.36 billion in a Reuters poll and 2.68 billion in the same quarter last year.
source : reuters

Thanks to Michael J

Madonna was nominated in two different categories at this year's International Dance Music Awards. The one and only Queen of the Dance Floor won the Best Dance Video award for Jump and was named Best Dance Artist Solo.
source : madonna.com

4 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (March 27 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Organizers of the July 7 Live Earth shows are just about to start announcing who's playing on which of the seven continents. These are the climate change awareness concerts being produced in conjunction with former Vice President Al Gore stemming from his film, "An Inconvenient Truth."
...I am told the Rolling Stones will be headlining the U.K. show at Wembley Stadium, along with Madonna (she's British, you know). Other acts for Wembley should include the Red Hot Chili Peppers (they'll do London, not Philadelphia), as well as Metallica, James Blunt and Block Party.
source : foxnews.com

6 Pictures - Madonna going to the gym in London (March 27 2007) - are added to the gallery.

4 Pictures - Madonna photographed by Dave Hogan (2006) - are added to the gallery.

Perez Hilton posted a short outtake from Madonna's H&M Commercial. Click on image bellow to watch it.

There are still some missing pages and things left to be added/fixed.
I'll try to do all that by the end of the week.
... but most of the site is finally online so I decided to launch it today :)

12 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (March 24 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Icon is thrilled to get an exclusive interview with one of the stars of the H&M Commercial, Nunzio! You can recognize Nunzio's character in the commercial because he was on the receiving end of the infamous slap from Madonna! Check out Icon's Interview and get to know Nunzio better!

ICON: Hello Nunzio and welcome to Icon, Madonna's Official Fan Club ! Is this your very first interview as an actor?

NUNZIO: Hello Icon,
Yes this is my very first interview and thank you for the "actor".

ICON: Before discussing your incredible performance in the M by Madonna ad, would you please tell us a little more about you? Where are you from and what is your "main" job?

NUNZIO: I was born in south of Italy; I'm based in Milan and I'm SINGLE!!!! I work in the fashion business since ever, actually I'm a Freelance Fashion Celebrities Consultant.

ICON: We've heard that you and Madonna met thanks to Donatella Versace and became friends. Is that true? Do you remember the first time you met Madonna?

NUNZIO: Yes it's true, I worked for Versace for long time and Donatella Versace introduced me to Madonna during one of her visits at the boutique in Milan asking me to assist her.

Being a great fan of Madonna I was very happy but at the same time intimidated. She was very sweet, she felt my emotions and with her great sensitiveness she made it easy, sometimes even speaking in Italian. In the long run we had the chance to know and trust one each other and I'm very honoured of her friendship.

ICON: We have been told that when Madonna first approached you to act in the commercial, you didn't want to. You're probably one of the only men on earth who said "No" to Madonna. Do you know why she wanted you to star in the ad? Would you explain us how you came to take part in the project?

NUNZIO: Oh no! I've never said no to Madonna! I went to London for the audition and I was sure they would have sent me back home immediately. When they confirmed me I thought that Madonna was joking me "¦"¦. But no, she was serious and then I was ready to run away. Madonna convinced me to stay because she was sure that I would have been perfect for the part, looked like it was written for me and she told me I didn't need to act but only to be myself. As always I trusted her and she was wonderfully supporting and encouraging.

ICON: After watching the ad, we can't help but congratulate you for such a brilliant and funny performance! Are you satisfied with the final cut? Would you share a few memories about the making of the ad with us?

NUNZIO: Thank you very much.
During filming I had no idea how it would be at the end, when I saw the final cut I was proud to be part of it. The AD is brilliant I LOVE IT!! You must know that my English pronunciation is "¦ particular, sometimes during the filming not even Madonna could resist laughing, forgiving me "some" extra takes!
Probably the only scene well performing at the first was the one about the slap!!!!

ICON: You're part of the fashion scene and worked with lots of talented people during the past years. How was it to work with Madonna? What is your vision of her as an artist but also as a trendsetter?

