Cher's 1986 appearance at the Hollywood's biggest night was a fashion choice that left an indelible mark. In the documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, the 78-year-old icon looks back on her outfit for that event. Famed designer Mackie shares how he became involved in creating this memorable ensemble, stating it was due to one key factor: "She was pissed off."

Cher's 1986 Oscars Look - A Bold Fashion Statement

Design Inspiration

Cher explains in her own words what led to this unique look. "Because I didn't get nominated for a movie that everyone thought I would win [Mask], but I didn't get nominated, and they thought I wasn't serious. I didn't dress like a serious actress, and my boyfriends were strange. So I decided to have this idea in my mind."She was excited to see the design come to life and knew she hit the mark when she saw people's reactions throughout the night. She wore a black jewel-encrusted bralette, a matching low-rise side-slit skirt, thigh-high black boots, and an embroidered shawl. The look was completed by her voluminous feather headpiece.Cher recalls being interested in "big feathers" and how the design process unfolded. "I said, 'I just want—,' and he said, 'Don't say anything else.' We had a short time together too." Mackie continues, laughing, "I said, 'Should it have a loin cloth?' And she said, 'Ooh yeah, I want a loin cloth.'"

Reactions and Impact

Cher was excited to see people's reactions. "I was coming around and Jane Fonda was coming around, and she looked at me and said, 'Cher, please wait until I get back to my seat, okay, before you come out. Please, I can't wait. I want to see everybody's reaction.' "When she walked out, she made a statement. "As you can see, I did receive my academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress." It was her "f— you" moment to the Academy as she believed all they should judge her on is her work, not her life.While Cher was exhilarated, not everyone had the same reaction. Mackie says that when Fonda introduced her to present the award for best supporting actor, "When she first appeared at the Oscars with her big mohawk and her bare midriff, giving an award to [Cocoon star] Don Ameche, people were horrified. Like, 'That's not fashion.' They were just horrified."Cher would go on to win the best actress Oscar two years later for Moonstruck. Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion is now playing in select theaters.