Cher Talks Her Love for New York and Worst Subway Story

Cher’s favorite time to be in New York might be an unpopular choice: Winter. “But I can find the beauty in all of it,” she told W last night. From sweltering summers to snowy winters, the 80-year-old icon still has a soft spot for them all. The feeling is mutual: the moment she stepped onto Fifth Avenue to celebrate the launch of Moncler’s new flagship, the city seemed to stop in its tracks. Talk about star power.

Cher was among the A-list crowd—including Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Adrien Brody, Serena Williams, and more—on hand to toast the nearly 24,000-square-foot, two-level retail space that was once occupied, most famously, by F.A.O. Schwarz. Located at 767 Fifth Avenue in the General Motors Building, it is now the largest Moncler store in the world.

For the occasion, Cher—who never shies away from a statement look—dressed in the most Cher of Moncler ensembles: a black puffer-inspired jacket and coordinating floor-sweeping dress. As guests mingled about the arctic- and alpine-inspired installations, enjoying cocktails and canapés by the fashion world’s favorite chef Yann Nury, Cher took a moment to discuss her life as a former New Yorker, her Fashion Week essentials and one particularly unforgettable subway mishap.

What’s your favorite season in New York?

I like Fashion Week. I lived here three different times, So I can find the beauty in all of it—really, I’m not bullshitting. I just can. I think everybody who lives here can. Summers are hot. I guess I like winter.

What are some of your must-haves for Fashion Week?

Oh God, let’s see. Lipstick, mints.

What’s one of your favorite, quintessentially New York movies, besides Moonstruck, of course?

This is an old one, you won’t know it. It’s called New York, New York. I think everyone loves movies about New York. It’s the most exciting city; when the comedowns come down, it’s the most exciting city.

Now we’re going to do a spin on This or That. West Village or East Village?

West.

Pizza or bagels?

Pizza.

Yankees or Mets?

Oh no, do I have to answer that? I guess I’m old school. I like the Yankees.

Peacoats or puffer coats?

It depends on the puffer. I’m not a peacoat kind of gal.

Katz Deli or JG Melon?

JG Melon.

Subway or taxi?

You know, I got caught in a subway once. My zipper broke; all these men were looking at me. I wanted to kill myself. I was on my way to the beach with my friend. I just moved here, and we made a bad stop, so my friend got off to ask a question. She said, “You stay there.” [The doors] closed. I’m sitting there; I don’t know where I’m going, and my zipper’s broken. Thank God I had a bathing suit on.

So taxis forever?

Or walking. I like walking.