While partying at Roxy in New York in 1983, Maripol suddenly asked Madonna to take off her top. This is how they met.
A year later, the French fashionista styled herself to surprise the pop powerhouse — in a white tulle wedding dress and a “boy toy” belt — at the first annual MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall.
“I hand-sewn that wedding gown, decorated it with all those crosses,” Maripol told the Post, laughing as she rewatched clips of Madge’s then-26-year-old polarizing performance on the 1984 show.
“The Catholic Church, the music industry, puritanical America — everybody was saying it was obscene,” Couturier added. “But all the young girls loved it.”
And yet, four decades later, the NSFW number ranks supreme as one of the most iconic fashion moments in VMAs history.
Maripol said the secret to making a lasting impression on the coveted red carpet is, “Don't try to be who you think people want you to be. Be who you already are.”
“That's what I told Madonna.”
On a cheeky note, the superstar's eye-catching outfits set a style standard that today's A-listers will surely try to beat, at least equal, at the 2024 ceremony. Hosted by 29-year-old rapper Megan Thee Stallion, the 40th annual celebration will air live from NYC's USB Arena on Wednesday at 8pm EST.
Running alongside New York Fashion Week, this music-themed event is an event that often sees VIPs stepping out in their most fashionable attire – it's a cutting-edge parade that summons the supermodels of yesteryear back to the runway, and puts dog-whistle-swinging posh pups in the spotlight.
While some celebrities wear shocking outfits, others wear eye-catching outfits.
Unforgettable ‘fits, such as the much-discussed “meat dress” that Lady Gaga, 38, wore to the 2010 VMAs, and the “spiderweb”-like threads that Doja Cat, 28, wore for her 2023 to-do, will likely live on in bizarre infamy.
However, more modest outfits, such as the Roberto Cavalli gown worn by the late singer Aaliyah in 2000 — which 26-year-old beauty influencer Bretman Rock reimagined for the 2021 show — or the caramel couture worn by 36-year-old Rihanna to accept the 2016 Video Vanguard Award, are forever fixtures in the annals of MTV’s most haute memories.
Misa Hylton, the mastermind behind the boob-revealing catsuit worn by Lil Kim, 50, at the 1999 MTV VMAs, said creating a timeless piece for the occasion was a work of the heart.
“You have to be authentic and believe in your art and your gift,” the fashion architect told The Post, adding that he dreamed up Peek-a-Boo’s decor with the rapper’s distinctive sensuality in mind.
“The idea was inspired by Missy Elliott, who has worked with Kim on classics such as “Not Tonight” and “Lady Marmalade,” she recalled of hitmaker Missy Elliott.
Hilton added, “(Elliott) joked, 'Since Kim is so fierce, she should stick a boob out.'”
And just like that, a star — or, in this case, an oyster-shaped pasty — was born.
Hylton led the creation of this stunning design made from lavender Indian bridal fabric from her Seventh Avenue studio. This stunning one-sleeve design was created in one week.
Its eye-catching presentation aside, Hylton wasn't concerned that any mishaps could happen with the fabulous costume until 80-year-old Diana Ross playfully squeezed Lil Kim's bare breast during a live broadcast. The chest-beating stunt happened just seconds before she was to present Moon Man for best hip-hop video with Mary J. Blige.
“That was the only time I felt nervous about the costume,” Hilton laughed, crediting hairdresser Dion Alexander and makeup artist Nzinga Gumbs for decking out the MC on the big night. She feared an incorrectly glued topper would fall off, revealing Lil Kim's nipple. “The top was glued on with eyelash glue.”
Luckily, the sequin covering held up and the evening went off without a hitch.
Still, similar to Maripol's masterpiece for Madonna, Hilton's catsuit caused a stir among modesty conscious people.
And yet, both costumes have been heavily copied over the years.
Miley Cyrus , 31, paid homage to Lil Kim’s fit during Halloween 2013. Kylie Jenner , 27, also embraced the look — purple wig and all — at the 2019 Met Gala.
Madonna’s white wedding dress has been loved by everyone from Jennifer Lopez , 55, to Paris Hilton , 43, and Ice Spice , 24. The “Material Girl” herself even approved of the look when it 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 designed the original tulle skirt, lace bustier, veil, fingerless gloves and jewellery accessories – which were held together by a “boy toy” belt – credited the dress's enduring fame to the song, the singer and the city.
“She was young, sexy and beautiful, singing songs like that — that inspired me,” Maripol said, acknowledging her lasting impact on fashion in the Big Apple and beyond.
“I have inspired New York City as much as it has inspired me.”
