Cher's Iconic Transformation into Cleopatra for Halloween 1988
Cher's iconic fashion and enviable figure have made her a go-to Halloween costume for stars like Kim Kardashian However, there's a unique instance where Cher embraced the Halloween spirit herself, dressing as Cleopatra in 1988
A Google search for "Cher Halloween costume" will yield countless images of individuals impersonating Cher, rather than the iconic pop star herself dressed as a witch or wizard.
Cher's music career spans several decades, during which her glamorous style and well-defined abs have made her a popular choice for celebrities looking for a costume inspiration. Kim Kardashian, Halsey, Normani, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lisa Rinna have all tried their hand at emulating her iconic look.
However, there is a unique instance where Cher herself used her impressive fashion sense to embrace the Halloween spirit.
On October 31, 1988, the pop star celebrated the release of her inaugural fragrance, "Uninhibited," at a Halloween bash held at the Diamond Horseshoe nightclub above Century Paramount Hotel in New York City. The aromatic scent, with notes of wood, was bottled in a mesmerizing crystal container adorned with a crescent moon stopper. The front of the bottle showcased a silver cartouche housing the inscription "Cher," which was inspired by a delightful marcasite sarcophagus she had been gifted. Cher, embracing the spirit of Egyptian history, made a grand entrance at the party dressed as an exquisite Cleopatra.
The gleaming costume was created by Bob Mackie.
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Costume designer Bob Mackie, a long-time collaborator with Cher, crafted a stunning ensemble for her. The form-fitting sheer black dress was adorned with silver sequins, perfectly imitating the graceful draping of fabric. In true Cher fashion, the dress also featured a diamond-shaped cut-out at her stomach. Adding to the allure, a sequined bustier was covered with a layer of black embroidered chiffon, while fabric was strategically attached to the sleeves for a captivating effect during Cher's gestures.
To complete the striking look, Cher wore a black velvet headpiece that replicated the iconic blunt fringe and bob cut associated with the Egyptian Queen (popularized by Elizabeth Taylor's performance in the 1963 film "Cleopatra," despite potential historical inaccuracies). Adorning the headpiece were two silver serpents, along with a larger replica of the crescent moon stopper found on her perfume bottle.
Halston and Liza Minnelli arrive at the Diamond Horseshoe club for a Halloween party in 1988.
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Among the stylish attendees that evening were Liza Minnelli, who donned a simple yet elegant sequined mask along with a luxurious fur coat. Renowned fashion designers Halston and Betsey Johnson also made a statement with their distinctive outfits. Halston opted for a unique white beaked Venetian doctor mask, reminiscent of the physicians who battled the 16th century plague. Meanwhile, Betsey Johnson showcased a stunning ribbon skirt paired with a bodice adorned with coins. In contrast, Billy Crystal and Francis Ford Coppola arrived without costumes.
Heidi Klum's rise to become the unquestionable ruler of celebrity Halloween can be attributed to the grand event orchestrated by Susanne Bartsch, an events producer. Despite organizing numerous Halloween parties over the years, Bartsch still regards the night in 1988 as her pinnacle achievement. Bartsch shared with W Magazine in 2018 that the presence of Cher always guarantees an exceptional celebration.
