Los Angeles
March 2026
Written by
Anabel Kogel
RETURN OF THE DARK LADY
Cher and the Love Witch
Cher is an iconic musician whose career started in 1965. She also influenced the fashion of this era throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Her witch-like appearance went well with her eerie songs, such as “Dark Lady” and “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves.” She managed to create her own genre that included feelings of mystery and tragedy. So much so that she even starred in a film titled The Witches of Eastwick. On the other hand, films such as The Love Witch give off a Cher-like aesthetic by using illustrations depicting her classic long black hair. Evaluating the similarities and differences between these iconic film and music influences could bring about interesting new ideas: in the fashion, music, and film industry.
Cher helped pave the way for the red carpet's current fame. Her unique, ever-changing style and partnership with designer Bob Mackie influenced many to this day. Some of her looks have been able to touch on a “witchy” style, while others are more bold and glamorous. However, the majority of costume designs in The Love Witch can appear to be loosely based on Cher despite her contrasting fashion choices. To present a broad similarity between Cher and The Love Witch, and perhaps the main reason for this comparison, both Cher and the film possess a 60s-70s fashion sense with a witchy twist.
Cher’s Music Career: A Witch in Plain Sight
On her iconic album cover for the song “Dark Lady,” she is portrayed through a black-and-white image, holding a black cat on her shoulder, a classic witch symbol. In addition, she is wearing a long, black dress with tassels, evoking a feeling of mystery and seduction. The album itself contains song titles and lyrics that support this. For example, in the song “Make The Man Love Me,” she sings the words “Make the man love me / Just open up his heart, Lord / And I'll take it from there.” If this wasn’t convincing enough, the song that the album was named after is a story about a female fortune teller, or, quite possibly, a witch. Lastly, Cher also went on to star in a film titled The Witches of Eastwick. It wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that she was cast based on her music and look, if nothing else.
The Dark Lady as a Fashion Icon
Cher’s unique look added to the feelings she provoked in her performances, not only in her physical attributes, but also in her clothing style. Shortly after her music career launched, in 1967, Cher met her to-be designer for years, Bob Mackie, on The Carol Burnett Show. He went on to create countless designs for Cher, including her iconic 1986 Academy Awards outfit, worn in response to negative criticism about her acting. She rocked a shiny black, two-piece outfit with a bold feathered headpiece. Her long black skirt and short top were whimsical and seductive. Mackie’s design defied the norm while providing an eye-catching look for Cher. Furthermore, he also designed her “nude illusion gown,” as referred to by him, for the 1974 Met Gala, which was later pictured on the front cover of Time magazine, instantly becoming controversial. The borderline see-through jumpsuit was embroidered with feathers at the ends and shiny lace throughout. Along with many others, these outfits came to be recognisable pieces in fashion history.
In addition to her glamorous pieces, Cher was able to rock 60s and 70s fashion in a way that most wouldn’t dare. She was ahead of her time by consistently wearing cropped top dresses and outfits before it was the norm. Her will to be different, in combination with long black hair, and her unique music style alluded to a witch-like persona. Whether intentional or not, the vision is there if one looks closely enough. From album covers to movie titles, this persona can be seen in many aspects of her life.
The Love Witch
When considering Cher’s work, it is interesting to examine similar personas, celebrities, and pieces, especially with the resurfacing of 60s and 70s fashion in modern times. An excellent example of this resurfacing and similarities to Cher is the 2016 film, The Love Witch. In this film, the main character has long, black hair and dresses like she's from the 60s, and, obviously, she's a witch. The Love Witch supports and enforces Cher’s persona through simple details, such as the movie poster, which features the black-haired witch in a 60s-like vintage poster format.
Additionally, her style throughout the movie is comparable to Cher’s less glamorous and simpler yet eye-catching fashion from the era. Both actresses utilised flowy or loose clothing more often than a tight-fit style. However, their taste in dresses differed in length and glamour, with Cher representing bold, glittery, and feathery looks, and The Love Witch portraying classic 60s style dresses. “Cher recalls being interested in ‘big feathers.’” This is clear in Mackie’s 1986 Academy Awards and 1974 Met Gala designs, as well as his 1972 headpiece for The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, adding to his collection of previous feathered headpieces.
Conclusion
Cher is an iconic celebrity who has made her rounds in the fashion, music, and movie industries. Her contributions to each have changed the way we view and critique certain pieces of art. One of her most prominent features, long, dark hair, has come to be something she’s known for. In addition to her music style, fashion, and movie roles, her recognizable look has formed a witchy, mysterious persona, especially in comparison to The Love Witch. Moreover, her fashion success was in part due to her designer, Bob Mackie, who put her visions together into countless outfits. She rocked the red carpet from the 60s to the 80s despite negativity, defying the norm. She also dared to be different in her music, which was a hit with her audience instantly. Many today listen to her classic lyrics, and new generations are always around the corner. It is safe to say that Cher has lived through a successful career of creativity and originality, proving so in her music and fashion.
© Forward 2026
"For the Future"
