Photographer Steven Klein Brings Out Madonna's Best For 2010 Dolce & Gabbana Ad Campaign

above: Madonna with Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce

We've seen the buffed bicepped cougar shilling for everything from Pepsi to Louis Vuitton.

But to see The Material Girl in the latest Dolce & Gabbana ads shot by well known fashion and editorial photographer Steven Klein is to see her in her most appropriate element yet. The newest campaign has the Italian singer exuding Sicilian sensuality, not unlike Italian film legends Sophia Loren, Monica Vitti and Gina Lollobrigida, to advertise their Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

She doesn't look overly styled or even overly sinewy, but instead very sexy and surprisingly beautiful as she does dishes in a kitchen that looks straight out of a small Italian village.

Exclusive in this week's Italian edition of Vanity Fair is the worldwide preview of the Dolce & Gabbanna new spring/summer 2010 campaign:





The following text is from Dolce & Gabanna's blog:
Madonna's private life is seldom out of the papers but this new Dolce & Gabbana campaign is unlike anything you have seen before. Exit the paparazzo, these shots by Steven Klein reveal much more than a grainy stolen picture, they showcase an intimate, real aspect to the ultimate icon's life.





In keeping with Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2010 collection's emphasis on Mediterranean heritage and classic Italian sensuality, the mood isn't unlike a film from the days of Italian Neorealism. Madonna herself recalls the strong, raw sensuality of the iconic actress Anna Magnani - showcasing when soft sensuality meets bold authenticity.

More images from Steven Klein:





As Dolce & Gabbana's spring/summer 2010 collection returned to its Italian roots, evoking its strong heritage and revisiting iconic pieces such as the corset (the designer's finale was composed solely of corsets) it seemed only fitting that Madonna, who embodies both the strong sensuality of the brand and who shares an Italian heritage with the designers should be the one to showcase the Sicilian inspired collection.




above: the finale of the runway show was comprised of only corsets

In the stills below, from Italian films of the past, you can see the strong resemblance in mood and styling:

above: Italian film beauties Sofia Loren, Gina Lollabrigida and Anna Magnani

above: Monica Vitti is said to be Madonna's favorite actress

In the Vanity Fair Italy feature, Stefano Gabbana discusses the campaign and why Madonna was the perfect match: "She loved the collection," he says, "...she is passionate and impressively knowledgeable about Italian cinema," (Monica Vitti is her favourite actress and we see the resemblance)."

Photographer Steven Klein has worked with Madonna many, many times for editorial shoots, ad campaigns and personal projects. He even has a series of short films that feature her. Be sure to see those and more at his site here.

all Madonna images courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Steven Klein and Vanity Fair.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Isn't Just Sexy Anymore. It's Actually Fashionable.

The annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which will air on CBS on December 1st, has gone beyond simply sexy. This year, it's moved far from a cheesy Vegas Revue or a slutty Ziegfeld Follies. Along with showcasing the usual; lace g-strings, merry widows, satin teddies, push up bras and lots of lovely skin, the show is fast becoming an true fashion show. All without losing its sex appeal.

This year's styling deserves kudos for breaking away from more traditional angel wings as props, replacing them with far more edgy and imaginative versions. Wings made of balloons, wire, fabric, plexiglass and more are combined with the lingerie, making it feel as though we're at Fashion Week watching a futuristic and irreverent fashion designer instead of just the leggy nubile nymphs most husbands ogle while on the john.

The set designs and lighting are more akin to a theater production than a lingerie show:




The show is bound to widen its audience appeal by treating the runway, sets and styling like it's a JCDC or Gilles Deacon show instead of just voyeurism for a lascivious audience. But don't fret, there's still plenty of cleavage, thigh-high boots and butt cheek-baring couture for those of you who want it.

The unusual styling:











The host, supermodel Heidi Klum:


The show is hosted by the incredibly stunning Heidi Klum, who I am now convinced is actually an alien being, haven given birth to four children (the most recent just 6 weeks prior to hosting this show!!) only to have her rockin' bod snap right back into shape without so much as a stretch mark.



Since her VS catwalk debut in 1997, Heidi has been a showstopper—wearing the tallest wings ever in 2003 and singing a duet with her husband Seal in 2007.

The Supermodels
Ths year's supermodel line-up, straight from your mail order catalog: Adrian Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Marisa Miller, Behati Prinsloo, Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr.




The Entertainment
In addition to the far out costuming, there was plenty of wild set decor and entertainment. Black Eyed Peas performed and Fergie, looking just as sexy as the supermodels, rocked the house:




The $3 million 2009 Diamond Harlequin Fantasy Bra:


Each year, they have a 'fantasy bra' made with real diamonds and gemstones. This year, it's the 2009 Harlequin Fantasy Bra set with over 2,350 brilliant cut white, champagne and cognac colored diamonds accented with a rare 16 carat heart-shaped cognac diamond pendant. Total carat weight =150. Price = $3 million:



More from the show:











all images courtesy of Getty and Victoria's Secret

You can see backstage photos, learn about the Miami model search, see the girls in Times Square and much more at the Victoria's Secret All Access website.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will air on CBS, December 1st.