NUNZIO: Working with Madonna is always a unique experience. She is an extraordinary artist and professional, she knows exactly the results she wants to reach and there is so much to learn from her. Her great talents require both from her as well the others the best, she sees in you more then yourself and she helps you to reach it. I loved the way she motivates and bonds the team making all us feel one. As an Artist as well as a trendsetter she is absolutely an Icon. Music, images, fashion, beauty, she is a leader because she is unique, innovative, transgress even when conservative, always a step ahead. She believes strongly and she is always passionately herself in everything she does, people understand it and follow her. Her styles always strongly influence fashion at every level, she spoiled us to expect the best from her and she always delivers it.

ICON: The ad is going to air in several countries and people will soon recognize you wherever you will go. Are you prepared for that?

NUNZIO: I have already prepared several autographed pictures of myself!!!!! No, really if I'll be recognized I don't know how to deal with it.

ICON: Let's imagine that a famous director offers you star in his forthcoming movie. What will you say?

NUNZIO: I really don't know, certainly I'll ask advice to Madonna.

ICON: Thank you so much Nunzio for answering our questions! Would you have a special message for Madonna?

NUNZIO: Thank you, it was a pleasure.

I would like to thank Madonna with all my heart for being so wonderful, careful with me and for this incredible and unforgettable opportunity. I loved it

source : iconmadonna.com

Pop icon Madonna and fashion designer Stella McCartney seem to be nurturing their friendship these days, after being at odds on a couple of occasions.
After seeking fashion tips from former Beatles Paul McCartney's daughter, Madonna has assured help to Stella if she ever wants to record her own album.
"I asked her for fashion advice and I told her, if she ever wanted to do a record, I'd gladly help out," The Sun quoted the 'American Life' singer, as saying.
In December last year, Stella reportedly ripped into the Material Girl for playing a role in promoting pheasant shooting at her English country estate, Ashcombe, following which Madonna decided to stop the bloody sport.
Meanwhile Madonna is giving fashion advice to her daughter Lourdes, with personal trainer Carlos Leon.
"Often I have to tell her, 'Please put on some more clothes'," she said.
source : ani

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Madonna on Thursday joined the parade of celebrities with their own fashion lines, but the material girl who used to shock audiences with her outrageous outfits kept to a mainstream tune.

Madonna's much-anticipated clothing line, "M by Madonna," went on sale at the low-priced Swedish retailer Hennes & Mauritz AB's stores around the world on Thursday.

Excited shoppers in New York, where Madonna began her career, queued up about 30 minutes before the H&M store on Manhattan's ritzy Fifth Avenue opened, in order to be among the first to see the diva's collection.

Within two hours some items, including belts and small purses, had sold out, said one sales associate.

Another hot seller was a white, double-breasted trench coat, which Madonna, who co-designed the line for the Swedish company, wears in the campaign's advertisements.

"That white, silky coat is gorgeous, I think my daughter, who is 19, would love it," said Mary Taylor, a public relations executive, who was among the curious.

But many shoppers were not as enthusiastic about the range of styles, expecting a clothing line designed by the singer, actress and author to be more adventurous.

Madonna, who has been a taste-maker for more than two decades, has shocked audiences throughout her career with daring styles that have included lacy bras and crucifixes and a Jean-Paul Gaultier-designed cone bustier.

"I was expecting the clothes to be a little more fashion-forward I have to say, because she is such an icon and I heard it was based on her own closet," said Daniela Maron, a fashion publicist combing the Fifth Ave. store's racks for a cream-colored sequined mini dress donned by a mannequin.

That dress, one of the standout pieces in the mostly solid, monochromatic collection, sold out early, according to a sales associate.

"A lot of people came in, but as for buying, it's been half-and-half," said Juan Tinch, an H&M sales associate. "There have been a lot of purchases but also a lot of returns."

Hennes & Mauritz, among the first retailers to bring trendy fashions to main street wallets, has had home-runs with its exclusive, limited lines by heavy-hitters Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld and cult label Viktor & Rolf.

The Viktor & Rolf and McCartney launches were "totally chaotic," Tinch said. "This has been a little more calm and collected."

Lisa Sandberg, a U.S. spokeswoman for Hennes & Mauritz, whose chairman, Stefan Persson, is the 17th-richest person in the world, said the difference was because the collection is in all H&M stores with womenswear, instead of just a few.

