Cher, the iconic singer and actress, will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. To celebrate this honor, the Rock Hall has opened an exhibit in Cleveland, Ohio featuring artifacts from the careers of legendary musicians, including Cher. The exhibit includes three iconic looks from Cher’s career, designed by the legendary Bob Mackie.
One of the outfits on display is the costume Cher wore in the 1990 movie Mermaids, designed by Patty Spinale and Gail Baldoni of the Boston Ballet Company. Another outfit is a red fringed nude illusion dress, and the third is a purple Sonny and Cher-inspired ’60s-style ensemble, both designed by Bob Mackie and worn by Cher during her Living Proof: The Farewell Tour.
Cher and Bob Mackie recently gave Harper’s Bazaar an exclusive look into the outfits on display, sharing sketches and life lessons from their time working together. The two met in 1960 on The Carol Burnett Show and quickly formed a strong creative partnership. Mackie’s adventurous approach to design complemented Cher’s fearlessness, allowing them to create iconic looks that portrayed famous characters from history.
One of the most memorable looks they created together was the infamous “Nude Illusion Gown” that Cher wore to the 1974 Met Gala. The sheer, sequined, and be-feathered ensemble made a splash and was later featured on the cover of TIME magazine. Despite the controversy surrounding the dress, Cher learned an enduring lesson from Mackie: “It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.” This lesson has stayed with her throughout her career.
Reflecting on her partnership with Mackie, Cher shared a story from the Met Gala where a man rudely asked her how it felt to be naked in the dress. Cher responded confidently, “It feels great.” This interaction highlights Cher’s unwavering confidence and self-assuredness, qualities that have defined her career and her iconic fashion choices.
The exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame showcases the lasting impact of Cher and Bob Mackie’s collaboration, celebrating their creativity and influence in the world of fashion and entertainment. Cher’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor, recognizing her as a true icon in the music industry.
