madonnalicious

Madonna And Jay-Z Creating Youtube Content

Madonna and Jay Z are to create their own video channels on YouTube.com as part of a new business venture to expand the website.
Bosses at the video-sharing site have shelled out over $100 million (£62.5 million) to dozens of producers to create fresh new content, and as part of the deal, both superstars have signed up to lend their support.
Other participants include actor Ashton Kutcher, Modern Family beauty Sofia Vergara, The Office star Rainn Wilson, Parks and Recreation actress Amy Poehler, former basketball star Shaquille O'Neal and skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.
Not much information has been disclosed about the various projects but Madonna will serve as a partner on the dance channel DanceOn and music mogul Jay Z will produce content related to his Life + Times website.
A number of the channels are set to premiere by the end of the year, with the rest debuting in 2012.

From contactmusic.com

Madonna to play Olympics gig in Hyde Park?

Madonna is to play a huge concert in London next year to coincide with the 2012 Olympics.
The 53-year-old singer will perform to 60,000 fans in Hyde Park next July when the UK capital will host the prestigious sporting event.
A source close to the singer, who recently took a break from music to direct new movie W.E, told The Sun newspaper: 'Madonna is planning a huge comeback and was determined to do it at Hyde Park while the Olympics are on.'
'She's been out of the limelight musically for a while but is ready to jump back into the saddle and thinks there's no better time to do it than when London hosts the Olympics.'

From thisislondon.co.uk - thanks to Brian

W.E. Reignites a Love Affair With Heritage Luxury Brands

Madonna's sophomore directorial offering, W.E., might not have Hollywood in a complete frenzy, but it most definitely has the fashion world clamoring and bracing itself for a revival of classic and elegant heritage luxury brands such as Vionnet and MAINBOCHER.
A dear friend and fashion editor recently returned from an extended trip to Europe where she had the opportunity to see Madonna's film W.E., based on the love affair of Wallis Simpson and Prince Edward VIII at the Venice Film Festival (U.S. release Dec. 9, 2011).
I had been waiting with baited breath for her personal review, but she got sidetracked with her return by Milan and Paris fashion weeks. But she too, could not wait to inform me in her thick Italian accent, 'Madonna's film is a visual and stylistic masterpiece, darrrrllllling.' She described in great detail every pin-tuck, corset, pencil skirt and shade of Wallis blue she witnessed dance across the screen. When I interrupted to ask, 'But how was the film?' She quickly fanned the question away, and went straight back into her rant of 'deep red lips, Vionnet, elegance, a return, pleated bodices, and Mainbocher.'
As a designer, from the second I heard Madonna was interested in making a film about Wallis Simpson, I knew she would spend a great deal of time making sure the fashion in the film was an integral part of her storytelling. And sure enough, by all accounts, from festivals in Venice to Toronto - everyone agrees - the movie will definitely herald a turning point in the direction of fashion and it's relationship with film.
From the newly released trailer to the production photos, one can see Madonna and her long time style collaborator, Arianne Phillips, have paid close attention to the strict and rigid, yet romantic style of Wallis Simpson. Madonna's Wallis Simpson somehow seems much softer and fluid from the morsels of information I have been able to gather.
By all accounts, there is something endearing about the tragically flawed and vulnerable Wallis Simpson played by actress Andrea Riseborough and directed by Madonna. There is something extremely unique about capturing these qualities in a single character, a uniqueness I think will be of great credit to Ms. Ciccone's vision as a director and also Ms. Phillip's creativity as a costume designer.
I am also informed that Mrs. Simpson's plutonic love affair with the American born designer, Mainbocher, is definitely present in every frame. I don't think there has ever been a greater love story between designer and muse outside that of Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy. But I believe what separates the Mainbocher and Wallis Simpson love affair is that their union is rooted deeply in American sportswear and sensibility.
Whenever a story is told about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor or their sensationalized love affair, it is virtually impossible to separate them from their iconic wedding photo. Wallis Simpson dressed in the most elegant Mainbocher wedding gown, standing proudly next to the man that had just abdicated the throne of England to spend the rest of his life with the woman he loves. It's enough to make Mister GoLightly weep from the very thought of it - L'amour, L'amour, L'amour...
However, in Madonna's version of events the recently relaunched house of Vionnet plays a much larger role in the film. The fashion was such a huge part of the film that Harvey Nichols in London recently held an in-house installation of recreated archival pieces by the famed French designer, Madeline Vionnet.
In a recent interview with British Vogue, Vionnet's current president, Matteo Marzotto said, 'The film W.E. gave Vionnet such a wonderful opportunity to showcase the exquisite craftsmanship and skill of the house. We were thrilled to be considered for the project and it was so exciting to be part of such a lavish production that portrayed one of history's most intriguing women.'
With all the renewed interest in these classic heritage brands and the successful relaunch of Vionnet (currently sold in over 200 stores worldwide), it is no wonder the fashion rumor mill is churning about the revitalizing of the ultimate style sleeping beauty - MAINBOCHER. With all the amazing talent floating around these days one must wonder who they will put at the helm of this classic and prestigious brand (wink-wink).
Who knows, maybe if Madonna continues her love affair - borderline obsession - with Wallis Simpson and Mainbocher, we could see her funding or even co-designing the collection? We must remember that one of Madonna's most iconic fashion moments was her recreation of the Mainbocher Corset with famed photographer, Horst. Who knows anything in this crazy world of fashion these days? But thanks to the Material Girl there is one thing we know for sure - the world is about to get a lot more elegant, sophisticated and yes - very, very romantic.

