Madonna Louise Ciccone, aka Madonna, the original Material Girl, has been voted as the leading fashion icon from the 1980s

The record-breaking pop superstar’s dress sense, which was copied by fashion followers in almost every country on the planet, was recognised in a new survey of British women. The study was appropriately undertaken by Galaxy Counters – the retro chocolate.

Madonna beat fellow icons Kylie Minogue and Debbie Harry into a tie for second place, with her constant ability to update and stay one step ahead of current trends making her an undisputed fashion leader. Joan Collins, Jerry Hall and Annie Lennox rounded out the top five

Whether it was leg-warmers, mesh tops, stonewash denim, Ra Ra skirts or even kabbala bracelets, wrist-ties and chunky jewellery, Madonna started it or brought it back. Galaxy Counters spokesperson Jacqui Thomas said that one of every three UK women claimed that stonewash denim - which even today appears to be going through somewhat of a renaissance – was one of the 80s greatest fashion trends.

The chocolate maker launched the survey as it prepares to join the ranks of comeback cult classics with the prelaunch of the brand new looking Galaxy Counters – themselves an 80s institution and one of many favourites from that decade to make a reappearance of late.

For the more contemporary fashion leaders, Cheryl Cole was voted today’s most stylish woman ahead of eccentric songstress Lady Gaga. Emma Watson, Sienna Miller, Lily Allen and Agyness Dean also made the list.