Keke Palmer wore four vintage looks while hosting the 2026 CFDA Awards in New York City, including a rare Bob Mackie gown first worn by Raquel Welch in 1975.
The strappy, shimmering gold dress was custom-made for Welch to wear while performing “I’m a Woman” alongside Cher on The Cher Show. Palmer said she wanted her outfits to celebrate designers and performers from earlier eras, and described Mackie’s work as closely tied to entertainment history.
Palmer worked with stylist Molly Dickson to give each of the four outfits its own moment. The Mackie gown was sourced from vintage dealer Timeless Vixen. Its owner, Lauren Lepire, said the piece came to mind when Palmer’s team asked for a distinctive design by the late designer.
For the rest of the evening, Palmer wore a black Marc Bouwer dress previously worn by Toni Braxton, a striped, one-shouldered 1980s Halston design, and a black 1970s Stephen Burrows gown. Palmer said the looks formed a fashion story spanning different eras, with black and gold running through the collection.
Palmer told Vogue that she enjoys using fashion to connect different periods and references, and to bring her personality into the way she tells stories. Beyond the awards, she said she is preparing to film the second season of The ’Burbs and is working on new music.
Sources: Vogue.