"What this means is that although it's a one-off collection, more H&M customers will have the opportunity to find M by Madonna in their local H&M store and should also be able to purchase a piece without being the first shopper on line," Sandberg said in an e-mail.

But for Sara Axelsson, a New York-based lawyer who went to see Madonna's line, the collection was not unique enough to justify a purchase.

"The Stella McCartney line was much more different than the usual H&M stuff," Axelsson said.

Other clothing lines designed by fashionable celebrities, who are not themselves designers, include Sarah Jessica Parker's line at Steve & Barry's and model Kate Moss's line with the U.K. retailer Topshop.

"Obviously (celebrities) help enormously, whether it be if they're fronting a product or have worn it, but of course it takes away from the cachet level," said Maron, the publicist, about the trend of low-priced retailers selling collections designed by icons.

"But I'm definitely buying something, even if I never wear it," Maron said. "Just to have it. Anything for Madonna."

Extra security guards were called in yesterday when Madonna's new fashion collection hit town.
They were needed to deal with hundreds of shoppers clamouring to get their hands on the Material Girl's gear.
The Swedish chain Hennes & Mauritz rolled out the red carpet for the occasion at their flagship London store in Oxford Circus.
But while many were genuine Madonna fans, others were a new breed of professional shopper who were bulk buying to sell on their designer loot.
"I'm here to buy as much as I can and sell it later on eBay," said 24-year-old Ellie Savil.
"If you have a good eye for ­picking out the best of these designer ranges you can make a fortune." First in the queue was in fact a material boy, wanting only to be known as Lenny. The 38-year-old video editor from South London said:
"I'm going to buy a necker scarf and a pair of sunglasses - plus a dress to flog on eBay."
Madonna's retro-styled £19.99 sunglasses flew off the shelves. So did her 1950s-style nipped-in satin shirts and white "capri pants".
H&M spokeswoman Chloe Bowers said: "It's going really well and the demand is what we expected." Madonna's
M Collection will be rolled out in 114 British stores and will be sold in 28 countries.
source : express.co.uk

New York - Shoppers lined up on 5th Avenue early Thursday morning, March 22 for the launch of M by Madonna, the latest capsule collection from Swedish fashion retailer H&M.

The collection, the second and last collection by Madonna offered by H&M, is a 30 piece selection of body conscious basics with a narrow silhouette, mostly in black, white or khaki, that include trench coats in nylon or leather, skinny black pants, cropped jackets, graphic print dresses, bodysuits and wrap sweaters.

Along with the clothing line, M by Madonna also features a range of accessories, including a corset belt, patent leather stacked heels and a jewel box purse in silver or black leather.

"Madonna went through her closet and picked out a few staples that she felt should be in every closet," said Jennifer Uglialoro, a spokesperson for H&M. "It's very glamorous, and timeless."

The collection was designed in conjunction with H&M's head of design, Margereta Von Denbosch, and Madonna also directed the commercial, a first for the pop superstar.

Ruth Wong of North Vancouver, Canada, arrived at 10am to be among the first shoppers hoping to take snag some of the Madonna merchandise.

"It's our third day here, and we heard about the opening, so we thought, okay, we'll line up and see what this is all about," said Wong.

And what did she think about pop stars as designers?

"Well, it works, because obviously it brings people out," she said. "We all want a little piece of them."

Compared to the launches of H&M's previous limited edition collections with designers - Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf - the scene at the 51st Street flagship was relatively calm. While plenty of people carried around armfuls of clothing, no fights broke out and the merchandise was kept well stocked. Among the most popular items were "M" logo print scarves and corset belts. Priced under $50, they were the fashion equivalent of a concert t-shirt.

Jeff Weidman, a New York City resident originally from Ohio and self-professed Madonna fan, explained that he was there picking up things for his friends back home, as there are not any H&M stores in Ohio.

"Also," Weidman continued, "Madonna has a great sense of style, so I wanted to come and see her clothes and support her."

Especially for the worldwide launch, H&M will raffle off 90 trench coats signed by Madonna, 15 of which will be given away in the U.S.

source : fashionwire

Hundreds of shoppers poured into the H&M store in Oxford Circus today as Madonna's fashion collection hit the high street.

