Cher’s outfit at the 1986 Oscar Awards ceremony remains unforgettable. The Pop goddess showed up in a black ensemble of loin cloth and dramatic feather headgear. The outfit was designed by Bob Mackie, who revealed that the idea was inspired by Cher’s annoyance after she was snubbed for a nomination.
The 78-year-old was not trying to look glamorous at the time and was satisfied by the audience’s reaction that night. She paired the jewel-encrusted bralette with a matching side-slit skirt, thigh-high boots, and a shawl and strutted the red carpet in spite.
Cher looks back on her loin cloth Oscar outfit
The documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion sees Cher and Bob discuss the memorable ensemble, with Cher expressing her disappointment at not getting nominated for Mask. Worse still, she was tasked with presenting the Best Supporting Actor award, which went to Don Ameche of Cocoon that evening.
Bob recalled that the crowd was horrified as Cher walked up the stage with her gigantic headpiece. Two years after her daring display, Cher received an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Loretta Castorini in the romantic comedy-drama Moonstruck.
Reactions to Cher’s loin cloth look
Cher recounted Jane Fonda’s reaction to her ensemble, noting that the actress begged her to wait until she settled in her seat. Fonda wanted to watch and relish people’s reactions from the audience. Cher told the crowd she had not received her Academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress, hence her appearance.
Footage of the award ceremony has garnered fan reactions over the years, from admiration for her guts to sheer humor. “She was purposely late so that everyone on the red carpet would not have seen her attire earlier…..she looks like an Erte statue come to life !” someone exclaimed, while another said it served the Academy right.