Singer and actress Dove Cameron has made headlines recently by transforming into Cher, an iconic figure whose influence spans decades. For the latest issue of PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful, Cameron was thrilled to embrace the legendary star, describing the opportunity as “the quickest yes” of her life.
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Cameron’s familiarity with Cher dates back to her childhood when she would watch the family’s VHS copy of the 1987 film *Moonstruck*. The actress’s admiration deepened when she watched *Burlesque*, released in 2010, and she later delved into Cher’s extensive musical repertoire, with a particular fondness for the 1974 album *Dark Lady*. Cameron reflects on Cher’s groundbreaking dual success in both singing and acting, stating, “She taught me that anything is possible. Cher was a pioneer in that way. I find that incredibly inspiring.” Cameron emphasised the importance of not allowing others to pigeonhole one’s talents.
During the photoshoot, the actress jested about the challenge of embodying someone “twice my height”, noting that her glam team was hard at work recreating a glittery purple two-piece ensemble designed by Bob Mackie. This striking outfit originally debuted during Cher’s CBS variety show in 1975. Stylist Marc Eram, who selected this eye-catching look, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, declaring it a synthesis of Cher’s distinct style elements. He remarked, “It just feels like so many worlds coming together.”
Eram, who has been collaborating with Cameron full-time for over a year, recalled their first meeting years prior on a different project. Both he and Cameron share a commitment to perfection, especially when it comes to recreating beloved costumes. “Dove is so much fun; she’s the dream client. Everything looks perfect on her,” Eram shared. He praised her creative spirit, highlighting how she effortlessly adds her personality to the mix while honouring the legacy of the singer.
A pivotal aspect of Cher’s iconic looks has always been her long, flowing dark hair. Hairstylist Jacob Rozenberg took on the task of replicating Cher’s signature style, saying, “We loaded up with lots of hair and then we just added more and more hair.” Rozenberg had to find a way to blend Cameron’s hair with the shades of Cher’s hairstyle, noting that he used coloured hairspray to achieve the desired effect.
Cameron’s makeup artist, Kale Teter, focused on emulating the vibrancy of Cher’s makeup by using a “wash of shimmery purple”. Teter observed Cher’s preference for bold eyelashes and incorporated similar spiky designs to enhance the overall look. She expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting it was a refreshing departure from their usual work.
Cameron’s willingness to embrace new and adventurous styles makes her an ideal partner for creative professionals. Teter remarked, “My favourite part about working with Dove is that she is always down to try something different.” This adventurous spirit shone through the shoot, allowing the team to explore a different side of their artistry.
As Dove Cameron prepares to bring Cher’s legacy to life, her admiration for the pop icon continues to drive her work. Cher, who is set to celebrate her 80th birthday next month, remains an enduring source of inspiration for many including Cameron, who proves that the impact of Cher’s artistry transcends generations. The project encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and the celebration of an artist who has changed the landscape of music and film.
In a world often urging individuals to conform to specific roles, both Cameron and Cher serve as testaments to the power of versatility and self-expression. This latest homage not only showcases Cameron’s talent but also reinforces the timeless relevance of Cher as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.