Long before the 2026 Met Gala glittered with sultry sheer ensembles, Cher had already mastered the art of “naked dressing.” Her creative and chic approach to this provocative look set her apart as a fashion icon.
At the annual ceremony, a gathering of celebrities, Hollywood royalty, music icons, elite athletes, and fashion figures convene for a night of daring haute couture creations. Cher, known as the Goddess of Pop, always captivated with her ensembles, including her daring 1974 Met Gala look named among the top “20 most naked dresses” in event history.
InStyle highlighted various famous Met Gala naked dresses, from Doja Cat to Beyoncé, but it was Cher’s sequined Bob Mackie gown that truly stole the show. The custom creation embodied a “Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design” theme, featuring strategically placed embellishments on a nude-toned silhouette.
Cher’s iconic red carpet look included voluminous white feathered details on the sleeves and hem, adding a dramatic flair to the ensemble. Despite redefining red carpet fashion, the gown sparked controversy for being scandalous and provocative at the time.
In a documentary titled “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” the designer revealed that it was Cher’s own request to wear the daring dress with feathers. This decision marked the beginning of Cher’s association with sheer gowns, earning her the title of “Queen of the Naked Dress.”
For the 1985 Met Gala, Cher once again turned heads in a Bob Mackie creation, this time opting for a high-neck, long-sleeve bodysuit adorned with intricate gold and silver sequined detailing paired with a wrapped black skirt featuring a gold design.
Cher recently stunned at the event in a Daniel Lee ensemble, paying homage to her iconic 1974 “naked dress” in an all-black silhouette. Her consistent embrace of naked dressing throughout the years cements her status as a fashion trailblazer.
Observing Cher’s enduring influence on red carpet fashion, it’s clear that her fearless approach to naked dressing continues to inspire new generations of style icons.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.