When we heard earlier this year that Madonna had a fashion line in the works, we might have been a bit cynical about the motivation. Mrs. Blond Ambition has certainly shown herself to be a business force to be reckoned with, but it’s been quite a while since she’s been able to claim style icon status.

Still, the Madonna brand is one of the most recognizable in show business and in an environment where musicians can make more money from selling perfume than from producing an album, fast fashion is a no brainer. According to the February 2010 WWD story, Madonna will have womenswear and lingerie among her branded merchandise. To kick off her fashion ventures, however, the pop legend has launched the Material Girl Collection – separates and dresses aimed at the teeny bop crowd. The predictably ’80s line, which is available exclusively at Macy’s, is coming out just in time to be gobbled up by voracious back-to-school shoppers.

What’s more interesting than the clothing, though, is Madonna’s daughter Lourdes’ role in the new venture. Otherwise known as Lola, the 13-year-old is standing at the helm of the line’s blog. In her introductory post a squeally Lola praises My Chemical Romance, pans gladiator sandals, and most of all reminds any late-blooming 30 somethings out there that the loads of lace and faux-leather are meant for jr. high, not jr. execs on the weekends! Trust us, ladies: just because it fits, doesn’t mean you should wear it. The collection is due in stores August 3, 2010.

photos: WWD.com, Material Girl Blog, People.com

Madonna: Like a Cash Cow Touched for the Umpteenth Time

Women’s Wear Daily is reporting that Madonna is forging a deal to start hawking womenswear, lingerie, and accessories branded with the popstar’s notorious moniker(s). Frankly, the Cult finds this to be about two decades tardy, as ’91/’92ish may have been the peak of Madonna’s fashion relevance. Granted, there’s a definite 90s revival brewing – but now the move seems like a soulless business move to widen Madonna’s already vast fortune. Perhaps she’s raising funds to stage a coup in Malawi so she can snatch any child she chooses from the terrible fate of growing up amongst his own heritage…

The pop icon is in talks to launch a contemporary women’s collection with a group of licensees that would be sold exclusively at Macy’s, according to sources. The merchandise would include apparel, accessories, intimates and footwear. Label names under serious consideration for the product lines include Material Girl for the apparel and Truth or Dare for the lingerie and underwear.

Read the rest at WWD.com

Gaultier Revived the Early '90s Madonna Cone Bra for Spring RTW 2010

photos: popscene.tv, mad-eyes.net, style.com