Fall 2011 Material Girl: Campaign Pictures

Here are the official Material Girl Fall 2011 campaign pictures of Kelly Osbourne.

Pictures from Material Girl

Madonna's 'W.E.' gets Oscar-friendly release date

The Weinstein Company will release Madonna’s W.E. in the heart of Oscar season on Friday 09 December, the company announced today.
The movie, which tells the story of two romances, one being between Britain’s King Edward VIII and American Wallis Simpson, will open initially in just New York and Los Angeles before a wider release in mid-January.
Madonna directed, produced, and co-wrote the film, and the cast features Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough, James D’Arcy, and Oscar Isaac.
'Madonna beautifully interweaves past and present in W.E. It’s a very smart film, and a stunning feature directorial debut,' said Harvey Weinstein, in a statement. 'I’m incredibly excited about this movie and I wanted to give it a prominent release date.'

From Inside Movies / EW.com

Fall 2011 Material Girl: MG + NYC

International Icon and world renowned Material Girl, Madonna and her daughter Lola are back with the Fall 2011 marketing campaign for their junior brand 'Material Girl.' Joining in on the fun for a second season is rock royalty, actress and television personality Kelly Osbourne.
'We have enjoyed working with Kelly and are thrilled to have her on board for the launch of the Fall 2011 collection,' commented Madonna and her daughter Lola.
Representing the quintessential New York City scene, Osbourne is seen being photographed in Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Soho, the West Village, Little Italy, Chinatown and includes backgrounds such as the world famous Empire State building and Osbourne on top of a double-decker tourist bus riding down Fifth Avenue.
The campaign will debut in September issues of fashion and lifestyle magazines such as PEOPLE StyleWatch, Nylon, Seventeen, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan as well as online, outdoor and in Macy’s.
'I love being part of a brand for girls and having the opportunity to work with Lola who has an amazing fashion instinct. Added to that is the fact that Madonna has been a big influence on my style over the years,' stated Kelly Osbourne.
Osbourne will make personal appearances on behalf of Material Girl at Macy’s. To stay up to date with the latest news follow @MaterialGirlCol, hash tag #MGNYC and become a fan at facebook.com/materialgirlcollection.

From PRWeb Press Release / Material Girl

Madonna's Paris getaway

Madonna and her reported beau Brahim Zaibat spent a whirlwind weekend in Paris, dancing and dining just weeks after they supposedly broke up.
The pop superstar, 52, and the French break dancer, 24, arrived in Paris on Friday and dined at The Ritz's Espadon restaurant that evening.
On Saturday, Madonna was out on her own, flea marketing at Clignancourt's Marché aux Puces, before reuniting with Zaibat for a private dinner. Also at the meal were Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci, who did some of the Material Girl's Sticky & Sweet tour outfits, and model Mariacarla Boscono.
But the evening didn't end there: At midnight, the pair stopped in at the VIP Club for a few hours of disco fun.
Madonna and Zaibat have been linked since last year, following her split from Jesus Luz. There were reports that she and Zaibat had broken up in May, but things appear to be on the mend.
A rep for Madonna did not immediately return calls for comment.

From People.com - thanks to Alex

Madonna and Brahim Zaibat in Paris

Madonna was spotted in a Paris nightclub watching Brahim Zaibat DJ this weekend and the couple were also later spotted leaving the Ritz hotel to catch the Eurostar train back to London.

To view pictures of Madonna and Brahim in Paris visit dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

Haydn, Mozart and a visit from Madonna

On Madonna's first night back in London she was seen at the Royal Festival Hall for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Labèque Sisters, as this review from Classical-Music.com states:

