Vintage Bob Mackie dresses are a fashion favorite, and with good reason. The legendary Monterey, California–born fashion designer has accrued an enviable list of awards that speak to his unparalleled influence on costumes for screen and theatrical performances: Mackie has nine Emmy awards to his name, a Tony award, a CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, three Academy Award nominations and more.
As a child, Bob Mackie was enamored of Portuguese-born Brazilian dancer and actress Carmen Miranda. The love of film shared by his sister and mother proved contagious for Mackie, and he marveled at the richness and beauty he found in ballet. He wasn’t interested in fashion so much as he was in entertainment and went on to, fortunately, find work in television during the 1960s, specifically in programming that seemed to encompass all of what he’d grown to love about the arts.
As a fashion sketch artist, Mackie collaborated with Hollywood’s greatest costume designers, working with the legendary Edith Head at Paramount Studios as soon as he’d finished school. From there, he secured work with French-born, Hollywood costume designer Jean Louis, sketching the iconic Louis dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Mackie would spend most of his career as a costume designer, creating iconic pieces like the Gone With the Wind parody costume (currently in the Smithsonian) for The Carol Burnett Show — where he worked for more than a decade — and campy, opulent dresses for The Cher Show on Broadway, for which he won the Tony award (he also designed bedazzled stage costumes for Sonny and Cher's 1976–77 run at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe). But he had a considerable influence on mainstream fashion as well.
The figure-hugging, feathered and fringed gowns and cocktail dresses Mackie created were worn by stars like Cher and Diana Ross on the red carpet and concert tours. Similar designs of his — dazzling evening dresses of black or vibrant red silk, some beaded with rhinestones or embellished with ostrich feathers or navy blue sequins — made their way into his mainstream fashion collection. His ready-to-wear line debuted in 1982.
Bob Mackie has always said that his clothing was “for the woman who is not afraid to be noticed,” and any woman in one of his signature dresses would definitely turn heads. There is sparkle and an element of grandeur in his garments, whether they were crafted for singer Elton John, a universally renowned fashion icon in his own right, or the woman next door, donning one of Mackie’s spectacular creations and feeling like a movie star herself.
Shop vintage Bob Mackie day dresses, suits and more on 1stDibs.
Vintage 1989 Bob Mackie Boutique Fully Embellished Pink Silver Dress Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Bob Mackie Fully Embellished Long Dress Gown The Strapless version of this dress was worn by Goldie Hawn at 66th Academy awards in 1989. Des...
80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress Size 6
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
80-s Bob Mackie Beaded Bolero Dress Details: Color: Black/Gold Size 6 Bodice: 100% Nylon Bottom : 66% Acetate, 34% Rayon Condition: Excellent
Bob Mackie Boutique Devore Semi-Sheer Velvet Floral Print Bias Cut Long Dress 6
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Bob Mackie Boutique Long Beaded Dress US size - 6 Devore Semi-Sheer Velvet, Floral Print, Embellished with Beads and Sequins, Bias Cut, Slip-On, Open Cowl-Style Back., Fully Lined. ...
Bob Mackie Vintage Pearl & Sequin Embellished White & Yellow Mini Evening Dress
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
An exquisite vintage Bob Mackie mini dress, showcasing the designer’s signature glamour and artistry. This striking piece is fully hand-embellished with cascading white, silver &...
Bob Mackie 1980's Emerald Green Sequin Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the disco era with this stunning Bob Mackie emerald green sequin gown from the 1980s. Crafted for the glamorous party-goer, this floor-length dress features a flattering V-...
F/W 2001 Bob Mackie 'Foreign Intrigue' Beaded Purple Mini Slip Dress Custom
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Bob Mackie’s Fall/Winter 2001 'Foreign Intrigue' collection, this purple mini slip dress features intricate beadwork in swirling and diagonal patterns. The sheer base is adorned...
1980S BOB MACKIE Black & Cream Lace Gown With Fab Bow Sleeves
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Black & Cream Lace Gown With Fab Bow Sleeves
Bob Mackie Size 10 / 12 Vintage Green Yellow Red Black Amazing Strapless Dress
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and incredible vintage BOB MACKIE strapless dress! Features slimming red, yellow, black and green vertical stripes up the front, with a...
Bob Mackie Vintage Embellished White, Silver & Nude Sparkling Evening Gown Sz 6
By Bob Mackie
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Bob Mackie - An extraordinary evening gown crafted on an illusion mesh base and lavishly adorned with intricate white pearls and white and silver beadwork. The gown features an elega...
