Madonna and Mario Testino‘s portfolio for Vanity Fair US, titled Madonna and Child, featured many soft, warm, almost demure looks from Madonna, focusing more on the maternal and protective side of her personality. The photographs were taken during Madonna’s Thanksgiving trip at her Miami house in Coconut Grove on 29 November 1997. The magazine hit US newsstands in March 1998.

Madonna wearing a Chloe Spring/Summer 1998 top and skirt. Mules by Lawrence Steele and necklace by Sage
In this picture, which is now framed in her bathroom, Madonna is wearing Marni Spring/Summer 1998 trousers, a Voyage cardigan and Elsa Peretti for Tiffany and Co. earrings
A Voyage cardigan similar to the one Madonna wore in the shoot

Ingrid Sischy interviewed Madonna for the magazine. At the beginning of the article, Ingrid stated that “Listening to the rhythms of Madonna’s world and of her extraordinary new CD, Ray of Light, I hear a woman on the verge of becoming herself”. The portfolio featured exclusive first portraits of Madonna and Lourdes. This was Madonna’s sixth time on the cover of Vanity Fair, more than any other person in its history at the time.

Note: The Voyage cardigan was also worn at the 11th Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on 4 April 1998.

Left: Top by Isabel Toledo, skirt by Prada. Right: Top by Narciso Rodriguez, skirt by Prada
Fur-collared sweater by Blumarine, earrings by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany and Co.

Styling: Lori Goldstein

Hair: Orlando Pita

Make-up: Tom Pecheux