Cher and Kim Kardashian: The Real Story Behind the Armenian Icons

Cher and Kim Kardashian: The Real Story Behind the Armenian Icons

Kim Kardashian basically grew up worshiping Cher. It sounds like a bit of a cliché—every girl in California wants to be the "Goddess of Pop"—but for Kim, it was deeper. It was about the hair, the sheer Bob Mackie gowns, and, most importantly, the shared Armenian blood.

Cher isn't just a singer to the Kardashian clan. She’s the blueprint.

The Armenian Bond Nobody Talks About

Most people forget that Cher’s real name is Cherilyn Sarkisian. When Kim was a kid, there weren't exactly a lot of high-profile Armenian women on the cover of Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar. Cher was the only one.

"She is literally my fashion icon," Kim told Harper's Bazaar Arabia during that famous 2017 shoot where she recreated Cher’s most iconic 1970s looks. She wasn't lying. If you look at Kim’s evolution, especially the long, bone-straight "Cher hair" she wore for years, the influence is everywhere.

Cher actually loves it. Honestly, you'd think a legend might be annoyed by a reality star "copying" her vibe, but she’s been incredibly supportive. She once tweeted that Kim, her "little Armenian sister," did them both proud. That’s a massive co-sign.

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What Really Happened at the 2015 Met Gala

People still argue about whether Kim Kardashian "stole" her 2015 Met Gala look from Beyoncé. You remember the dress—the sheer, white, Roberto Cavalli gown with the massive feather train.

Actually, the inspiration was 100% Cher.

Specifically, it was the sheer white gown Cher wore to the very first Met Gala in 1974. Kim even posted the photo of Cher on Instagram before hitting the red carpet. The coolest part? They actually met inside the event that night.

They talked about their "Armenian journeys." Imagine being Kim, standing in a dress inspired by your idol, and then having that idol tell you that you look great. That’s a "peak life" moment.

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The Style Evolution

  • The Sheer Factor: Cher paved the way for the "naked dress" trend long before it was a red carpet staple.
  • The Hair: That waist-length, middle-parted raven hair is a direct tribute.
  • The Resilience: Both women have been dismissed by critics for decades, only to end up as the most influential people in the room.

A Legacy of Being "Extra"

There’s a lot of noise about how the Kardashians changed beauty standards, but Cher was doing the "bombshell with a brain" thing while Kim was still in diapers. They both share this weird, specific type of fame where they are simultaneously mocked and imitated by everyone.

Cher survived the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s by constantly reinventing herself. Kim is doing the same thing. Whether it’s law school or SKIMS, she’s following the Cher playbook: never let them tell you what you can’t do.

kinda makes sense why they get along, right? They both know what it's like to be the most famous person in the world while half the world is waiting for you to fail.

Moving Forward with the Icon Vibe

If you want to channel the Cher and Kim energy, start with the confidence. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about owning the fact that you’re "too much" for some people.

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To really understand the connection, look into the history of the Armenian Diaspora. Seeing how these two women used their heritage to stand out in a sea of Hollywood blondes explains a lot about why their bond is so strong. Look at the 2017 Harper's Bazaar Arabia interview—it’s probably the most honest Kim has ever been about her roots.

Next time you see Kim in a sheer gown or a long wig, just remember: Cher did it first, and she’s more than happy to share the crown.


Next Steps for You:
Check out the photography of Norman Seeff, specifically his 1976 "brush" photo of Cher. It’s the exact image Kim Kardashian recreated for her tribute, and it’s arguably one of the most important fashion photographs in pop culture history. You should also watch the Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode where the family visits Armenia; it puts their obsession with cultural legacy into a much clearer perspective.