Legendary singer and actress Cher made a spectacular return to the Met Gala on 1st May 2026, gracing the iconic red carpet for the first time since her 2015 appearance. The 79-year-old star arrived in a striking rocker-inspired ensemble, showcasing her enduring style and presence on what is regarded as fashion’s premier night.
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Cher’s latest appearance was particularly noteworthy, coming after a brief hiatus from the event. Although she did perform at the Met Gala in 2019, she opted out of walking the red carpet that year, marking her first absence from the spotlight since she made a sensational debut decades earlier.
This year’s wardrobe choice saw Cher donning a belted leather jacket designed to resemble a corset, which she complemented with a flowing skirt featuring a dramatic waist-high slit. The outfit was completed with lace tights and chic, towering boots, aligning perfectly with the gala’s reputation for high-fashion statements.
Speaking to Lala Anthony for Vogue, Cher reminisced about her first Met Gala experience back in 1974. Many were shocked by her choice of attire—which was virtually sheer—yet she reflected on the evolution of fashion. “I was naked, and so many people were upset about it, but now people wouldn’t even give it a thought,” she noted, recalling her slim figure at the time. She expressed that witnessing people’s diverse self-expressions at the event serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for future generations.
Cher’s involvement with the Met Gala has been notably sparse; the 2026 event marked her fourth official appearance. Her groundbreaking debut in 1974 still resonates, particularly her sheer jumpsuit adorned with feathers and glimmering embellishments. This iconic look has made headlines repeatedly over the years and has even influenced contemporary fashion, notably Kim Kardashian’s much-publicised outfit at the 2015 gala.
Designer Bob Mackie, who crafted Cher’s unforgettable 1974 ensemble, reminisced about the frenzy that ensued that night. “The place went crazy. I’ve never seen so many photographers just come out of the shadows at the Met and take her picture,” he recounted in an interview. The aftermath of Cher’s first appearance ensured her image appeared in media worldwide for decades to follow.
In her subsequent appearance in 2015, Cher again captured attention as she walked alongside another renowned designer, this time Marc Jacobs. The outfit of choice was a stunning maroon, black, and grey sequin gown, featuring a striking V-neckline and daring thigh-high slit, teamed with black fishnet tights that added an element of allure.
Cher notably refrained from walking the carpet during her most recent appearance in 2019, opting instead to captivate the audience with a live performance. Adorned in a sheer black jumpsuit and a vibrant blue wig, her performance of classics such as “Believe” delighted guests and became a key highlight of the night. Although the Met Gala is renowned for its strict no-phone policy, snippets of her performance circulated on social media, thanks to fellow musician Gwen Stefani’s posts.
While Cher may not frequent the Met Gala, when she does make an entrance, she remains aligned with the event’s theme. This year was no exception, with her lace-infused look harmonising beautifully with the spring exhibition, “Costume Art,” curated by Andrew Bolton. The exhibition explores the intricate relationship between fashion and the human form.
Following the exclusive event on the first Monday in May, the public can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 10th May 2026 until 10th January 2027 for a closer look at this engaging exhibition.
Cher’s return to the Met Gala exemplifies not only her storied career but also her unique ability to blend personal expression with fashion’s ever-evolving landscape. The iconic star continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring her place in both music and fashion history for years to come.