They do say Haydn is a musician’s musician, but he’s clearly not a favourite of Madonna’s. Which is a shame because in avoiding his music she missed the highlight of this concert. Her diminutive figure was seen stealing into the Royal Festival Hall (RFH) almost incognito (were she not the only audience member in dark glasses) just as Papa Haydn’s eccentric, penetrating symphony No. 64 ended.
Sir Simon Rattle, who elicited playing of great tonal sophistication and exquisite balance from the players, was not the draw: it was the ravishing Labèque sisters in their bejewelled 18th century-style coats and raven-black locks that Madge had come to see. These days the Parisian sisters are mentors to rock royalty – Sting and Herbie Hancock among them - but quite what Madonna made of Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos K315 played on fragile fortepianos taxes the imagination.
Beginning with a throaty trill, which on these instruments had the air of low, distant laughter, the concerto is a charming exercise in mirror images and teasing echoes, and the sisters choreographed it beautifully, accompanied with gossamer touch by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE). It says much for the improved acoustics of the Royal Festival Hall (RFH) that we could hear every note of these delicate keyboard timbres, and there was a collective held breath during the cadenza.
After the interval, when Madonna had long left the building, Mozart’s graceful Symphony No. 33 was followed by Haydn’s magnificent Symphony No. 95, written just after Mozart’s death, and in many ways a tribute to his Jupiter Symphony (No. 41). Here, at last, was some dramatic meat to feast on, from the incisive variations to the eloquent cello solo in the Trio, played with great character by Pierre Doumenge, and the extravagant last movement, complete with trumpets and drums.

Thanks to Matty

Madonna's life story to be subject of comic book

Madonna will soon find herself in a whole new material world: the pages of a comic book.
The star will have her life story told in 32 pages by Bluewater Productions Inc., the latest celebrity to be part of its semi-regular line of 'Female Force' comics, the publisher said Thursday.
'Our goal is to show the little-known events and influences that resulted in Madonna becoming the phenomenon she remains to this day, more than a quarter-century after she burst upon the scene,' said Jason Schultz, Bluewater's executive vice president. 'A visual medium provides perspective that is not only accessible but more relatable to the average person without losing any of the information involved.'
The one-shot issue - due out in August for $3.99 and written by C.W. Cooke and drawn by Michael Johnson - will look at her life as it transformed from a little-known singer into a multimillion-record-selling entertainer and trendsetter.
'Most pop stars owe everything to this woman. It's amazing all of the things that she's done in her lifetime, and I have a feeling that this is still only the beginning,' Cooke said of Madonna.
The issue joins a growing collection of similar titles from the Vancouver, Wash.-based publisher. Previous subjects in the 'Female Force' series that have included Betty White, Michelle Obama, Barbara Walters, Sarah Palin and Margaret Thatcher, among others.

From AP Via Yahoo! News

More insight into W.E. from Liz Smith

Over in England, royalists are still fretting that actress Natalie Dormer, who plays the beloved Queen Elizabeth (later the even more beloved Queen Mum) in Madonna’s coming 'W.E.' movie will portray this revered figure in a 'savage, unflattering manner.' Well, she doesn’t play it that way, although it’s no secret that the Queen Mother was nobody’s fool and a tough cookie. That’s how Dormer handles it.
Nor is Wallis Simpson (played in the movie by Andrea Riseborough) made to appear overly sympathetic - the Brits worry over that, too. But director Madonna does not cast the character as heroine or villain. In life, things are rarely so black and white, as M herself knows.
It all happened 75 years ago. I remember sitting on the floor at home in Texas, listening to the astonishing King Edward VIII say he would give up his throne for 'the woman I love.' It did seem kind of dreamy. But England, on the verge of war, has never quite recovered or forgiven the 'romantic' abdication of their monarch.

www.wowowow.com/culture/liz-smith-24 - thanks to Alex

Radio programmers talk about Madonna album collaborators

Peter Buchanan published this blog recently at Examiner.com:

At the gathering of program director’s meeting in Chicago this weekend, the hot topic was Madonna. My June 9th column was the very first to reveal that The Weinstein Company picked up distribution rights to Madonna’s eagerly anticipated film W.E. I have a lot more information on that, but will keep quiet for now. After all, Madonna is primarily a recording artist, right?
The big talk at the meeting was Madonna’s upcoming album and the possibility of Jim Steinman (hello, Bonnie Tyler, Meat Loaf, and Celine Dion) as a collaborator. Apparently, Madonna wrote some songs with melody ideas and sent them to Mr. Steinman, who was very impressed. Madonna, despite what some say, does write her own lyrics and melodies, but relies on producers to come up with the music.
Some of the program directors thought the idea was interesting, while others thought that Jim Steinman would be cheapening himself. Even if Mr. Steinman doesn’t come through, one of the definite collaborators for Madonna’s next album is going to be Joe Henry, who co-wrote two of Madonna’s most loved songs: 'Don’t Tell Me' and 'Jump.'

