Bob Mackie Ostrich Feather Strapless Dress, 1980-90s

Bob Mackie (1940-present) is, without a doubt, the king of glitz. As a young child, he was enchanted by Old Hollywood glamour. The influence of stars such as Lana Turner and Betty Grable stuck with him creatively and physically–– he has a scar on his chin from falling down the stairs in platform heels while dressed up as Carmen Miranda at age 5. At 21, Mackie worked for costumer Jean Louis, where he designed the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy. Soon after, he started working at Paramount Studios under the legendary Edith Head. In 1963, Mackie started in the costume department of The Judy Garland Show. It was there he met designer Ray Aghayan, his lifelong creative and romantic partner. He designed every costume for The Carol Burnett Show for its entire run from 1967 to 1978, averaging more than 60 looks per week for a whopping grand total of 17,000. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, he outfitted many Las Vegas showgirls in extravagant feathery creations. Mackie has designed countless iconic looks, including nearly every Cher costume (such as her “revenge dress” from the 1986 Oscars and the “naked” dress), Diana Ross as Billie Holiday, Sharon Stone in Casino, Elton John as Donald Duck, Tina Turner, Ann-Margaret, Mitzi Gaynor, Ethel Merman, RuPaul, Liza Minnelli, Whoopi Goldberg, Barbra Streisand–– the list is truly endless. Another favored client is Barbie, for whom Mackie has designed many spectacular gowns in miniature. Over the years, he has won 9 Emmy Awards, been nominated for 3 Academy Awards, and most recently a Tony Award. Beyond stage and screen, he has also designed numerous runway collections. Throughout this prodigious career, the "sultan of sequins” has maintained his unmistakable design identity while continuing to evolve, always onto an exciting venture.

Strapless floral-motif lace dress with silver accents, sequins, and ostrich-feather trim. Wire at bust. Concealed zip closure at back.
Label: Bob Mackie
Size: Size Not labeled
Date: Late 20th Century

Approximate Measurements:
Bust: 29"
Waist: 26"
Length: 25.5"

From the Collection of a California Lady

This lot is located in Chicago.