Stunning Bob Mackie Gold & Black Deco Inspired Beaded Dress with Exposed Back
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a stunning vintage Bob Mackie gold and black beaded dress with a high neck, open exposed back, a center b...
Early 1980s Bob Mackie Backless Halter Tie Black Satin Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This early 1980s Bob Mackie black satin evening gown features a backless halter tie design, a keyhole neckline, and draped waist detailing. Approximate measurements: Size - removed ...
$944Sale Price|20% Off
1990’s Bob Mackie Boutique Dazzling Blue Beaded Lace Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Kingston, NY
An exceptional formal gown from Bob Mackie Boutique, this ice blue column dress is a testament to the designer’s mastery of theatrical glamour and intricate hand-finishing. Rendered ...
BOB MACKIE Green Chiffon Flower Embellished Gown Size 2 4
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Bob Mackie gown is composed of a light green mint hue silk chiffon. The upper bodice features an embellished center front and sho...
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
1990s Bob Mackie Black Cut Out Beaded Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Bob Mackie gown from the 1990s features a sleeveless black column cut and a V-neckline. Sheer mesh panels adorned with black beadwork fill angular cutouts on either side of the ...
Vintage Bob Mackie S/S 1997 White Gown with White Beaded Bodice
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your bridal style with our Bob Mackie White Gown. This off-shoulder gown features a stunning beaded, sequin, and pearl ornamented bodice ...
Late 1990s Bob Mackie Blue Pastel Rose Floral Beaded Sleeveless Gown 6
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous blue and green pastel floral Bob Mackie gown. From the late 1990s, this chic dress is covered in a bold rose print and is accented with sequins and beads throug...
Bob Mackie 1970's White Long Sleeved Fully Beaded Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite Bob Mackie creation epitomizes 1970s glamour with its pristine white silhouette and intricate beadwork. The elegant V-neckline and flowing long sleeves offer timeless ...
Bob Mackie Orange & Black Beaded Tiger Print with Black Chiffon Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an exotic evening gown from Bob Mackie. It is an orange and black long sleeve fitted gown with a tiger print beaded pattern, and a full and flowy chiffon skirt. Fully lined. ...
Vintage Bob Mackie Boutique Fully Beaded Gown as seen on Yasmine Bleeth TV Show
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
A remarkable vintage example of Bob Mackie’s signature glamour and extraordinary beadwork, representing the unmistakable aesthetic of the legendary American designer, whose influenti...
F/W 1988 Bob Mackie Runway Beaded Purple Ostrich Feather Mini Dress custom
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible jaguar patterned Bob Mackie mini dress. A yellow variation of this dazzling dress debuted on the Fall/Winter 1988 runway and was worn by Bernadette Peters wi...
Stunning Vintage Bob Mackie Heavily Beaded Silk Chiffon Leopard Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Drop dead gorgeous vintage Bob Mackie Fall 1997 Gown! Features all-over beading on bodice, with a leopard chiffon backdrop. Skirt features beading amon...
Vintage Bob Mackie 80-s Red Fully Beaded Fringe Cocktail Dress US 4 and 8
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Bob Mackie Boutique Red Fully Beaded Cocktail Fringe Dress Designer sizes available - 4 and 8 Mid 1980s, Embroidered with Bead work Shimmying Fring...
Bob Mackie Boutique Vintage Fully Beaded Silk Vest Jacket US size 8
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
A striking example of vintage glamour, this Bob Mackie Boutique fully beaded vest embodies the designer’s unmistakable theatrical aesthetic and couture-level craftsmanship. Likely da...
Bob Mackie Vintage Elegant Black and Nude Velvet and Lace Evening Gown Size 4
By Bob Mackie
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Bob Mackie - Timeless and elegant best describes this black velvet evening gown with nude and black lace inlay. Beautifully constructed and aged as gracefully as the design. This gown is formfitting with long sleeves and a back zipper for a secure fit. The lace design is unique in that it appears to have a high gloss wet look and is embellished with black crystals throughout. The finishing touch is a large crystal broach...
Vintage Bob Mackie Size 12 Black + Nude Lace Crepe Off - Shoulder 1990s Dress
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 90s BOB MACKIE Size 14 (runs true to size) black and nude lace + crepe cocktail off-the-shoulder 3/4 sleeves dress! Features a fit...
Vintage 80's Bob Mackie Navy Blue Fully Embellished Long Dress Gown size 10
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Bob Mackie Fully Embellished Long Dress Gown Designer size 10 ( pls. check measurements). Hand Beaded, 100% Silk, Navy Blue Beads and Multicolor Sequins Over the Black Tulle....