By Malcolm Harris / Huffington Post

Italian Magazines: Grazia

The Italian edition of Grazia magazine (03 October issue 40) focussed on Madonna's Miu Miu sunglasses that she wore at the Venice Film Festival.

Thanks to Elmira

William Orbit tweets on new album!

William Orbit has been taking to Twitter this week to tweet his thoughts on working with Madonna on her new album:

'Madonna has phenomenal understanding of both the minutiae of music and the big picture. Zooming in, zooming out. 4ever amazing. AND VISION'

'Working with Madonna is a treat. Fantastic tracks and vibes. Going deep. She's ON IT !!! This is THE album!'

'No question in my mind. Jean Baptiste Kouame, greatest singer songwriter of our times. He is the future You’ll know why next year! And a fabulous human being too.

UK Press: Metro

Gossip columnist Neil Sean picked up on this item about the London W.E. gala screening in Friday's edition of UK city newspaper the Metro.

Madonna and Lola Want You!

The mother-daughter duo released this highly informative (and pretty dang funny) video this morning as a way to launch their Material Girl Lucky Stars Model Search, in which they (or, you know, their people) will criss-cross the nation to scout out the new faces of their clothing line's spring 2012 collection.
The brand's former face - and E!'s own Fashion Police cohost - Kelly Osbourne will also lend a sartorial hand, and is heading up the celebrity panel of judges who'll hit up flagship Macys' across the country during their search, which kicks off Nov. 2.
In the meantime, enjoy this video: it's the only time you'll be able to see someone mouth off to Madonna and get away with it.

From E! Online

W.E. Gala Screening - Video Clips

madonnalicious reader Attila filmed Madonna's introduction of the film and cast and the Q&A session after the Gala Screening of W.E. at the London Film Festival - view the clips below.

Introduction Of W.E. and Cast

Q&A Session With London Film Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron

Fan Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening - Part 6

madonnalicious reader Attila sent in these great pictures of Madonna after the screening of W.E. at the London Film Festival.

I attended the Gala Screening of W.E. on Sunday 23 October at the Empire Cinema London! We were sitting in the 7th row of the stalls but at the end of the film I quickly sneaked to the row where the cast were sitting and managed to take some close pictures of Madonna standing face-to-face in front of her!

Check back tomorrow for video clips that Attila filmed of Madonna's Q&A session.

