Cher’s racy ‘Turn Back Time’ outfit left designer and longtime pal embarrassed

Bob Mackie, the legendary costume designer behind some of Cher’s most iconic looks, harbors a surprising secret: he’s not always been a fan of his creations. While renowned for his flamboyant and daring designs, Mackie admits to having reservations about a particular look from Cher’s 1989 “If I Coudl Turn Back Time” music video – a sheer bodysuit that became synonymous with Cher’s bold persona and the song’s provocative message.

Speaking to Page Six, the 84-year-old designer confessed, “This is not family viewing,” he told the 78-year-old star. Mackie even went further, admitting, “Please don’t tell anyone I had anything to do with this because I don’t really approve.”

Despite his initial reservations, Mackie acknowledges that the daring choice was entirely Cher’s. She wanted to make a statement, and the sheer bodysuit certainly did that, becoming an instantly recognizable symbol of her fearless style.

Cher’s Bold “If I Could Turn Back Time” Video: A Look Back at a Controversial Music Moment

Bob Mackie, the visionary fashion designer behind Cher’s iconic looks, describes her as “adorable,” evoking images of youthful Audrey Hepburn when thay first crossed paths on “The Carol Burnett Show.” Mackie was immediately captivated by her charm and beauty, and their creative partnership blossomed, forever shaping Cher’s image as a fashion icon.

One of their most legendary collaborations came with Cher’s groundbreaking music video for “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Set on the historic USS Missouri, the video became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing Cher’s unwavering confidence and bold persona. Mackie’s creation for the video, a sheer ensemble that left little to the imagination, further amplified Cher’s magnetism.

“I thought I could do anything on her — she’ll look amazing,” mackie reminisced.”She could be anything she wanted to be.”

This conversion, however, wasn’t always without its bumps in the road. Cher,known for her fearless approach to fashion,onc requested what Mackie playfully dubbed “the seatbelt outfit.” this daring ensemble, complete with a leather motorcycle jacket, pushed Mackie’s boundaries, leading him to confess, “I told her, ‘please don’t tell anyone I had anything to do with this as I don’t really approve. This is not family viewing.'”

Despite these moments of playful dissent, Mackie’s impact on Cher’s image is undeniable. Their creative partnership has yielded unforgettable looks that have cemented Cher’s status as a fashion icon, proving that sometimes, pushing boundaries leads to cultural moments that are hard to forget.

Cher’s Bold “If I Could Turn Back Time” Video: A Look Back at a Controversial Music Moment

Cher’s music video for “If I Could turn Back Time” is legendary, not only for its powerful vocals and unforgettable melody, but also for its audacious visuals. Filmed aboard the USS Missouri battleship in Long Beach, California, on July 1, 1989, the video sparked countless conversations, drawing both praise and criticism for its provocative imagery and Cher’s defiant presence.

Costume designer Bob Mackie,a longtime collaborator with Cher,revealed that the sheer biker outfit she wore in the video,featuring a notably revealing “big strip up the crotch,” remains a memorable detail.Mackie candidly shared, “The one particular piece we always laugh about is Cher when she was on the big battleship for the song ‘Turn Back Time.’ She’s out with all these sailors in this sheer biker outfit with a big strip up the crotch.”

The Making of an Icon: Cher’s Bold “If I Could Turn Back Time” Video

Cher’s 1989 music video for “If I Could Turn Back Time” remains a powerful visual testament to her fearless approach to music and style. The video, a masterpiece of artistic expression, cemented her status as a pop culture icon. Cher’s iconic sheer costume and commanding leather motorcycle jacket became instantly recognizable symbols of her bold aesthetic. The video’s audacious choreography and unflinching gaze cemented its place in music history.

Behind the scenes,a compelling story unfolds. Bob Mackie, Cher’s long-time collaborator and costume designer, aimed for a more sophisticated look.However, Cher, known for her daring sense of style, surprised everyone with her decision.

“It was Cher’s idea to wear the leather jacket,” Mackie revealed, highlighting Cher’s role in shaping the video’s iconic imagery.

Mackie, while supportive of Cher’s vision, admitted his initial hesitation. “I thought it made the costume look ‘more vulgar from the waist down,'” he confessed.

despite Mackie’s reservations, Cher’s confidence and conviction prevailed. The video’s undeniable impact speaks volumes about her artistic vision and ability to captivate audiences.

The video wasn’t just a visual spectacle; it sparked important conversations about sexuality,female empowerment,and the evolution of artistic expression in music. Its boldness continues to resonate with viewers today.

This iconic moment also reveals a softer side to Cher. As Bill Mackie recounted, during a filming session at a naval base, surrounded by a boisterous crowd of sailors, cher felt unexpectedly self-conscious. “She actually put on her biker jacket because she felt so naked,” Mackie shared,shedding light on even legendary icons’ moments of vulnerability.

Cher, despite her iconic confidence, wasn’t immune to feeling out of her element. As Mackie explained, “It became a popular video, to say the least. She has more confidence than anybody, but on that day, she kind of lost it on that one. She wasn’t used to being around that many sailors all screaming and hollering for her.”

