20 Years Later, Bob Mackie Reflects on Designing Cher’s Iconic “Farewell” Tour (2024)

One of their most notable looks for the tour was what Cher wore to open the show, while singing a cover of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. “It’s a white Mongolian lamb-trimmed, crushed taupe velvet hooded coat, [which was] opulently embroidered and beaded with smoky topaz and crystal lochrosens,” says Mackie of the statement coat. “There are root beer, silk chiffon bugle-beaded pants and a vest underneath.” The singer also concluded the opening section of the tour in a red top hat and tails look, which Mackie fondly calls the “Ring-Mistress costume.”

While it’s near impossible for Mackie to pick a favorite costume from the tour—where maximalism shined and the pair never met a sequin they didn’t like—the designer does have a few creations that continue to stick out in his mind. “I love her ‘Turn Back Time’ costume, which we call her ‘Swiss cheese’ bodysuit,” says Mackie of the black strappy piece. “It’s her very own classic that she has been wearing since the ’70s: black Spandex and mesh with amethyst, jet, and smoke-colored Swarovski crystals—and her trademark thigh-high boots!” Another highlight for Mackie was the showy ensemble he created for her “Bang Bang” number. “She wears a burgundy-leather revealing costume over a nude body stocking, covered in tribal tattoos,” says Mackie, “and a big feather headdress with over 400 coque feathers!”