Madonna bustier auctioned for £45,000

Madonna's iconic black bustier has sold at auction for £45,000.
The custom-made piece - created by Los Angeles-based store Trashy Lingerie - was worn with fishnet tights by the singer during her 1987 'Who's That Girl' tour, and went under the hammer in China for way above its pre-sale estimate of £4,000 to £5,000.
Previously displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio and The Frederick's of Hollywood Museum in Los Angeles, the garment was sold by Beverly Hills-based auctioneers Julien's Auctions at the Ponte resort in Macau, China, alongside 23 other pieces of Madonna memorabilia.
Among the other items on sale were a signed copy of the star's risque 1992 'Sex' book and a recording of the song 'Simon Says' alongside her band Emmy and the Emmy's, with the auction drawing in a total of over £62,000.
Darren Julien, owner of Julien's Auctions, said: 'When you're buying these things, you're buying a memory.'
The outfit was specially selected for Madonna's first world tour - which took place 24 years ago - by her stylist and costume designer Marlene Stewart.
She said at the time: 'The most important ingredients are the crop top, the bare midriff, a hip-hugger skirt or pants and lingerie straps showing under your top.'

From contactmusic.com

Liz Smith on boos and brothers

It’s not easy being 'misunderstood on a global level' as Madonna remarked to a reporter over the weekend at the London premiere of her movie 'W.E.' The pop icon-turned-director was actually speaking about identifying with the heroine of her film, Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. But she was having her own local misunderstandings just as she was talking.
Fans who had waited for hours to see Madonna were apparently angry that she didn’t spend more time on the red carpet. They booed her. Well, I’ve seen the crowd boo stars who stood twenty minutes outside - because they always want more, more, more. (Apparently, five fans out of several thousand were annoyed. As our London source tells us: 'They were totally hysterical for her, in a good way!')
The atmosphere was friendlier in the theater. 'W.E.' received a standing ovation and the audience - perhaps because they were Brits - seemed to pay keener, appreciative attention to the film, rather than dismiss it out of hand because of Madonna’s involvement. Madonna looked glamorous and appropriate in black velvet.
Unfortunately, her older brother, Anthony, has recently added to the 'global misunderstanding' of the star. The long-troubled Mr. Ciccone claims his entire family - father, stepmother and his seven other siblings - have turned their backs on him, allowing him to 'live under a bridge' in Michigan.
He gave an interview to a local newspaper, asked rhetorically 'Why am I homeless when my sister is a multi-millionaire?' Then he gave another interview in which he insisted he wanted nothing from her. (Naturally, he did not ask at any point, 'Why am I homeless when I have such a large family - aside from the rich one?')
Anthony should take a page - literally - from his brother Christopher’s book. Christopher is probably still living off the money he received for his tell-all about M. several years ago. If Anthony Ciccone is lucid enough to give interviews and remember who his famous sister is - and how much she is worth - he’s lucid enough to write it up and profit.

From www.wowowow.com/liz-smith - thanks to Alex

Fan Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening - Part 5

STREZ shares his W.E. London Film Festival screening experience and pictures with madonnalicious readers:

