Madonna
There are performers, and then there are superstars. When Madonna (born Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone in 1958) burst onto the music scene in the 1980s, she was not only openly welcomed into that exclusive latter set but essentially redefined what it meant to be famous in America. After struggling for years to make ends meet as a dancer, singer and model in New York City, Madonna finally caught her break when she was invited to perform "Holiday" on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in 1984. Clad in a torn black tee and a black skirt over cropped leggings — plus a whole lot of accessories — Madonna's debut outfit was somewhat tame considering her future incarnations, but audiences were immediately enraptured by her striking spirit. Embraced early as a fashion idol — especially for the young generation — Madonna never ceased to amaze, nor has she ever lost control of her look or her career. From bridal gowns to cone bras and from sexy menswear to Asian inspirations, anything Madonna touched was emulated by her legions of fans around the world. While her musical career has taken a backseat to family in recent years, she stepped up her role in fashion by teaming up with 14-year-old daughter Lourdes in 2010 to create Material Girl, a juniors fashion line available at Macy's. Now a new generation of girls who didn't get a chance to fawn over the Queen of Pop's every outfit can still mirror her style, if not her dance moves.