Fans braved freezing temperatures from 6am to be in the queue. They grabbed everything from leather trench coats to oversize sunglasses from the M for Madonna collection as the store played the singer's music.

One of the first inside was Shadley May, 39, who had been working as a forklift truck driver all night. He was under instruction from his fiancée to pick up a £39.99 dress. He said: "I'm very relieved to have got it.

I was slightly confused, I wasn't really sure whether I was going to recognise it."

The M for Madonna collection follows similar collaborations by the store with Viktor&Rolf and Stella McCartney, both of which sold out within hours. Many pieces then appeared on eBay for more than their original price.

It looks as if this collection is going to be no different. Georgina Bryan and Alex Edmonds, 18-year-old students from Chislehurst, were stockpiling items in a corner. Georgina said: "We've bought everything in our own sizes and a couple in size 12s as well which hopefully we can sell on eBay."

Popular items are expected to be a sequined mini dress selling at £99.99, silk tunic dresses at £39.99 and leather trench coats for £149.99.

The collection is the result of a collaboration-with H&M design chief Margaretavan den Bosch. It tries to offer something for everyone: from evening tops to lumber jackets, tailored blazers and shirts to kimono dresses. All the pieces have a discreet "M" motif on linings, zippers and buttons and the colours are mostly neutrals. The stand-out piece is a cashmere cardigan with silk-covered buttons. The accessories, squaretoed patent heels, clutch bags, skinny belts and sunglasses, are very strong.

The dresses are less successful. All seem to be cut in an unflattering empireline shape. The problem is not so much Madonna's designs but the fabric quality. The viscose jersey used for many garments tags the skin and threatens electric shocks, and the leather goods are plasticlooking - which is disappointing as the collection is priced about 25 per cent above the retailer's regular collection.

Nonetheless H&M is banking on the hope that fans will overlook quality for the chance to buy a Madonna original.

source : thisislondon

14 Pictures - Madonna going to / leaving the gym in London (March 22 2007) - are added to the gallery.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 22 (UPI) --A new clothing line by Madonna at the Swedish chic-on-the-cheap retailer H&M sold out within minutes of the Stockholm store's opening.
Hundreds of shoppers snaked around the block in hopes of grabbing up a "Material Girl"-inspired item, The Local said Thursday.
H&M works with celebrities to develop clothing and accessory lines for the international clothing store chain.

Material girl, indeed. A line of clothing co-designed by pop queen Madonna went on sale around the world Thursday in branches of Swedish fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz.
Pieces in the M by Madonna collection, co-designed by H&M design chief Margareta van den Bosch, include a leather trench coat, sequined shift dresses, cream-colored calf-length pants and matching cropped jackets.
In Britain, the items are priced between $16 and $295.
"I am a Madonna fan but the reason I am buying the clothes is that they are very nice and feminine and the prices are very reasonable," said Magda Grabowik, 32, as she lined up to pay for a coat, jacket and dresses at H&M's Oxford Street store.
Madonna said working on the fashion line had been "an exciting and new creative challenge."
"I'm happy with the results and look forward to wearing M by Madonna along with the rest of the world," the 48-year-old singer said in a statement.
H&M said the collection reflected Madonna's "timeless, unique and always glamorous style."
Stockholm-based H&M has more than 1,300 stores in 24 countries.

source : sfgate

8 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (March 20 2007) - are added to the gallery.

