Raquel Welch’s most iconic style moments

Raquel Welch, who died Wednesday following a brief illness, was known for her sex appeal and showstopping fashion moments throughout her lengthy career. Despite being held to this idea, Welch famously revealed that her persona was not who she originally intended to be.

In 2001, she told the Daily Mail that her family was very conservative and she had a traditional upbringing.

“I was not brought up to be a sex symbol, nor is it in my nature to be one. The fact that I became one is probably the loveliest, most glamorous, and fortunate misunderstanding,” she explained.

However, Welch’s fashion choices contributed to her rise to fame and solidified her as a sex symbol and fashion icon. Let’s take a look at her most iconic style moments throughout her career.

The ‘One Million Years B.C.’ Bikini

Perhaps Welch’s most known outfit of her career, the deerskin bikini her character wore in the 1967 movie ‘One Million Years B.C.’ In the film, she had only three lines total, but her wardrobe choice would end up solidifying her sex symbol status and be one of the most remembered acting roles she took on in her career.

Welch and Cher

Welch showed off her vocal skills and body in 1975 while invited onto “The Cher Show.” The two Hollywood icons wore coordinating shimmering outfits designed by Bob Mackie.

The duo performed Peggy Lee’s ‘I’m a Woman’ and their stunning matching outfits stole the show. The duo had performed together before but in far less flashy outfits and a less vocally challenging song.

Myra Breckinridge

Another iconic film role for Welch, ‘Myra Breckinridge’ the 1970s comedy. The film went on to be considered one of the worst films ever made, and currently has a 27% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, despite the movie’s poor plot, Welch’s patriotic bikini look, which is featured on the theatrical release poster, is considered one of her most iconic looks.

The controversy surrounding the film may have contributed to solidifying the role as one of Welch’s more iconic looks. In fact, Welch herself isn’t exactly a fan of the movie.

In a 2012 Interview with editor Mark Peikert, Welch said “the only good thing about that was the clothes,” in reference to the film.