Top Italian fashion designers Domenico Docle and Stefano Gabbana had to think twice before approaching Madonna asking her to be the new face of their luxury label, because they feared a business deal would sour their friendship.

Madonna was unveiled as the spokesmodel for Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2010 campaign last year when black and white shots of the pop superstar, taken by noted photographer Steven Klein, hit the Internet, and the celebrated designers admit they hesitated at the thought of working with the Material Girl.

Gabbana tells W Magazine, “There was a sort of fear on our behalf of asking Madonna to do anything business. We thought it could impact our relationship, and Madonna is one of the few people we’re really in awe of. To have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true.”

source: female first