3 Pictures - Madonna arriving at a studio in West London (March 19 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna is moving her family from London to New York to be closer to her ailing dad as he fights cancer.
The Queen Of Pop, who now lives almost permanently in the UK, has already been Stateside to see Tony Ciccone twice this year.
Her fears for his deteriorating health have forced her to uproot the family from London and plan for them to spend much more time in the US.
Her film director hubby GUY RITCHIE has been busy working in LA and she is now trying to find a new family home in New York.
A source said: "Madonna, Guy and the kids are definitely moving to New York this year.
"The deal is to spend as much time there as in London if not more.
"Guy hasn't been as keen on the idea but Madonna is insisting they are moving."
Madonna's dad has been receiving treatment for colon cancer in Leelanau County Hospital, Michigan, which is relatively close to New York.
Recent reports suggested he was making good progress but Madge fears he is putting on a brave face to benefit family and friends.
My source told me: "Madonna's dad is going through the mill and she wants to be there for him and to help his spirits by letting him see more of his grandchildren.
"Guy is working more and more in LA on his new TV show, a film project and a documentary.
"The move will be a big upheaval but Madonna needs to be near her dad and the support network of her closest friends."
Madge is also cracking on with a new album, with the work split between Los Angeles and London.
She decided it would make sense to be based on the East Coast in The Big Apple, splitting the distance between her US commitments.
But she will not be selling her current New York apartment, London house or her Wiltshire estate any time soon.
She has decided the NY pad isn't big enough for the whole family since the adoption of one-year-old Malawi tot David Banda.
I can reveal Madge has narrowed the search for a new house down to two properties.
One is a flat and the other an impressive townhouse what they do have in common is an asking price of more than £20m.
And she has made it clear the new place is HER buy and will be in HER name without any mention of Guy.
There's no doubt who wears the trousers in that marriage.
source : the sun

This was no everyday clothing launch: There was thumping music, muscled male dancers and a great wall of paparazzi planted on the pavement outside the Langham Hotel. The event was the unveiling of M by Madonna for Hennes & Mauritz.

On Tuesday night, the pop star, clad in a white Forties-style jersey dress of her own design, laid out the theory behind her new collection for the Swedish fast-fashion retailer.

"I wanted something casual but naughty, sensible but sexy. That's me. That's how I am. I wanted the collection to be for a working girl," said Madonna in a not-so-quiet corner of the Artesian Bar at the hotel, near Oxford Circus.

"This is a combination of outfits I would love to wear. Bits and pieces have been inspired by the outfits in my own wardrobe, and also by what I love, like kimonos or my favorite Seventies vintage dress with the butterfly sleeves. I bought it in New York 10 years ago, and have worn it down to threads."

The collection, Madonna's second for H&M after her tracksuits launched last spring, features pieces in viscose jersey, silk rayon, cotton poplin, leather and Lycra.

The new M by Madonna line launches worldwide on March 22 and will be sold in 26 countries. An H&M spokeswoman said M by Madonna differs from the brand's other celebrity collaborations, with Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf and Stella McCartney, in that it will be sold in every H&M store that carries women's wear, rather than in the flagships alone.

As reported in December, Steven Klein shot the campaign, which features Madonna modeling the clothes. The ads look eerily similar to the campaign with Madonna that Klein shot for Versace.

The one-off, capsule collection is filled with classics: Kimono-style dresses; tailored jackets and knee-length hipster shorts; pencil skirts paired with cummerbunds; belted trenchcoats; little leather jackets, and white cotton shirts. There's also a full accessories line, with sexy, lace-up boots, skinny leather belts, evening clutch bags and sunglasses.

Madonna said her inspirations come from everywhere. "I go out a lot, I read and go to the movies, and I always try to see and interpret what's around me. I'm a curious person."

Clothing prices range from 14.90 euros, or $20, for a bodysuit to 249 euros, or $330, for a leather trench, while accessories range from 9.90 euros, or $13, for an M-print scarf to 99 euros, or $130, for a leather bag. All figures have been converted at current exchange.

Margareta van den Bosch, H&M's head of design, said Madonna was ever-present during the creative process. "She was involved in even the smallest details of every design. She has an impressive feel for fashion and trends," she said.

Guests, including McCartney, Matthew Williamson, Solange Azagury-Partridge, Freddie Windsor, Ella Windsor and Arki Busson, gathered at the Artesian Bar, which has just been redesigned by Madonna's pal David Collins, who was also a guest.
"I told her that scarf print looked a little Pucci to me," said a cheeky Williamson, referring to the bright, patterned scarves in the collection. "I also told her, 'Now you know how hard I f***ing work! You only have to do it once. I have to do this four times a year!' Seriously, though, the collection is just great, it's very her and it's gonna fly."

Azagury-Partridge, who designed a capsule collection of jewelry for H&M in fall 2005, said of the new collection, "I like it, it's quite 'me' actually. I especially like the pencil skirts and the big belts. I'm definitely going to be getting some."