The day started by fans gathering behind the set up barrier all the way from the early hours of the morning.
I had arrived rather late, 2pm, but still managed to get a spot right out the front of the barrier. But then came the dilemma; stay behind the barrier to watch 'The Queen' arrive and see her for the first time in the flesh, or, line up at the other cinema down the road to purchase last minute tickets to the movie when they would go on sale 30 minutes before the movie started. So I made an executive decision and stayed where I was, I figured I would watch the movie later and that seeing me life long idol was most important.
Luckily for me someone was selling tickets to the movie at cost price so I quickly nabbed the 'seven rows from the front' ticket and continued now not only to see the queen Madonna but to also go join her to watch her movie.
As soon as she stepped out of the car and on to the red carpet the crowd went wild! Everyone wanted a piece of her as she tried to move between signing autographs for fans and doing interviews for the press. The BFI security originally told us all that no one would be allowed on the carpet when the celebrities where arriving so those with tickets would have to wait right till the end to enter the auditorium. But the security were obviously NOT doing their job and even as the super star Madonna arrived, they were letting the general public walk the red carpet to the cinema.
The fans that had been patiently waiting behind the barrier where getting well angry as ticket holders on the carpet where crowding around Madonna to get a snap and blocking all view. In the end it became too crowded that they ushered Madonna straight into the cinema to which the fans replied with a loud boo.
Inside the 3500 seat auditorium Madonna came to the front and introduced the movie and some of the cast. As she adjusted the microphone stand she said 'You guys obviously think I'm shorter than I am'. I was only 7 rows from the front, watching my life long Idol talk candidly to the crowd. It was so surreal and so nice to have her in a quiet and intimate setting. She then took her seat in the middle of the auditorium and proceeded to watch the movie with us all (I would occasionally think of this and smile, I was chilling and watching a movie with my girl).
The moment the credits started to roll the crowd rose to a long and loud standing novation.
Afterwards she came back down to the front and had a question and answer session on the film with the artistic director of the BFI.
The movie was beautifully filmed from start to finish. The story was captivating, a little rushed at times I felt, got slightly confusing with the cutting back and forth especially if you weren't too familiar with the story of the Duke and Duchess. But in the end it all came together and made sense, and the reason for the modern day story that was interweaved with the story of the Duke and Duchess became quite important and necessary.
Ultimately it was a story about love and the struggles to make it work, which I think everyone can relate to. And also, as Madonna herself described, its about not judging something or someone on what you have heard but about doing as much research of your own as possible, realising there is always more than one side of the story, and that everyone's side of the story and how it made them feel is just as important.
It was a brilliant night, a truely great movie and a wonderful first meeting with my queen, Madonna.

Fan Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening - Part 4

madonnalicious reader Jamie Burgess was at the Gala Screening of W.E. in London at the weekend and shares his experience with our readers:

Just thought I'd share a couple of my picture as I was lucky enough to arrive on the red carpet the same time as Madonna. It was chaos and trying to get pictures was a nightmare with all the bouncers pushing ticket holders in to the venue. But overall it was a spectacular night and she looked amazing!

Fan Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening - Part 3

madonnalicious reader Shah took some great shots of Madonna introducing W.E. and during the Q&A session at the end of the screening.

Madonna distressed by stalker, court hears

Madonna has told a court of how she was left 'alarmed and distressed' after a man broke into her London home.
In a statement, the singer said she feared for her children's safety when Grzegorz Matlok, 30, managed to get into her house in March.
A judge ordered the Polish national to be detained indefinitely in a psychiatric hospital, as he posed a serious risk to the singer.
He is also banned from going within 100 metres of any of Madonna's properties.
Mr Matlok broke into the singer's house after smashing a window and using a rope and scaffolding to enter the property through a first floor window.
He was found to have rifled through Madonna's bedclothes before stealing a can of Red Bull from the kitchen, where he was discovered by film director Nathan Rissman.
A map with a large 'M' scrawled over Madonna's home and a bag containing a safety knife, nail scissors, a coach ticket from Poland and Matlok's passport were found in a bag outside the property.
Mr Matlock, who travelled to England from Poland three days prior to the incident, later told police that the singer had given him permission to stay at the property.
A year previously, he had sneaked into the Wiltshire estate Madonna used to share with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie and was caught putting on his clothes.
In her statement, Madonna said: 'I do not know the defendant, I've not had any form of relationship with the defendant nor have I had any form of contact by phone or by email, or by any other way, with the defendant.'
'In particular I've never given the defendant permission to enter the premises or any of my other premises.'
'It is extremely unsettling to know that, despite the extensive security I have, he has been able to break into two of my residential properties.'
'I'm worried about my children's safety as well as the safety of my staff.'
The court heard that Mr Matlok suffered from 'delusions that Madonna loved him' but, according to consultant psychiatrist Dr Nadji Kahtan, his schizophrenia could be controlled by medication.
In making her ruling at Southwark Crown Court, judge Deborah Taylor told Mr Matlok: 'It is the view of the doctors' that if you fail to take medication you pose a risk to Madonna Ciccone of real harm.'

