Zendaya and Cher, two iconic figures in fashion and entertainment known by their first names, shared a standout moment at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Zendaya took the stage to introduce Cher, the museum's latest inductee, wearing a vintage 2001 Bob Mackie gown reminiscent of a 1972 design famously worn by Cher. The shimmering dress featured an open bodice and midriff straps, with Zendaya's sleek, middle-parted hairstyle completing the tribute.
“Thank you, Cher,” Zendaya said during the ceremony. “Thank you for being an advocate, an ally, and for paving the way for so many to live and speak their truth.” This homage honored Cher's enduring influence on both fashion and culture, as well as her decades-long collaboration with designer Bob Mackie. Known for creating some of Cher's most iconic looks, including the sheer jumpsuit at the 1974 Met Gala and the dramatic feathered ensemble at the 1986 Oscars, Mackie's designs have left a lasting legacy.Zendaya's look was the spitting image of a similar Mackie design Cher wore here in 1972. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Zendaya's look mirrored Cher's 1972 Mackie gown, adding another layer to the enduring admiration celebrities have for Cher's style. Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and others have also drawn inspiration from Cher's bold fashion statements over the years. Despite this, Cher recently expressed she's moved on from her Mackie era, saying, “I’ve brought it, baby,” when asked about wearing Mackie for a recent performance.
The event underscored the timeless impact of both Cher and Mackie on fashion, with Zendaya stepping in as a modern muse who carries forward their shared legacy of fearless style.