Halfway through the evening, Madonna's male dancers hit the floor to perform for guests, although some friends had already slipped away to attend the joint birthday party for Elton John and Sam Taylor-Wood in east London.

During the evening, in between greeting guests and cheering on her dancers, Madonna talked about how she put the collection together.

"I think my biggest challenge was to make clothes that looked chic, sophisticated and expensive, but that weren't expensive. Going into this, I made a promise that I wouldn't design anything that I wouldn't wear myself," she said, adding that her white dress "flatters just about every figure I've seen it on."

She also admitted that her "at-home" uniform is an H&M tracksuit, and that she asks husband Guy Ritchie for advice on dressing. "I value his opinion very much. Before going out I always ask him what he thinks. If he doesn't like it, I don't wear it. But that doesn't happen very often," she said.

She also said she hates shopping. "People come to me with collections and show them to me. That's not because I'm famous, and it's not because I can't walk into stores without being disturbed. I just hate shopping. I did it even before I was famous," she said.
As for her future as a fashion designer, that's still up in the air. Madonna may be famous for her stamina on stage, on a yoga mat, and in the public eye. But fashion design might just have pushed her over the edge.

"I must say, I really enjoyed doing this collection. But, honestly, I don't know how long I could sustain this for," she said.

source : madonna.com

THE Madonna zip-front tracksuits sold at H&M last year may have disappointed some fans, for in all their polyester shininess, they didn't look like something She would wear. A cheerleading squad at a Florida retirement home, maybe, but not Her.

"I didn't read the reviews," Madonna said on the phone the other day. "I don't care what people say. I like them."

Next week Madonna gets a do-over as a celebrity designer.

Blouses, wrap dresses, printed halter tops, corset belts and a turban all designed by Madonna! go on sale in H&M's 1,300 stores on March 22. And, She wants you to know, real effort went into these clothes, like maybe She does care, just a little, about what people say.

"Did they come and see my show?" She asked, still on the subject of the mixed reviews. "If they'd seen my show, they would cut me some slack about how simple my tracksuit was. I like the simplicity of it and live in my tracksuits."

But one cannot live in tracksuits alone. The new collection, called M by Madonna, has an unexpected vibe that could be described as landed-gentry Madonna goes office-casual Madonna.

The degree of workplace appropriateness depends on whether one chooses to accessorize with pearls or a riding crop. Madonna, who chooses both, was inspired by the dynamic young women who work with Her, a group She calls the Semtex Girls, because, you know, they are like the explosive. Naughty!

"They are the kind of clothes that mean business and fun all at the same time," Madonna said. "I thought about what I like to wear every day."

Still, there will be Madonna fans (um, me) looking for something more emblematic of the many, many Hers. Like that bodysuit ($19.90) that speaks of "Confessions on a Dance Floor"; or the double-breasted pantsuit (jacket, $99.90; pants, $59.90), circa "Express Yourself"; or a long white dress ($69.90) that could have been a castoff from "Vogue" days. But no.

"I didn't really think about anything in connection to the stages of my career or the evolution of my persona," She said.

Not even the $34.90 corset belts?

"Well, what part of my career didn't I have a corset in?"

source : nytimes

The major deal for Live to Tell: My Life as Madonna's Nanny, by Melissa Dumas, has been canceled by Crown, Publishers Marketplace reported yesterday.
The company said "it will not be publishing the memoir to be authored by Madonna's former nanny, Melissa Dumas. The rights to the book have been released to the author, who is represented by [Sharlene Martin of] Martin Literary Management."
"I deeply regret that Crown Publishing decided not to move forward in publishing Melissa Dumas' book," Martin told The Book Standard. "I had a wonderful experience with them with a previous nanny tome, You'll Never Nanny in This Town Again, and had hoped to repeat that experience."
According to Britain's The Mirror, "Madonna, predictably enough, has risen from the lotus position to turn the full force of her legal team against rogue nanny Melissa Dumas in an attempt to silence her."
source : thebookstandard.com

from IconMadonna.com :

