Keke Palmer revived a half-century-old Bob Mackie stunner for the CFDA Awards 2026.
Palmer, 31, took the stage as host of Monday night’s ceremony at the American Museum of Natural History in a golden gown with a fully exposed torso, the piece originally created for Raquel Welch’s February 1975 appearance on “The Cher Show.” The nude-toned jersey dress, encrusted entirely in glass beads, featured a crossed bra top with five matching straps radiating from the center of the torso across the hip-line of the skirted bottom.
Welch and Cher had performed “I’m A Woman” in nearly twin Mackie creations that night, with the host wearing a halter variation while Welch sported the version Palmer would later wear. Cher’s look sold through Julien’s Auctions in 2006 for $5,100, while Welch’s piece moved through the same house twelve years later for $2,880.
Stylist Molly Dickson located Palmer’s gown through vintage specialist Timeless Vixen. Lauren Lepire, founder of the purveyor, marked the moment on Instagram with a tribute to the late designer.
“I’ve always adored Bob Mackie’s work,” Lepire wrote, adding, “and with his recent passing, it’s especially meaningful to see Keke bring such an epic dress back into the spotlight for this important fashion event.”
Mackie, the legendary costumer who defined the visual language of variety television and red-carpet excess, died earlier this year. His work with Cher established a template for televised glamour that continues to influence awards-show dressing decades later.
Palmer’s evening involved multiple vintage changes beyond the Mackie. She shifted into a 1990s Marc Bouwer and a 1970s Stephen Burrows as the night progressed, building a runway of archival fashion through her hosting duties.
The actress has steadily cultivated a reputation for theatrical red-carpet choices that reference entertainment history, making the Welch loan a natural extension of her established approach. The CFDA stage, which honors American fashion’s governing body, offered a fitting venue for a garment that sits at the intersection of Hollywood costume and haute couture.
Palmer completed the Mackie look with rings, drop earrings, and her auburn hair cut in a wavy bob.
The CFDA Awards return next year with a new host and ceremony location to be announced.