From BBC News

UK Press: i

These small article and great picture featured in the Tuesday edition of i newspaper. Click on the image to enlarge.

Fan Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening - Part 2

madonnalicious reader George Green (icongeorge on Icon) also attended the Gala Screening of W.E. and shares his experience and pictures with our readers:

I went down to Leicester Square at around mid day to find a few of Madonna's fans waiting outside while the barriers were starting to be put in place. The W.E. signs were up in place over the Empire Cinema and already excitement was kicking in!
When I returned later after some lunch and local drinks we walked the red carpet and spoke to many Iconers and Madonna related friends. It was more like an Icon get together in all honesty, was great to see so many familiar faces and those I have spoken to but not actually met! Just as we walked past the photographers and the huge crowd of spectators Madonna’s car arrived so we were ushered in!
Once inside I made my way to my seat which was the back row of the stalls R28. I could not believe that the row behind me, in the seat directly behind me, was where Madonna was to sit! Her name printed on paper attached to the seat. Was so excited to think I am able to share this moment with Madonna at such a special event.
Everyone took their seats and with a brief introduction to the stage Madonna made her entrance. Madonna then went on to introduce the movie before taking her seat. My favorite Madonna moment of the night occurred once Madonna was seated when a fan seated behind her shouted out something relating to the Lady GaGa comparison to which Madonna responded 'Lady Who?!' I thought great response!
The movie In my opinion did not deserve the bad reports it has received of late. To me the negative reports seem to focus more on the fact that Madonna is involved rather than the movie itself. I loved the filming technique, it was shot beautifully and the crossover of stories between Wallace and Wally worked alongside each other. I personally warmed more to the storyline of Wally more so than that of Edward and Wallace Simpson, and thought Abbie Cornish’s acting was flawless and made the movie for me.
The soundtrack was excellent and overall the whole production is something Madonna should be proud of. It was worthy of the standing ovation at the end of the screening. After applauding Madonna I managed to take a few photos to share with you all.
Madonna concluded the screening with a 15 minute Q&A session hosted by a London Film Festival spokeswoman/representative before leaving the venue. All in all I had a great night, really enjoyed the movie and it was great to spend a night at a Madonna event outside of musical performance. In addition to this I was able to meet and hang out with other Madonna fans which always makes these events much more enjoyable.

W.E. Drinks Reception at Claridges

The madonnalicious team were lucky enough to attend the pre-screening drinks reception at Claridges Hotel yesterday ahead of the film premiere - and got to take these great pictures of Madonna at the event chatting to her guests.

'Madonna was true to her own vision'

The critics have been sharply divided, but members of the public will soon be able to make their own mind up about Madonna's timehopping royal drama W.E.
At the UK premiere of the movie at the London Film Festival, Digital Spy spoke to the film's stars Richard Coyle, Andrea Riseborough and Katie McGrath.
'You've got that moment of 'It's Madonna',' McGrath said of working with the pop superstar. 'But 30 seconds in, she's so focused, she's so committed to the film that you forget it. You realise that it's a director working with an actor.'
'There's the initial thing of oh my God, she's standing in front of you, and then it goes away very, very quickly. And in a way, thank God, because I don't think I could have done it!'
Coyle added: 'I have immense respect for the way she directed this film. She was very particular, very driven and very true to her own vision. I have a lot of respect for that.'
Riseborough said: 'It's always incredible working with every different director because they bring so much of who they are as a person to their directing style.'
W.E. opens in the UK on January 20 and in the US on December 9.