Dear Friends,
The time is near! The very first issue of Icon Digital will be released very soon! Get ready for exclusive content featuring Madonna and for things the printed version of the magazine just could not bring you... I just don't want to tell you any more for now and spoil the surprise, but what I can confirm is that Madonna and all of us at Icon are very excited about this new release! Today, were are happy to premiere the magazine's cover art, which features a stunning picture taken by Steven Klein during the H&M photoshoot. That is all for now, but stay tuned for MUCH more!
xoxo
Johann

46 Pictures - Madonna at the H&M Party in London (March 13 2007) - are added to the gallery.

5 Pictures - Madonna going to the gym in London (March 13 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna is set to strip naked in raunchy TV series Nip/Tuck for a romp with a hunky doc.
The Queen of Pop will prove she still has it at 48 by showing all in the US show about sex-mad plastic surgeons.
A show source said: "Everybody ends up taking their clothes off and usually having sex with Julian McMahon's character Dr Christian Troy.
"Madonna has the body of a woman half her age and is bound to be in a nude scene.
"She knew that when she agreed to do the show in the first place."
Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy is writing a part for the singer and wants her to appear with Rosie O'Donnell, her co-star in 1992 baseball movie A League Of Their Own.
Rosie has proved a hit with Nip/Tuck fans since appearing as a multi-millionaire lottery winner and starring in a steamy sex scene with McMahon.
Hollywood star Nicole Kidman is also set to guest star in the series.
Meanwhile Madonna was househunting in New York at the weekend, fuelling rumours she wants to spend less time in Britain.
The star looked at a £20million six-storey East Side mansion.
A US real estate source said: "She is seriously looking to buy.
"She wants big and grand. She's looking for dramatic ceiling height, large entertaining space and flat-out opulence."
Film director hubby Guy Ritchie, 38, has encouraged her to settle in the UK but she is eager to spend more time in the US.
source : thesun.co.uk

5 Pictures - Madonna in New York (March 09 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna hits the street on the Upper East Side yesterday during her house-hunting tour. Among the homes that she toured with brokers were these opulent town houses.
The Material Mom is said to have her eye on this 14,700- square-foot East 62nd Street mansion, which features grand entertaining rooms with double-height ceilings, and marble floors, staircases and fireplaces.
Madonna wants to make New York her playground again!
With handlers and brokers in tow, the Material Mom toured four pricey town houses on the Upper East Side yesterday, and is said to have fallen for a Gilded Age mansion on East 62nd Street - with a $35 million price tag.
"She's seriously looking to buy," a source said. "She's actually flown here to concentrate on finding a New York home where she'll spend a good deal of time - and perhaps even send her children to school here."
"Living in the English countryside must be getting a bit monotonous for her."
"She wants big and grand," said another real-estate broker famliar with her search. "She's looking for dramatic ceiling heights, large entertaining spaces and flat-out opulence."
The kabbalah queen spent the majority of her time here going through the Beaux Arts-style six-level elevatored limestone home with 14,700 square feet of interior space that includes seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, three kitchens, separate servants quarters, a gym with a sauna, billiards room and a garden.
The home features grand entertaining rooms with double-height ceilings, and marble floors, staircases and fireplaces.
For her growing family, one floor in the mansion features two children's bedrooms, a playroom, a kitchen, and a nanny's bedroom.
The master bedroom has its own floor with a study, two separate bathrooms and a large dressing room.
The 103-year-old residence is owned by noted architect Emilio Ambasz, who bought the property in 1992 for $3.2 million, according to public records.
Ambasz has had the house on and off the market for the past six years at various prices.
Sources say the 50-year-old singer visited other town houses on East 67th Street, East 69th Street, and East 96th Street - all of which were located between Madison and Fifth avenues.
"She's looking for a bigger place where she won't have to go before a co-op board," said one real-estate source with knowledge of the hunt.
Madonna has already had her fill of persnickety co-op boards. In 1985, the board of the San Remo on Central Park West refused to let the then-single 26-year-old entertainer buy a three-bedroom apartment for $1.2 million.
The co-op board did not give any reason for the rejection. She appeared before the board in a demure black dress, but Diane Keaton was reportedly the only member of the board who voted to approve her.
Real-estate agents cited the building's desire for privacy as the principal reason for her rebuff. Issues of Penthouse and Playboy at the time had featured her in nude layouts.
She eventually bought a 6,000-square-foot duplex at 41 Central Park West, with its own beauty parlor and steam room, in the less glam Harperley Hall.
She also has homes in London - where she officially resides with her husband, Guy Ritchie, and three kids - and another mansion in Los Angeles, which she bought from Keaton.
Reports say she has been in negotiations to sell the L.A. mansion to British soccer star David Beckham and his singer wife, ex-Spice Girl Victoria.
Wendy Maitland of the Corcoran Group was identified through photos as the broker, leading Madonna around to the various locations. Calls to her office were not returned.
Sources said another contender is a $15 million, six-story limestone town house in the Carnegie Hill area. The 20,000-square-foot home was built in 1916 by Philadelphia heiress Lucy Drexel Dahlgren, who sold it to jeweler Pierre Cartier in the 1920s.
Madonna was also spotted last month looking at a sprawling residence on Fifth Avenue.
One place she isn't looking to turn into a home is the New York Kabbalah Center at 155 E. 48th St., which is for sale for $42 million.
The fully renovated, five-story, extra-wide limestone building between Lexington and Third avenues includes three three-bedroom apartments, two elevators, a professional chef's kitchen, two spas, a formal dining room, a laundry room, offices, a rooftop children's play area and, oh, a synagogue on the second floor.
Public records show the kabbalists bought the building in 1994 for $3.25 million, and it was subsequently given a major facelift with funding that reportedly came from its well-heeled following that has included Madonna (who purchased the London town house to be closer to her fellow followers), Demi Moore, Donna Karan, Elizabeth Taylor and head-shaving rehabber Britney Spears.
"I didn't hear anything from her, but it wouldn't surprise me," said Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, who noted that her family is growing. "Hopefully, I'll have a new neighbor. I'd be very happy."
source : nypost

