1 / 7
Click To Zoom

Condition Report

Contact Information

Auction Specialist

Lot 229

Sale 1251 - Holiday Fashion
Lots Open
Nov 17, 2023
Lots Close
Dec 1, 2023
Timed Online / Chicago
Own a similar item?
Estimate
$300 - 500
Price Realized
$252
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Bob Mackie Beaded Ensemble, 1980s 


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.

THE FIRST
Open-front collarless jacket in abstract black-and-white print with embellishments.
Label: Bob Mackie
Size: 8

Approximate Measurements: 
Shoulder: 31"
Chest: 38"
Sleeve Length from Center Back Neckline: 33"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 21.5"

THE SECOND
Black floor-length dress with beaded appliqué, dolman sleeve, and shoulder pads. Hook and eye and zip closures at back. 

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulder: 39"
Chest: 32"
Waist: 31"
Sleeve Length from Center Back Neckline: 29"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 50"

From the Collection of a California Lady

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition Report

Contact Information

Auction Specialist

Search