Thanks to Ruben

Madonna jets into London

Madonna and David were photographed as they arrived at London Heathrow Terminal 5 yesterday (Tuesday 21 June).

Picture from AP Via Yahoo! News

Events: Simply Madonna in Macau

The Simply Madonna exhibition is set to open in Macau. From Thursday 23 June to Sunday 24 July an exclusive collection of Madonnabilia will be on display at City of Dreams.

The 50 exhibits, including many of the pop diva’s most iconic stage costumes, accessories and other personal items, will trace the glittering career of the most celebrated entertainer of our time.

Thanks to Matthew

Madonna: 'New Yorkers your voices must be heard'

Madonna posted this message for New Yorkers via Guy Oseary's Twitter account:

'New Yorkers your voices must be heard. Tell your state Congressmen to support same sex marriage bill. All you need is love' - Madonna

Liz Smith: The New Dynamic Duo - Weinstein and Madonna!

'I am so anxious for you not to abdicate and I think the fact that you do is going to put me in the wrong light to the entire world because they will say I could have prevented it.'
So wrote American divorcee Wallis Simpson to her lover King Edward VIII, as he prepared to abdicate in the British throne order to marry the woman he loved.
The tale of the King and the American commoner has fascinated historians, biographers and filmmakers for decades. And it has come to fascinate Madonna as a director and writer.
Her soon-due movie 'W.E.,' meshes the story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor - as they would be known - with the strained relationship of a modern married couple. The modern young woman is obsessed with the royal romance, the legendary 'fairy tale' aspect of a man and woman so in love they would flout all convention and literally change the course of history. Madonna has done a splendid job weaving both aspects of the movie into a seamless, poignant drama. And apparently I am not alone in my admiration for 'W.E.' Producer Harvey Weinstein just picked it up for U.S. distribution.
I had some hint of this not long ago. I ran into Madonna at an event. She looked gorgeous, like a 1940s movie siren. We spoke of 'W.E.' I said, 'You know, this film might be a good fit for Harvey Weinstein.' Madonna clapped her hand over her mouth, and said, 'I can’t speak! Don’t ask!' I had to laugh because she was doing the opposite of Dianne Wiest in 'Bullets Over Broadway' (Remember, Wiest kept putting her hand over everybody’s mouth and declaring, 'Don’t speak!')
I knew there was no point in pressing her. Madonna was more forthcoming about making music again and touring. I said I wished she wouldn’t tour. 'You get so thin,' I observed. Inhaling slightly, bust rising, she replied: 'Actually, I am happy with my weight right now, but all that dancing will inevitably take it off.' She shrugged and grinned, 'Either way, I don’t get any complaints.'
So, one of my all-time favorite stars (whom I have championed relentlessly since 1984) and one of my all time favorite movie moguls (whom I have championed relentlessly since 1989), together, will be pushing a truly superior film. I couldn’t be happier.

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

Madonna ready to record new album

Madonna's manager Guy Oseary has confirmed plans for the singer to re-enter the recording studio next month to start work on her new album.

The 52-year-old performer is said to know the people she wants to work with on the project, which will serve as the follow-up to 2008's Hard Candy.

Taking to Twitter to answer fans' questions surrounding the recording, Oseary revealed: 'Madonna goes into the recording studio next month to begin work on new album....'

'There are no back catalogue plans currently....I met with Warner Music about that very subject....but nothing has come of it....'

'There is nothing to report in regards to tour....you guys know how this works....first comes the album and next comes the....'

Oseary also indicated that Madonna knows who she wants to work with, stating: 'She has a good idea on which producers she will be working with....

From Digital Spy

Madonna comments on W.E.

W.E. is now Weinstein family. Rights to the film directed by Madonna have been acquired by the Weinstein Co., the studio announced Monday. (Though the Weinstein Co., is referring to the project as Madonna’s 'directorial debut,' the singer actually helmed her first film, Filth and Wisdom, back in 2008. A rep for the Weinstein Co., however, says that the 81-minute Filth is considered a short, making W.E. her first feature-length debut.) Written by the singer and Alek Keshishian (director of Madonna: Truth or Dare), W.E. tells the love story of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson spanning six decades.
The film stars Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Natalie Dormer (The Tudors), and James D’Arcy (Secret Diary of a Call Girl).
'W.E. is about the nature of true love, and the sacrifices and compromises that are often made,' Madonna said in a press release. 'I’ve wanted to tell this story for a very long time, and bringing it to life has been a great adventure for me. I’m looking forward to working with Harvey [Weinstein] and The Weinstein Company on this film.'

