Cher’s influence on pop culture spans over six decades, and this legacy will be recognized at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. An exhibit featuring significant “artifacts” from the celebrated artists being inducted in 2024 has been opened in Cleveland. Among these items is a dress worn by Dionne Warwick at the 1980 Solid Gold variety show and the outfit Peter Frampton donned for his 1976 live album cover, Frampton Comes Alive!.
The exhibit will showcase three notable outfits from Cher’s career, including her costume from the 1990 film Mermaids, designed by Patty Spinale and Gail Baldoni of the Boston Ballet. Also featured are a red fringed dress and a purple ensemble inspired by Sonny & Cher, both original designs by Bob Mackie that Cher wore during her Living Proof farewell tour in the early 2000s. Cher reprised the purple outfit during her Here We Go Again tour from 2018 to 2020. With the release of her memoir in November, Cher is poised to once again capture public attention.
To celebrate the exhibit’s opening, Cher and Mackie provided an exclusive preview to Harper’s Bazaar, showcasing the outfits along with original sketches and sharing insights from their historic fashion collaboration.
Reflecting on their partnership, Cher expressed her admiration for Mackie’s talent and influence: “When I look at his sketches and costumes throughout the course of my career, I am reminded again and again that there is simply no end to the talent and influence Bob Mackie has had on me.” Mackie reciprocated her sentiments, remarking how rewarding it has been to dress someone as stunning as Cher.
Their creative journey began in 1967 during an appearance on The Carol Burnett Show, where they discovered a shared vision for expressing character through fashion. Mackie emphasized that their creations were not merely fashion; they depicted characters from history, showcasing Cher’s versatility.
Both Cher and Mackie highlighted the iconic “naked dress,” which they refer to as the “nude illusion gown.” Cher famously wore it to the 1974 Met Gala, making headlines and later appearing on the cover of Time magazine, garnering both admiration and controversy. Cher recalled a rude remark from a spectator at the event, to which she confidently replied, “It feels great.”
The annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set to stream live on Disney+ on October 19.