Global music icon Madonna has turned back the clock, starring in a sultry new advertising campaign for Dolce & Gabbana's signature fragrance, 'The One'. The provocative visuals, shot by renowned photographer Mert Alas, directly recall the singer's own racy 1990 music video for 'Justify My Love'.
A Nostalgic Return to 90s Glamour
In the campaign film and photos, the 67-year-old 'Rebel Heart' singer is seen wearing nude-toned lingerie, complete with a bra, underwear, thigh-high stockings, and a garter belt. The setting, a dimly lit hotel room, mirrors the aesthetic of her iconic video from over three decades ago. With her flaxen hair worn down and a seemingly wrinkle-free complexion, Madonna's appearance has sparked widespread reaction, with many fans expressing astonishment at her youthful look.
"Wow, she looks half her age," remarked one fan, while another stated, "She doesn't seem to age." The campaign narrative unfolds a dramatic love triangle, where the Michigan-born artist romances both a swarthy older gentleman and a younger man. In one artistic scene, she is depicted sketching the nude younger man before sharing a passionate moment with his older counterpart.
A Longstanding Creative Partnership
Madonna revealed that collaborating with designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana felt like a natural step, given their deep history. "Domenico and Stefano are like brothers to me. We have such a long history together," she told Vogue magazine. "Doing this campaign felt like a natural extension of our personal and professional relationship."
She recounted an early memory of wearing their designs shortly after the birth of her daughter Lourdes (Lola), noting how their clothing made her feel confident. "The three of us are attracted to the idea of pushing boundaries and challenging social norms," Madonna added, explaining their shared creative vision.
Stefano Gabbana expressed his excitement about the campaign, saying, "I get butterflies in my stomach when I see her! It's so fun and sexy, and makes me want to know what it smells like." He emphasised the significance of the project, stating, "Yes, it's a fragrance, but this is a real part of the history of Dolce & Gabbana and Madonna."
Reflections on Life, Loss, and Forgiveness
The release of the glamorous campaign comes after a period of profound personal reflection for the star. In 2023, Madonna spent four days in a coma due to a serious bacterial infection. She later shared a spiritual experience where her late mother, who died when Madonna was five, appeared to her. "My mother appeared to me, and she said, 'Do you want to come with me?' And I said, 'No,'" she recounted on the On Purpose podcast.
This moment prompted her to focus on forgiveness, particularly reconciling with her brother, Christopher Ciccone, before his death from pancreatic cancer last year. After not speaking for years, his illness led to a rapprochement. "It was such a load off my back... to finally be able to be in a room with him and holding his hand, even if he was dying, saying, 'I love you and I forgive you.' That was really important," she said.
Madonna has also been open about undergoing cosmetic procedures. In 2023, she humorously addressed speculation about her appearance at the Grammy Awards, posting, "Look how cute i am now that swelling from surgery has gone down. Lol." She did not specify the nature of the procedure.
The 'DGTheOne' campaign, creatively directed by Mert Alas, is now being showcased on the brand's social media channels, described as a tale where "Every gaze becomes captivating. Every emotion turns into pure intensity."
