Keke Palmer borrows Raquel Welch’s ab-baring Bob Mackie gown for the CFDA Awards 2026 red carpet

Keke Palmer paid homage to the late Bob Mackie Monday night.

The actress posed on the CFDA Awards 2026 red carpet at the American Museum of Natural History wearing a golden gown with completely exposed torso. Palmer served as host for the night, accessorizing with rings and drop earrings and styling her auburn hair in a wavy bob.

The gown was designed by the famed Mackie and worn by Raquel Welch for a February 1975 episode of “The Cher Show.”

Keke Palmer chose vintage Bob Mackie for the CFDA Awards on Tuesday night. FilmMagic
Raquel Welch first wore the gown while performing with Cher on the latter’s namesake show in a matching look. CBS via Getty Images

The gown is crafted of nude-toned jersey, with glass beads embellishing its entirety. The bra top crosses at the neckline with five matching straps pulling from the center of the torso and spreading out along the hip-line of the skirted bottom.

During Welch’s appearance on the show, she and Cher performed a bit where they came out from behind the set in nearly identical Mackie creations, with the host sporting a halter top version.

The duo went on to sing “I’m A Woman,” sparkling under the lights of the stage.

The embellished jersey gown was designed in 1975. AFP via Getty Images
Palmer’s look was sourced by stylist Molly Dickson from Timeless Vixen. GC Images

Cher’s twinning look was put up for sale through Julien’s Auctions in 2006 for $5,100 while Welch’s was auctioned through the same company 12 years later, ultimately selling for $2,880.

Stylist Molly Dickson sourced Palmer’s piece from vintage purveyor Timeless Vixen.

“I’ve always adored Bob Mackie’s work,” wrote founder Lauren Lepire on Instagram, adding, “and with his recent passing, it’s especially meaningful to see Keke bring such an epic dress back into the spotlight for this important fashion event.”

Later in the evening, Palmer had multiple outfit changes, slipping into two other vintage looks: a 1990s Marc Bouwer and a 1970s Stephen Burrows.

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