This anecdote highlights the human side of a musical icon, revealing that even the most assured performers can experience moments of self-doubt.

The Enduring Esthetic of Bob Mackie: A conversation with the Mastermind Behind Cher’s Iconic Looks

Bob Mackie, the celebrated designer renowned for crafting many of Cher’s most unforgettable outfits, sits down with Archyde. He delves into his enduring partnership with the music legend, the genesis of iconic looks, and the exhilarating challenges and rewards of designing for a performer as fearless as Cher.

Archyde: Bob, your designs for Cher have become synonymous with bold, unapologetic style. What initially drew you to collaborate with her?

Bob Mackie: Cher has always possessed this remarkable spark, this vibrant energy. From the outset, I knew we could create something truly special together. She wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, and that’s what makes our collaborations so compelling.

The Making of a Fashion Icon: Cher and Bob Mackie

Archyde: You’ve mentioned that Cher is fully receptive to the more daring designs.What dose that level of trust and open dialog mean for a creative partnership?

“It was just sheer with just one little crotch piece in black,” Mackie recalls of one of their most talked-about creations. “But peopel are still talking about it, I guess. And Cher is wholly agreeable in these kinds of outfits. That’s why they work. She doesn’t pose or do any of that.She just wears them like they’re normal clothes, which still makes me laugh.”

The impact of this iconic ensemble extended far beyond performance. It was auctioned off for a staggering $75,000, a testament to its rarity and cultural meaning. But the story doesn’t end there. Cher, ever the icon, wasn’t ready to part ways with the piece permanently. She rented it for a year for a subsequent tour, proving that comfort and confidence translate into timeless style.

This enduring collaboration has propelled Cher into fashion icon status, solidifying her place in the annals of style history.

Bob Mackie on Cher: Embracing Boldness and Pushing Boundaries

bob Mackie, the legendary costume designer renowned for his audacious and unforgettable creations, has a unique viewpoint on collaboration. When discussing his long-standing partnership with Cher, he emphasizes the artistic synergy that fuels their work.

“It’s everything,” Mackie states, his voice brimming with passion. “With Cher,it’s never about ego. It’s about the art, about pushing the envelope and creating something that resonates. When you have that level of trust, you can really explore and experiment without fear.”

This trust, evident in their countless iconic looks, is exemplified by a notably memorable ensemble – a sheer, bejeweled creation with a strategically placed black panel. “That one was all about striking a balance,” Mackie recalls. “It was just sheer with just one little crotch piece in black. “; Despite its daring nature, this design remains etched in the public consciousness.

The enduring impact of Mackie’s work is underscored by the fact that this very outfit was auctioned for a notable sum,solidifying its status as a treasured artifact. Reflecting on this, Mackie says, “It’s humbling, truly. It’s a testament to the power of fashion. I never set out to create museum pieces, but it’s marvelous to know that these designs have such a lasting impact.”

Through their collaboration,Mackie has learned invaluable lessons,particularly about courage and risk-taking. “Cher taught me to embrace the unexpected, to push the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable,” he shares.”there’s an incredible freedom in that, and it’s something I carry with me in all my work.”

Mackie’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of fashion and the enduring magic of collaboration. His bold creations continue to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the world of design.

Do you have a favorite Cher Bob Mackie collaboration? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What is your favorite Cher Bob Mackie collaboration?

Bob Mackie: Embracing Boldness and Pushing Boundaries

Bob Mackie, the legendary costume designer renowned for his audacious and unforgettable creations, has a unique viewpoint on collaboration. When discussing his long-standing partnership with Cher, he emphasizes the artistic synergy that fuels their work.

“It’s everything,” Mackie states, his voice brimming with passion. “With Cher, it’s never about ego. It’s about the art, about pushing the envelope and creating something that resonates. when you have that level of trust, you can really explore and experiment without fear.”

This trust, evident in their countless iconic looks, is exemplified by a notably memorable ensemble – a sheer, bejeweled creation with a strategically placed black panel. “That one was all about striking a balance,” Mackie recalls. “It was just sheer with just one little crotch piece in black. “; Despite its daring nature, this design remains etched in the public consciousness.

The enduring impact of Mackie’s work is underscored by the fact that this very outfit was auctioned for a notable sum,solidifying its status as a treasured artifact. Reflecting on this, Mackie says, “It’s humbling, truly. it’s a testament to the power of fashion. I never set out to create museum pieces, but it’s marvelous to know that these designs have such a lasting impact.”

Through their collaboration,Mackie has learned invaluable lessons,particularly about courage and risk-taking. “Cher taught me to embrace the unexpected, to push the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable,” he shares.”there’s an incredible freedom in that, and it’s something I carry with me in all my work.”

Mackie’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of fashion and the enduring magic of collaboration. His bold creations continue to inspire,leaving an indelible mark on the world of design.

What’s your favorite Cher Bob Mackie collaboration?