From Entertainment Weekly

The Weinstein Company Acquires W.E. for U.S. Release

The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to 'W.E.,' Madonna's directorial debut of a feature film. W.E. is a romantic drama co-written by Madonna and Alek Keshishian, produced by Madonna and Kris Thykier and executive produced by Scott Franklin (Black Swan).
It stars Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Oscar Isaac (Drive), James D'Arcy (Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World), Andrea Riseborough (Never Let Me Go), Natalie Dormer ('The Tudors'), Richard Coyle (Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time), James Fox (Sherlock Holmes) and Laurence Fox ('Inspector Lewis').
The announcement was made by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein and President of Production Donna Gigliotti.
Spanning six decades, W.E. juxtaposes a contemporary love story with that of King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson.
'W.E. is about the nature of true love, and the sacrifices and compromises that are often made. I've wanted to tell this story for a very long time, and bringing it to life has been a great adventure for me. I'm looking forward to working with Harvey and The Weinstein Company on this film,' commented Madonna.
'Madonna has really come into her own as a filmmaker with W.E.,' said Weinstein. 'She's taken one of the most famous romances of the 20th Century and brought it to life in a smart, sexy and thoroughly modern way. It's a terrific addition to our US release slate.'
Commented Gigliotti, 'The advance footage for W.E. was some of the most impressive I've ever seen. I can't wait for American audiences to have the opportunity to see this film.'
The deal was negotiated for TWC by Weinstein, COO David Glasser and Michal Steinberg, Senior Vice President Business Affairs and Acquisitions; and by CAA, on behalf of the filmmakers.

From PRNewswire Via Yahoo! Finance

Madonna movie generates positive buzz

Madonna hasn’t had a musical hit in years (mostly because she hasn’t released anything), but fans will be happy to know that Madonna hasn’t been wasting any time. She has directed a film called W.E, a two-tiered romantic drama focusing on the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson. It is also a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.
The film had international distributors bidding like crazy earlier this year and this column can now exclusively reveal that W.E. has caught the interest of The Weinstein Company, who handled The King’s Speech. 'Harvey and Madonna may be friends, but he wouldn’t be interested in this film if it wasn’t good. Six years ago, Madonna tried to get Harvey interested in her documentary I’m Going to Tell You a Secret, but Harvey felt it was basically an advertisement for Kaballah.'
Some may think that The Weinstein Company is unwise to take on another movie that deals with the same topic, but The King’s Speech and W.E. are not similar according to those who have seen it. Madonna has just finished post production on W.E. and will premiere it at the Venice Film Festival in August. My source also confirms that Madonna won’t be as involved in the publicity campaign for the movie as much as one would think.

From Examiner.com

Is Madonna planning a tour stop in Australia?

Is the groundwork being laid for an Australian tour next year by the queen of pop, Madonna?
According to sources, preliminary work has started on a potential tour and confidential feelers have been put out regarding accommodation and venue availability.
But approached about the possibility of Madonna heading Down Under, promoter Live Nation yesterday offered a polite but firm 'no comment'.
The singer has a massive global deal with Live Nation, which looks after all her tours.
Plans for Madonna to undertake an Australian tour in January 2009 were scrapped because of the global financial crisis. She last visited in 1993, and has bypassed Australia with each subsequent world tour.

From news.com.au - thanks to Chris M

Britney Spears' Madonna Burning Up Cover Leaks

In a similar vein to when she performed Alanis Morissette's 'You Outta Know' during her last tour, Britney Spears may have another iconic female in mind for a live cover during her Femme Fatale tour. A studio recording of Britney covering Madonna's 1983 single 'Burning Up' leaked, glammed-up without a hint of the '80s to be found. Despite Madonna's impressive discography, including numerous chart-toppers, Spears chose this single that failed to break the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released, but was a Top 5 Hot Dance Music/Club Play hit.

