Cher pays tribute to iconic sheer gown in return to Met Gala after 10 years
The singer revisits her iconic Bob Mackie gown from the 1974 Met Gala
Cher revisited one of her most controversial fashion moments at this year’s Met Gala, reflecting on the shock surrounding her daring 1974 “naked” gown and how it has since influenced modern red-carpet style.
The Believe hitmaker returned to the star-studded event in New York City on Monday (May 4, 2026), marking her first appearance at the gala in a decade.
During the evening’s live stream hosted by La La Anthony for Vogue, Cher drew a direct line between her current look and her iconic past.
Recalling her original Met Gala appearance more than 50 years ago, Cher joked about the reaction she received at the time for wearing a sheer Bob Mackie design.
“At the first Met Gala I was naked, and so people were upset about it,” she said, noting how the response would likely be very different today as fashion norms have evolved.
She added that while the look caused controversy in the 1970s, modern audiences would barely react to similar styles now, reflecting how red-carpet fashion has shifted toward bolder and more expressive designs.
Despite the backlash at the time, Cher expressed pride in how fashion has progressed, saying she enjoys seeing newer generations embrace self-expression on the red carpet.
“I love to see people expressing themselves,” she said, adding that today’s trends continue to inspire her.
For this year’s Met Gala theme, Cher paid homage to her original look with a modern reinterpretation designed by Burberry creative director Daniel Lee, styled by Patti Wilson.
The outfit featured a black silk-tulle twisted gown paired with a leather corset and a crystal-embellished cropped jacket, echoing the boldness of her 1974 appearance.
Fashion designer Bob Mackie, who created the original gown, previously recalled the reaction it sparked, describing intense media attention and public shock at the time.
He noted that the look was widely debated, with some critics calling it “not fashion” and others celebrating its originality.