In 1983, Maripol spontaneously asked Madonna to take off her top at a party at the Roxy in New York City. That’s how they met.
A year later, the French fashionista styled the pop powerhouse stunningly at the first annual MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall – in a white tulle wedding dress and a “Boy Toy” belt.
“I hand sewed this wedding dress and decorated her with all these damn crosses,” Maripol told The Post, giggling as she rewatched clips of then-26-year-old Madge’s polarizing performance at the 1984 show.
“The Catholic Church, the music industry, Puritan America – everyone called it obscene,” the fashion designer continued. “But all the young girls loved it.”
And four decades later, the NSFW number is still considered one of the most iconic fashion moments in VMAs history.
The secret to making a lasting impression on the venerable red carpet, says Maripol, is “not to be who you think people expect you to be. Be who you already are.”
“I told Madonna that.”
With tongue-in-cheek elegance, the superstar’s sassy ensemble set a style standard that today’s A-listers will surely try to surpass, or at least match, at the 2024 ceremony. The 40th annual festivities, hosted by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, 29, will air live from NYC’s USB Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST.
The music-driven event runs alongside New York Fashion Week – an avant-garde parade that brought yesterday’s supermodels back to the runways and chic puppies with dog whistles into the spotlight – and is one where VIPs often appear in their most fashionable garments.
While some of the celebrities in attendance dress shockingly, others come to look stunning.
Memorable outfits like the much-publicized “meat dress” worn by 38-year-old Lady Gaga at the 2010 VMAs or the “spider web” dress worn by 28-year-old Doja Cat at the 2023 show will likely live on in their outlandish infamy.
But even simpler clothes like the Roberto Cavalli dress worn by the late singer Aaliyah in 2000 – and which beauty influencer Bretman Rock (26) reinterpreted for the 2021 show – or the caramel couture outfit worn by Rihanna (36) when she accepted the Video Vanguard Award in 2016 will forever be in the annals of MTV’s fondest memories.
Misa Hylton, the mastermind behind the boob-baring catsuit that 50-year-old Lil’ Kim rocked at the 1999 MTV VMAs, said putting together a timeless masterpiece for the occasion was a labor of love.
“You have to be authentic and believe in your art and your talent,” the fashion designer told The Post, adding that she came up with the peek-a-boo outfit with the rapper’s signature sexiness in mind.
“The idea was inspired by Missy Elliott,” she recalled the hitmaker, who collaborated with Kim on classics such as “Not Tonight” and “Lady Marmalade.”
“(Elliott) joked, ‘Since Kim is so wild, she might as well let one boob hang out,'” Hylton continued.
And so a star – or in this case a shell-shaped pie – was born.
Hylton was responsible for creating the showstopper from lavender Indian bridal fabric at her Seventh Avenue studios. The daring one-sleeve design was completed in a week.
Aside from the stunning presentation, Hylton wasn’t worried about any mishaps with the eye-catching outfit until Diana Ross, 80, playfully popped Lil’ Kim’s bare chest during the live broadcast. The chest-pounding stunt happened seconds before the pair presented the Moon Man, along with Mary J. Blige, for Best Hip Hop Video.
“That was the only time I was nervous about the outfit,” laughed Hylton, thanking hairdresser Dionne Alexander and makeup artist Nzingha Gumbs for getting the presenter dressed up for the big night. She feared the poorly secured cap would fall off and reveal Lil’ Kim’s nipple. “The pasty was stuck on with eyelash glue.”
Fortunately, the sequin covering stayed on and the evening went smoothly.
Nevertheless, Hylton’s catsuit, like Maripol’s masterpiece for Madonna, caused a stir among those with a penchant for modesty.
And yet both garments have been copied many times over the years.
Miley Cyrus, 31, paid tribute to Lil’ Kim’s outfit on Halloween 2013. Kylie Jenner, 27, also embodied the look – with a purple wig and all – at the Met Gala 2019.
Everyone from Jennifer Lopez, 55, to Paris Hilton, 43, to Ice Spice, 24, have worn Madonna’s white wedding dress to death. The “Material Girl” herself even blew a kiss as a sign of appreciation when the look was remixed by Britney Spears, 42, and Christina Aguilera, 43, during their trio performance of “Like a Virgin” at the 2003 MTV VMAs.
Maripol, who single-handedly made the original tulle skirt, lace bustier, veil, fingerless gloves and jewelry accessories – all held together by a “boy toy” belt – attributed the regalia’s enduring fame to the song, the singer and the city.
“She was young, sexy and beautiful and sang such lyrics – that inspired me,” said Maripol, acknowledging her lasting influence on fashion in the Big Apple and beyond.
“I was inspired by New York City as much as it inspired me.”
