Cher Returns to Met Gala After 11 Years in Custom Burberry Nod to 1974 'Naked' Dress

Key facts

• Cher attended the 2026 Met Gala for the first time since her surprise performance in 2019.
• She last walked the Met Gala carpet in 2015 for 'China: Through the Looking Glass' with Marc Jacobs.
• Her custom look was created by Burberry's Daniel Lee in collaboration with stylist Patti Wilson.
• The design referenced a 1974 Met Gala dress by Bob Mackie, a close friend and frequent collaborator.
• Cher performed at the 2019 Met Gala inside the Temple of Dendur, singing 'Believe' and other hits.
• The 2026 Met Gala theme is 'Costume Art,' exploring the intersection of fashion and the human body.
• Co-chairs for 2026 include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour.
• Cher accessorized with custom Chrome Hearts and Swarovski jewelry and wore her bleach blonde hair in gentle waves.

A Long-Awaited Return to the Met Steps

Cher made her first appearance on the Metropolitan Museum of Art's front steps in over a decade at the 2026 Met Gala, marking a major moment for the annual fashion fundraiser. The 79-year-old singer and actress arrived in a custom Burberry look that paid homage to one of her most famous gowns from 1974. Her last walk down the carpet was in 2015 for the exhibition 'China: Through the Looking Glass,' where she was accompanied by Marc Jacobs. Although she attended the 2019 gala, she bypassed the step-and-repeat entirely, entering directly to perform inside the museum.

The Look: A Self-Referential Nod to Bob Mackie

Cher's ensemble was a custom creation by Burberry's Daniel Lee, developed in close collaboration with her longtime stylist Patti Wilson. The outfit featured a black silk-tulle twisted dress, a leather corset, and a cropped leather jacket adorned with crystal embellishments. The design consciously referenced a 1974 Met Gala dress designed by Bob Mackie, Cher's close friend and frequent collaborator. That original dress was among the first 'naked' dresses to make headlines, and Cher joked that she 'ruffled some feathers' wearing it. The 2026 version updated the concept with modern materials while retaining the sheer, provocative essence.

2019 Performance: The Last Time Cher Was at the Met

Cher's last Met Gala appearance was in 2019, when she served as the surprise performer for the 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' theme. She performed inside the Temple of Dendur, wearing a patch-ified jeans and hot pink silk camisole with a black leather jacket, topped with a bleach blonde wig of bouncy curls. After a quick costume change, she returned in a sequined sheer bodysuit and blue wig to perform 'Found Someone' and 'Turn Back Time.' Following her set, RuPaul took over as DJ for the remainder of the evening. That year, she never appeared on the red carpet, making her 2026 step-and-repeat appearance all the more significant.

The 2026 Theme and Co-Chairs

This year's exhibition, 'Costume Art,' explores the intersection of fashion and the human body, a theme that aligns perfectly with Cher's history of daring, body-conscious red carpet looks. The dress code was 'Fashion is Art,' and Cher's Burberry creation fit the brief with its sculptural silhouette and intricate detailing. The event's co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. Beyoncé's attendance is notable as she has not appeared at the Met Gala since 2016, when she wore Givenchy Haute Couture for 'Manus x Machina.' Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams both attended the 2025 gala, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.'

Cher's History of Met Gala Moments

Cher first attended the Met Gala in 1986 with Bob Mackie, beginning a decades-long relationship with the event. Over the years, she has delivered some of the most memorable red carpet looks, often pushing boundaries with sheer fabrics, bold colors, and theatrical designs. Her 1974 appearance, though not at the Met Gala itself, set the stage for her reputation as a fashion risk-taker. That dress, also by Mackie, was a sheer, beaded number that left little to the imagination. Cher has often joked about the reaction it provoked, saying she 'ruffled some feathers' by wearing it.

What Comes Next: The Performer and the Evening

The identity of the performer for the 2026 gala remains under wraps, as is tradition, with the artist typically revealed only when they take the stage. Given the star power of the co-chairs and the presence of Cher, expectations are high for a memorable evening. Cher's return to the Met Gala steps after 11 years signals a renewed engagement with the event, though it remains unclear whether she will perform or simply attend as a guest. Her 2019 performance set a high bar, and any future appearance would likely be equally spectacular.

A Cultural Touchstone Reaffirmed

Cher's appearance at the 2026 Met Gala underscores her enduring influence on fashion and popular culture. At 79, she continues to command attention and set trends, proving that her icon status is as strong as ever. Her choice to reference her own history—specifically the 1974 dress that sparked conversation about nudity and fashion—shows a deliberate engagement with her legacy. By collaborating with Burberry and Patti Wilson, she bridges past and present, reminding the fashion world that she remains a force to be reckoned with.

The bottom line

• Cher attended the 2026 Met Gala for the first time since 2019, walking the red carpet for the first time since 2015.
• Her custom Burberry look referenced a 1974 Bob Mackie 'naked' dress, highlighting her long history of provocative fashion.
• The 2026 Met Gala theme 'Costume Art' explores the relationship between fashion and the human body.
• Co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour lead the event, with Beyoncé making her first appearance since 2016.
• Cher's 2019 performance inside the Temple of Dendur remains a highlight of recent Met Gala history.
• The performer for 2026 has not been announced, keeping the evening's entertainment a secret until showtime.