Madonna has reissued her vibrant hit single Dress You Up to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and she’s made the release especially meaningful by dedicating it to two of her most devoted fans. The new digital bundle, released on August 1, honors the memory of Italian Barbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier this week.
The updated Dress You Up release features three tracks: an energetic remix, a groovy extended “12-inch Formal Mix,” and a stripped-down instrumental version. The longer mix brings new life to the original with a funky breakdown and added production flourishes, all while staying true to the essence of the 1985 hit. The instrumental mix, meanwhile, highlights the song’s catchy melody and Nile Rodgers’ iconic guitar work, letting the rhythm speak for itself.
Originally the final single from Madonna’s landmark Like a Virgin album, Dress You Up remains a fan favorite for its upbeat spirit and dancefloor-ready energy. The song’s timeless quality continues to resonate with audiences, and this anniversary reissue offers longtime fans a fresh way to experience it.
In a heartfelt statement, Madonna expressed her gratitude to Paglino and Grossi, saying, “Thank you for dressing up so many of your creations in Madonna’s iconic looks over the years.” The duo, known for designing Barbie dolls inspired by her many eras, were celebrated figures within the Madonna fan community and their loss has left a deep impact.
While reflecting on her past through these archival projects, Madonna is also planning for the future. She’s currently collaborating with Deadpool & Wolverine producer Shawn Levy on a Netflix limited series inspired by her life. Actress Julia Garner, who had previously been cast in Madonna’s now-paused biopic, recently confirmed that the project might still be in development — keeping fans hopeful for more insight into the star’s legendary career.
