Bob Mackie reflects on the unforgettable moment when Cher donned the “naked illusion dress” he designed for the 1974 Met Gala. In a new documentary, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, the legendary designer, 85, reveals that Cher herself chose the daring gown.
Mackie recalls asking Cher what she envisioned wearing to the Met. Her response was decisive: “I want to wear the dress with the feathers.” This seemingly simple request would ignite a firestorm of attention and forever cement Cher’s status as a fashion icon.
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The “naked dress,” a sheer, feather-trimmed creation, wasn’t entirely new. Mackie had previously designed a similar look for actress Mitzi Gaynor in 1969. However, Cher’s appearance at the Met Gala, long before the event became synonymous with extravagant fashion statements, catapulted the design into the stratosphere of iconic style.
Mackie describes the scene as chaotic, with photographers swarming Cher. The next day, her image was plastered across newspapers worldwide, solidifying the dress’s enduring legacy. While some were horrified, deeming it inappropriate for the prestigious event, the overwhelming response was one of awe and admiration.
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The controversy didn’t end there. Cher subsequently wore the same dress for a Vogue photoshoot with Richard Avedon. An outtake from this shoot graced the cover of Time magazine in March 1975, further amplifying the dress’s impact. Mackie expressed surprise at the Time cover choice, highlighting the publisher’s savvy recognition of the image’s selling power. He emphasized the rarity of seeing a woman like Cher, dressed in such a bold manner, on the cover of a prominent publication. The cover sparked outrage in some parts of the country, with people tearing it off newsstands.
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The “naked dress” marked a pivotal moment in fashion history, showcasing Cher’s fearless individuality and Mackie’s unparalleled design talent. Their collaboration continued throughout the ’70s and ’80s, yielding equally memorable looks, such as the scandalous two-piece ensemble Cher wore to the 1986 Academy Awards. This look, featuring a feathered headdress and a daringly low-slung skirt, signaled a return to Cher’s flamboyant style after a period of more subdued roles in films like Silkwood and Mask. The “naked dress” remains a testament to the power of fashion to challenge conventions and celebrate self-expression.
