Fashion Meets Music: Cher

Posted on 15 February 2010 | No Comment

The Fashion Meets Music column often visits and does retrospectives on some of the most influential culture queens of music. Cher is a multi-faceted performer whose talents exceed the medium of music. She changed the standard of what was cool at the time. Cher’s style originated the square nail look that is still popular today. Sonny and Cher helped popularize the bell-bottom trend for men and women of the 60′s by wearing them on their television show. Cher would design her pants and her friend, Bridget, would sew them.

Nails Did

She emerged onto the Southern California scene, 16 year old beauty in the 60′s. Cher met Sonny Bono at a coffee shop in L.A., according to Cher, “It was as if the whole room went to soft focus, like Tony and Maria at the dance.” Sonny was a record industry worker and part-time percussionist. Sonny loved her voice and she adored his company. He introduced her to his boss, Phil Spector. Although her initial nervous audition with Spector wasn’t impressive. When she had Sonny on her side, their quirky chemistry made the music work.

They won acclaim with The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour a television they ended each night with the tune, “I’ve Got You Babe”. Cher’s outrageous Bob Mackie-designed costumes and musical success made her a star.

Cher Trivia

Cher dropped out of high school at 16 due to dyslexia

Caesar and Cleo were the original recording names of Sonny and Cher

Bob Mackie has been dressing Cher for over 40 years

In 1979 Cher had her middle and last names dropped

Cher will resume her self titled show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace starting in April.

Bob Mackie met Cher in 1967 and the rest is fashion history! The creative combo built a vault of dazzling costumes. If you enjoy fantasy, sequins, glitter, and over-the-top fabulous, then these are for you.

Bob Mackie on the costumes that Cher wore during her 2008 shows in Las Vegas:

It’s like a drag queen’s delight. She had thoughts about being every sort of goddess – an Egyptian princess for “Strong Enough.” On “Half-Breed,” she’s an American Indian princess in a bejeweled loincloth and war bonnet that drapes to the floor. It’s crazy. On “Turn Back Time,” she’s in classic black and studs and holes and garter belts. On “Love Is a Battlefield,” the Pat Benatar hit, she comes out in a mini. NY Daily News

Cher is in her 60′s and can still wear a bedazzled catsuit four nights a week. Amazing. Take a look at Bob Mackie’s Cher fashion sketches for the Las Vegas shows running 90 minutes every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.