6 Pictures - Madonna house haunting in New York (March 09 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna is set to join the cast of hit plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck after confessing she's a big fan of the show. Creator Ryan Murphy reveals he's currently writing a part for the pop superstar. Murphy would like Madonna to play opposite pal and A League of Their Own co-star Rosie O'Donnell, who has become a regular on the show after hitting the headlines for a sex scene she filmed with Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon last season.
Murphy says, "I'm going to write something for Madonna, who is a fan of the show and I would love for her to do something with Rosie."
Madonna isn't be the only big name being considered for upcoming episodes - Nicole Kidman has already signed on for a cameo and McMahon explains Sandra Bullock is also interested in a role.
He adds, "Sandy said she wanted to come on last year and she didn't. She wants to come on the last episode and she wants to get her whole body done, or something."
source : starpulse

Does Madonna have a new best friend? Sure sounds like it.
The Material Mom has become chummy with mother-to-be Naomi Watts, a source reports.
The two were spotted in New York last night taking in a performance of Broadway's Talk Radio, a revival of Eric Bogosian's play starring the Aussie starlet's boyfriend (and the daddy of her baby), Liev Schreiber.
And get this: During a backstage visit with Schreiber after the show, Madonna unexpectedly had agulp20-year Who's That Girl? reunion when she ran into Griffin Dunne, her costar from the 1987 flick.
Meanwhile, a rumor of why Madonna is also in New York right now is moving quickly through the city's gay boy population.
There's talk that Madonna and Cher may make surprise appearances tomorrow at the legendary Roxy nightclub. Not only is it the Saturday gay party, but sadly, it's the closing night of the legendary dance hall.
Soon after the doors close for good, the Roxy will reportedly be torn down to make way for an apartment building.
Gay icons like Madonna, Cher, Bette Midler and Jennifer Lopez are just some of the divas who, when they've had a new album or movie to promote, would make sure to pop by the Roxy's gay night.
I certainly had my fun at the Roxy back during my New York years. I have some great memoriesand some hazy ones, tooof late night drinks turning into early morning dancing and other unmentionable experiences.
I'm sort of sad I'm not there for the end.
On second thought, maybe not. These days, I much prefer waking up in the wee hours of the morningrather than just getting to bed.
source : eonline