MOHAWK GLAM:Cher, 58th Annual Academy Awards, 1986 The flamboyant
Native-American/Armenian was royally miffed by the academy's slighting of her
arguably outstanding performances in "Silkwood" (she was nominated, but lost) and "Mask"
(not even nominated) -- attributing Hollywood's
... more snobbery to her penchant for
young lovers (Tom Cruise was current) and extravagant Bob Mackie
creations that only a Vegas showgirl would wear. If the academy demanded
conservative glamour, Cher decided to deliver a shock to the system : "I want to
look like a Mohawk," she told Mackie, and he obliged his "big Barbie doll" with
the most notorious costume in Academy Award history, essentially a bikini top
and loincloth with elaborate embellishments. Channeling Indian warrior, spider
woman and Queen of Outer Space, Cher towered seven feet, topped by her
rooster-feathered headdress. Black satin knee-high boots and one blue and one
brown contact lens provided final fashion fillips. When Cher took the stage as a
presenter, the first words out of her mouth were as dry as a martini: "As you
can see, I did receive my Academy Award booklet on how to dress like a serious
actress." Oscar went home with the bad girl two years later, for "Moonstruck." (Gary Lewis/Camera Press/Retna Ltd.)
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