Pics Of Cher's Best Bob Mackie-Styled Red Carpet Moments

Cher is a singer-songwriter, and actor who rose to fame in the 1960s, alongside her husband, Sonny Bono. Not only is she widely considered the "Goddess of Pop," but Cher's talent extends beyond the world of music and television. Over the past six decades, the singer has made waves as a fashion icon and is recognized for her distinctive style. Just a few years after her big break, in 1967, Cher promptly began working with renowned fashion designer Bob Mackie. Their professional relationship quickly evolved into a friendly one, and the pair have been the names behind some of Hollywood's most iconic red carpet looks.

Cher has had some unforgettably iconic hair looks, as well as some unusual outfit choices throughout the years, but her sheer gown at the 1974 Met Gala, designed by Mackie, was one of their first outfits to make headlines. The dress featured flared sleeves and a flowing skirt, topped with white feathered edging. The singer's figure was obscured beneath the sparkling ensemble that had been adorned with meticulously placed sequins. Considering she had filed for divorce from her husband the same year and exuded confidence in the daring look, the dress, nicknamed the "naked illusion dress," was widely considered the ultimate revenge outfit and sent fashion enthusiasts wild. After that, as Mackie experimented with peculiar silhouettes and headpieces, Cher's bedazzling outfits continued to garner attention.

At the Academy Awards in 1973, Cher arrived at the ceremony wearing an encrusted set designed by Mackie. Her matching two-piece, one of the once-popular fashion trends from the '70s, featured a structured waistline, high-neckline, and cuffs embellished with crystals. Cher's golden outfit was elevated by its dramatic floor-length sleeves and a flowing skirt that resembled a beach sarong. Holding onto her then-husband's arm, the singer showcased her sharp pink nails. While the singer wasn't even nominated for an award, she has continued to make headlines for her buttery ensemble.

Exactly a decade after her golden look, Cher returned to the 1983 Academy Awards wearing a bedazzling gown. Despite once again donning a Mackie design, Cher opted for a relatively modest dress that was a big departure from her usual style. Her silver gown was made of a thin, sheer fabric that hung loosely from her small frame. The dress boasted balloon sleeves, as well as rows of white and silver crystals that had been precisely placed to conceal her body. Cher's voluminous bouffant and vibrant eyeshadow nodded to the '80s era.

At the 1985 Met Gala, Mackie and Cher collaborated to produce an iconic monochrome look. The outfit went down in history as Cher's second "naked" number, featuring a sheer fishnet-style top with silver and gold embellishments. "Anywhere that is not black is her skin," Mackie clarified in an interview with Variety. Cher donned purple smoky eyeshadow that stood out against her frosted makeup look, as well as a statement pair of silver and gold crystal encrusted earcuffs. "There were also the ear cuffs, which people went wild for," Mackie added.

Cher's gothic look at the Academy Awards in 1986 is arguably her most iconic look to date. The multi-talent hosted the ceremony wearing a feathered statement headpiece and an asymmetric two-piece that blended eveningwear with costume. Cher looked like a spectacle wearing the sharp-edged set, another ensemble designed by Mackie. The designer casually balanced the angular details by adding a flowing black silk kimono. Mackie told Variety that Cher wore the harsh look with ease. "That girl is never intimidated by anything she wears or doesn't wear, it doesn't bother her at all," he said.

Cher received her first and only Academy Award in 1988 for Best Actress for her role in "Moonstruck." Not only had the singer made waves as a pop icon, taking home one of film's most prestigious awards, but she also arrived wearing another daring Mackie creation. This time, Cher stepped onto the red carpet wearing a sheer black number that featured intricately placed embellishments to hide her figure. The fringed dress once again blended costume with eveningwear, while statement earrings and an exaggerated shawl enhanced the outfit's regal allure.

Cher's beaded gown at the 1998 Academy Awards once again revisited the naked dress concept that she had gone viral for years prior. However, this time, her sheer beige gown had been elevated to include a crystal-embellished headpiece and bat sleeves. A decade on from her award win, the singer continued to defy traditional red carpet dress codes by mixing couture with costume. Considering Cher enjoys dressing like she's in show business, it's not surprising Mackie paired the bejeweled gown with an encrusted choker that amplified her luxurious presence.

Cher looked almost unrecognizable when she arrived at the Academy Awards in 2000 wearing a black velvet gown that mimicked that of Morticia Addams. Despite enhancing the look with a waist belt that featured a large cross, Mackie's monochromatic gown transformed the "Strong Enough" singer's typically extravagant image into an unexpectedly understated one. Cher joked about her refined appearance at the event, saying she was finally dressed appropriately. Her single-tone gown did not signal a lasting shift towards simplified fashion choices and Mackie went on to design her flamboyant "Farewell" tour wardrobe in 2002.

In 2024, Cher paid tribute to her longtime friend at "A Legendary Evening with Bob Mackie," wearing one of his renowned designs. To celebrate the designer's documentary, "Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion," Cher attended the event in an archival bodysuit from her iconic "Believe" tour in 1999. The gothic-inspired look featured asymmetric cut-outs trimmed with crystal embellishments, while a dramatic belt, and a gray, floor-length, sailor-style trench coat gave the ensemble a bold, pirate-inspired edge.