From Billboard.com

Indian Magazines: Vogue

The May 2011 issue of Indian Vogue featured this page on why they love Madonna and traces her standout looks - click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Events: A Madonna Odyssey in London

Madonnalicious presents 'A Madonna Odyssey' A benefit night for Stonewall charity....

August 2011 is the Queen of pop's 53rd birthday. It's happening at Soho's uber-infamous Punk nightclub which will be transformed into a four dimensional Madonna interactive installation. A unique collection of live art, photography, electric sculptures, film, performance, video and paintings. All topped off with an international and critically acclaimed line up featuring: The Very Miss Dusty 'O', Chrissy Darling, Dj David Robson, Neil Prince, Tasty Tim, Craig Jones, Vanilla Lush, Baga Chipz, Vicki Vivacious, Magda Prus, Jelena Rozenko, Kizzy Black and Dejay Kurt.

On the night, to raise money for Stonewall charity (working for equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals). We will have 'A Madonna Auction' and 'A Madonna Shop' both with extremely rare and valuable collectables that any Madge fan would love to get hold off.

One lady, one legend, only one Queen!
A Madonna Celebrate production.

www.facebook.com/madonnacelebrate
www.myspace.com/madonnacelebrate
www.twitter.com/madonnaceleb
www.punksoho.co.uk
www.stonewall.org.uk

Tickets will be available to buy from Tuesday 14 June at www.ticketweb.co.uk

More Madonna items up for auction

There are lots on interesting Madonna items up for auction at Julien's Auctions on Saturday 25 June at 10:00 PST.

Fans can check out all the items online at www.julienslive.com/view-auctions

Thanks to Vickster

Madonna Evita costume up for auction

A costume Madonna wore for the film Evita is being auctioned off in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday 18 June, 2011 at 12:00PDT.

The costume is part of film actress Debbie Reynolds massive film memorabilia collection that she is putting up for public auction.

Thanks to J

Madonna's Malawi orphan scheme facing money crisis

A program in Malawi which helps feed orphaned children is facing a financial crisis after Madonna's charity cut funding, according to a U.K. report.
The pop superstar, who has adopted two children from the African nation, helped set up an organisation called Raising Malawi to aid residents of the poverty-stricken nation.
The charity was thrown into chaos earlier this year when plans to build a girls' school collapsed amid allegations of financial mismanagement, prompting Madonna to dissolve the foundation's board of directors.
The head of a charity scheme in Malawi called Consol Homes Orphan Care, which feeds more than 24,000 children across the country, has now claimed the program is in jeopardy after money from Raising Malawi was stopped.
Elicy Chapomba, co-founder and head of operations at Consol, tells Britain's The Times, 'Since July last year, no money has been sent and we have resorted to borrowing from the banks.'
Madonna's publicist has alleged funding was cut because a Raising Malawi audit allegedly found evidence of poor financial management at the organisation, explaining, 'Simple financial procedures need to be put in place ensuring that cheques are authorised, disbursements are accounted for and financial documents and resources are....handled by financial staff. Basic monitoring and evaluation of programs....is not implemented.'

From contactmusic.com

Fans wanted for US documentary

Madonna And Zaibat 'Still Together'?

Madonna has silenced rumours of a split from her toyboy lover Brahim Zaibat after she was reportedly spotted enjoying a romantic date with the hunky dancer in New York this week.
The pop superstar is said to have started dating the 24-year-old Frenchman after he was hired to dance at the launch of her Material Girl fashion line in September, but last month they were rumoured to have parted ways.
However, the pair put the gossip behind them with a night out at a restaurant in New York on Monday 30 May.
They reportedly enjoyed a meal at Manhattan eaterie Miss Lily's, with a source telling New York Post gossip column Page Six, 'They came together and drank champagne. They stayed for a long time and left together pretty late.'

From contactmusic.com

French Magazines: Closer

The French version of Closer magazine featured this two-page article about the Met Gala - click on the images to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Dolly Parton wants Madonna duet

Dolly Parton wants to duet with Madonna.
The country legend has always wanted to work with the 'Like a Prayer' singer, and thinks their styles would be a good match.
She told The Sunday Times newspaper: 'I'd love to do a duet, I always wanted to work with Madonna, but she never asked.'
She added that either Madonna or Lady Gaga would be: 'The perfect fit. Im as outrageous as they are. I was gaudy before they were gaudy.'

From contactmusic.com