From Digital Spy

Fan Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening - Part 1

madonnalicious reader David Varkonyi was at the gala screening of W.E. in London last night and sent in these pictures from the event and this report:

Given Madonna's history with cinematic flops and really not liking Filth and Wisdom I didn't expect much from this movie...Was really surprised that W.E. actually IS an excellent movie! Surely will get some kind of Oscar nomination, Andrea Riseborough might get a nod for best actress, she is great in it, Madonna might get best screenplay or movie or even director nomination. It comes out the end of January, an awful long wait, but it IS worth it! It is that good!

Who needs Lady Gaga?... Lady who?

madonnalicious reader Niall sent in his report from the gala screening of W.E. at the Empire Leicester Square last night:

Just thought I’d update you on my experience at the W.E. premiere last night.
I arrived at the same time as Madonna and was literally walking the red carpet behind her as she did lots of press interviews and chatted briefly to fans. Her trusty publicist Liz Rosenberg was at her side guiding her through the vast amount of press and photographers. Her manager Guy Oseary was also present and said hello to me. Madonna looked radiant but still very short in her high heels, it was hard to see her at times with all the attention swirling around her.
Once inside the huge 3,500 seater auditorium we took our seats. Posh mineral water and bars of Green & Blacks chocolate was laid out on every seat for people to enjoy. Madonna entered and the crowd went nuts. She stood up front and introduced the film and spoke a little about it and then introduced its stars. She then took her seat some five rows in front of me and as she did someone shouted 'You look gorgeous Madonna', to which Madonna elegantly smiled.
Another voice then shouted out 'Who needs Lady Gaga?' to which Madonna laughed and said 'Lady who?'
After the movie (which Madonna sat in her seat next to Guy for the entire time) she went back up front and did a question and answer session with the Artistic Director of the BFI and was very warm, witty and friendly.
All in all a pretty fabulous night!

Press Pictures: W.E. Gala Screening

Here are some press pictures from the red carpet and photocall at the Empire Leicester Square at the Gala Screening of W.E. at the London Film Festival last night.

Pictures from AP/Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Madonna 'nervous' at her film's London screening

Madonna admitted to an attack of nerves as she brought her new film W.E. to the UK to be screened at the BFI London Film Festival.
The 53-year-old singer - who co-wrote and directed the film - greeted fans on the red carpet at the Empire in London's Leicester Square.
She has already shown the film at the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, but revealed she felt under pressure showing it in Britain last night.
'It's slightly nerve-wracking because it's about a British king, it's predominantly filmed in Britain, it's a British production, most of my actors are English and I know the British can be tough critics. But I hope they like it.'
The film, the second feature directed by the superstar singer, looks at the romance between Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough) and Edward VIII (James D'Arcy), which led to the monarch's abdication, as well as a parallel modern-day romance.
The controversial passion between the king and extravagant socialite Wallis is told through the eyes of a lonely modern-day New Yorker, desperately seeking the fairytale happy ending that she believes the famous couple had.
Made In Dagenham star Riseborough and Secret Diary of a Call Girl's D'Arcy attended the BFI London Festival screening along with co-stars Laurence Fox and Richard Coyle.
The cast all agreed that Madonna was a very precise director who paid great attention to detail.
Riseborough, 29, said: 'She was extraordinary, because she was very prepared and passionate about the piece and that's what excited me when I first met her.'
D'Arcy revealed: 'As a director Madonna is about as prepared a person I've ever worked with.'
'Reams and reams of research she'd done. She gave me so many books and every single page was underlined, and if it wasn't underlined it was highlighted, and if it wasn't highlighted there was a post-it note on it.'

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Fans gathering for W.E. London screening

Fans have already started to gather outside the Empire Cinema in London's Leicester Square in anticipation of Madonna's arrival for the London Festival Gala screening of W.E. as this picture from madonnalicious reader Shah shows.

W.E. London Premiere

madonnalicious is looking for fans to report from inside the cinema and outside on the red carpet for the gala screening tonight of W.E. at the London Film Festival.

If you have news or pictures from the event email us at madonnalicious@gmail.com