Exclusive | ‘Everyone was calling it obscene’: Designer behind Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ look reflects on chaos she caused 40 years ago

Maripol randomly asked Madonna to take her top off while partying at NYC’s the Roxy in 1983. It’s how they met.

A year later, the French fashionista found herself styling the pop powerhouse to wow — in a white tulle wedding dress and a “Boy Toy” belt — at the first annual MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall. 

“I hand-sewed that wedding gown, dressed her with all those f–king crosses,” Maripol told The Post. She chuckled while rewatching clips of a then-26-year-old Madge’s polarizing performance at the 1984 show.

“The Catholic church, the music industry, puritanical America — everyone was calling it obscene,” continued the couturier. “But all the young girls loved it.”

And still, four decades later, the NSFW number reigns supreme as one of the most iconic fashion moments in VMAs history. 

Maripol said the secret to leaving an everlasting mark on the venerable red carpet is, “Don’t try to be who you think people want you to be. Be who you already are.”

“That’s what I told Madonna.”

With tongue-in-cheek chicness, the superstar’s saucy ensemble set a style standard that A-listers of today will surely strive to beat, at least match, at the 2024 ceremony. The 40th annual fête, to be hosted by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, 29, airs live from NYC’s USB Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST. 

Running concurrently with New York Fashion Week — an avant-garde parade that’s beckoned supermodels of yesteryear back to the runways, and dog-whistled posh pups into the spotlight — the music-driven event is one that oft-sees VIPs step out in their most voguish vesture. 

While certain celebs in attendance dress to shock, others come to slay. 

Unforgettable ‘fits, such as the much-ballyhooed “meat dress” Lady Gaga, 38, modeled at the 2010 VMAs, and the “spider web” threads Doja Cat, 28, sported for the 2023 to-do, will likely live on in outlandish infamy. 

More tame togs, however, like the Roberto Cavalli gown late songstress Aaliyah donned in 2000 — which beauty influencer Bretman Rock, 26, reimagined for the 2021 show — or the caramel couture Rihanna, 36, wore to accept the 2016 Video Vanguard Award, are forever fixtures in the annals of MTV’s most haute memories. 

Misa Hylton, the mastermind behind the boob-baring catsuit Lil’ Kim, 50, rocked at the 1999 MTV VMAs, said curating a timeless masterpiece for the occasion is a work of heart. 

“You have to be authentic and believe in your art and your gift,” the fashion architect told The Post, adding that she dreamed up the peek-a-boo finery with the rapper’s signature sexiness in mind. 

“The idea was inspired by Missy Elliott,” she recalled of the hitmaker, who’s collaborated with Kim on classics like “Not Tonight” and “Lady Marmalade.”

“[Elliott] joked, ‘Since Kim’s so fierce, she might as well have one breast out,’” continued Hylton. 

And just like that, a star — or, in this case, a seashell-shaped pasty — was born. 

Hylton helmed the construction of the head-turner, made of lavender Indian bridal fabric, from her Seventh Avenue studios. The daring one-sleeve design was actualized in a week. 

Its eye-popping presentation aside, Hylton wasn’t worried about any mishaps with the flashy finery until Diana Ross, 80, playfully popped Lil’ Kim’s exposed boob during the live broadcast. The chest-pounding stunt occurred seconds before the twosome presented the moon man for best hip-hop video alongside Mary J. Blige. 

“That was the only time I felt nervous about the outfit,” laughed Hylton, crediting hairdresser Dionne Alexander and makeup artist Nzingha Gumbs with dolling up the emcee on the big night. She feared the ill-affixed topper would fall off, revealing Lil’ Kim’s nipple. “The pasty was pasted on with eyelash glue.”

Luckily, the sequin covering stayed on, and the evening went off without a hitch. 

Still, similar to Maripol’s masterwork for Madonna, Hylton’s catsuit caused a stir among folks with predilections for the modest. 

And yet, both garments have been heavily copycatted throughout the years. 

Miley Cyrus, 31, paid homage to Lil’ Kim’s fit during Halloween 2013. Kylie Jenner, 27, too, channeled the look — purple wig and all — at the 2019 Met Gala. 

Everyone from Jennifer Lopez, 55, to Paris Hilton, 43, to Ice Spice, 24, has done Madonna’s white wedding wear to death. The “Material Girl” herself even gave a kiss of approval when the look was remixed by Britney Spears, 42, and Christina Aguilera, 43, during their trio performance of “Like a Virgin” at the 2003 MTV VMAs. 

Maripol, who single-handedly crafted the original tulle skirt, lace bustier, veil, fingerless gloves and jewelry accessories — all cinched together by a “Boy Toy” belt — attributed the regalia’s enduring fame to the song, the singer and the city.  

“She was young, sexy and beautiful, singing lyrics like this — it gave me inspiration,” said Maripol, acknowledging her lasting impact on fashion in the Big Apple and beyond. 

“I’ve inspired New York City as much as it’s inspired me.”