Vintage Silver Bob Mackie Beaded Cap Sleeve Top Size US M
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
Vintage silver beaded cap sleeve top by Bob Mackie. Crew neck. Zip closure at back. 50" bust, 20.25" shoulder width, 23.5" length.
Bob Mackie Black Evening Gown With Velvet & Beaded Trim
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Bob Mackie black evening gown epitomizes 80s glamour with its luxurious velvet and intricate beaded trim detailing. The sophisticated silhouette demands drama—layer it ...
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Bob Mackie Leopard Print Fully Beaded Dress with Feather Bolero size S
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Bob Mackie Leopard Print Fully Beaded Dress + Feather Bolero Label size missing, approx. Small ( please see measurements ) Bustier beaded evening dress, Empire waist with att...
Black cocktail dress with rhinestone and beads Bob Mackie for Nieman Marcus
By Bob Mackie
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black rayon cocktail dress with rhinestone beads fringes embellishement around the waist on a tulle lay. Invisible zip in the middle back, hook&eye and snap ( to hold the back of t...
Bob Mackie 2pc Cream/Beige Silk and Tweed Jacket and Dress Set
By Saks Fifth Avenue, Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a two piece cream and beige tweed and satin dress with matching jacket by Bob Mackie, from the 1980's. The dress is sleeveless with a cream satin vest...
1970s Bob Mackie Black Crepe Column Gown w Glamorous Bugle Bead Streamers
By Bob Mackie
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Bob Mackie Black Crepe Column Gown w Glamorous Bugle Bead Streamers: In classic, simple but glamorous Mackie style, this crepe column takes a daring plunge w sheer tulle criss-...
Vintage Bob Mackie Size 4 / 6 Navy Blue Beaded Sequin Strapless Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage BOB MACKIE navy blue strapless beaded and sequinened Grecian inspired evening dress! Features hundreds of beads sewn onto navy a navy mesh, with a boned nude underla...
Bob Mackie Black Embellished Bodice Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a Bob Mackie gown. This gown features long sleeves, gathers at the bust, and draped back. The gown is composed of a stretch black outer materia...
Bob Mackie 1980s One Shoulder Beaded Gown With Sequin Lining
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning black silk evening gown by renowned designer Bob Mackie is a one-of-a-kind piece, purchased at Amen Wardy in Newport in 1987/88. Its gold sequin detail adds a touch of ...
Bob Mackie Large Vivid Multi-Color "Beautiful Woman" Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
Bob Mackie wonderfully large vivid multi-color "Beautiful Woman" silk jacquard scarf measures 40 inches by 40 inches, and finished with rolled edges. Made in Italy.
1970S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Geometric Cut Out Low & Backless Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1970S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Geometric Cut Out Low & Backless Gown
Black cocktail jersey dress with beadwork Bob Mackie
By Bob Mackie
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cocktail jersey dress with beadwork. Same jersey as lining. Shoulder-pads.Zip and hook&eye in the middle back. Split in the middle back in the bottom = 8 cm SIZE M
Bob Mackie / Ray Aghayan Evening Skirt Set Ensemble in Purple Size Small
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bob Mackie / Ray Aghayan for Bonwit Teller ensemble includes three pieces in purple hues. The skirt is composed of a purple ribbed silk and features a...
BOB MACKIE Burnished Red Silk Dress with Black Beaded Bow Neckline Size 8
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bob Mackie cocktail dress is composed of a burnished silk with a black beaded neckline and bow detail. There is a center back zipper closure and zippers at the sleeve ends. In ...
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Bob Mackie 80's Black Lace Fully Beaded Maxi Dress Gown US 10
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Bob Mackie 80's Black Lace Fully Beaded Maxi Dress Gown Designer size - 10 ( please check measurements). Black patterned lace completely covere...
Bob Mackie Black Mesh w/ Blue Beading Long Sleeve High Neck Gown Circa 1990s
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bob Mackie Black Mesh w/ Blue Beading Long Sleeve High Neck Gown. In excellent condition Measurements - Size 10 Dress Length: 61 Inches Bust: 24 ...
BOB MACKIE Purple Open Back Tea Length Gown with Beaded Bodice and Sleeves
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bob Mackie purple silk open back tea length gown with beaded bodice and sleeves. This gown is purple with multi-colored beads that decorate the bodice and sleeves in a swirl and str...
Bob Mackie Boutique red evening and cocktail dress 1980s
By Bob Mackie
Located in Genova, IT
Bob Mackie red evening dress ABOUT Bob Mackie Boutique 80s cocktail dress with red silk flounced skirt and red and black sequin embroidered tulle bodice, 3/4 sleeves. Deep V-neckli...