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.
Bob Mackie FW 1988 Old Hollywood Themed Nightlife Velvet Embellished Jacket US 8
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exceptional vintage Bob Mackie black velvet bomber jacket, runway Fall/Winter 1988, lavishly embellished with sequins, beads and sparkling accents in a dazzling tribute to the legend...
Amazing Bob Mackie 1990s Size Large Suede Purple Black Fringe Vintage 90s Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing early 1990s Bob Mackie purple and black suede fringe jacket ! Features fringe across the front and back. Silver logo buttons snap close. Pockets at each side of the waist. In...
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...
Fabulous Thierry Mugler FW 1990 ‘Music Hall’ Runway Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Fabulous Thierry Mugler runway jacket from fall/winter 1990-1991 ‘Music Hall’ collection. Dramatic design that features sharp velvet insertions pointed to hips, curved pleated bands...
GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s
By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo
Located in New York, NY
GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s Crimped black and gold kimono-cut top, non-conforming black net sash decorated with metallic gold thre...
Vintage 1900 Black Beaded Bodice Jacket, Edwardian Style Women's Wear
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant jacket dates to circa 1898–1905, a pivotal moment in women’s fashion when Victorian structure began softening into the sleeker, elongated lines of the Edwardian era. The...
Vintage Frank Usher Pure Silk Heavily Beaded Sequin Evening Jacket, 1980s size S
By Frank Usher
Located in Maghera, GB
A spectacular vintage Frank Usher evening jacket dating to the late 1980s, lavishly embellished over pure black silk with an extraordinary patchwork of sequins, beads and jewel-toned...
$1,060
Size: See Measurement in description
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER S/s 2013 Detachable Corseted Striped Blazer
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
This removable suit is a chic and versatile piece that seamlessly blends structured tailoring with a playful twist. The design features a classic pinstripe double-breasted blazer wit...
Black Wool Jacket with Grey Stripes & Crystal Pocket Accents
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking Roberto Cavalli jacket captures the designer’s signature fusion of sensual structure and ornate embellishment. Crafted in a textured black wool base, the silhouette is ...
Spring/Summer 2002 John Galliano Denim Patchwork Blazer
By John Galliano
Located in Toronto, Ontario
John Galliano blazer from his Spring/Summer 2002 collection. Navy blue linen, treated to look like denim with deconstructed blue denim, white eyelet cotton, mesh and gingham patchwor...
Spring/Summer 2002 John Galliano Blue Denim Patchwork Blazer
By John Galliano
Located in Toronto, Ontario
John Galliano blazer from his Spring/Summer 2002 collection. Navy blue linen, treated to look like denim with deconstructed blue denim, white eyelet cotton, mesh and gingham patchwor...
YSL Rive Gauche Fall 1978 checked blue and brown barn documented shirt jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
A classic YSL Rive Gauche jacket from the Fall/Winter 1978 collection, in a bold blue and brown buffalo check, cut in mid weight wool twill with a rayon lining. The single-breasted s...
Thierry Mugler FW 1997 Haute Couture Suede Chimera Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Fall Winter 1997 Haute Couture Les Chimères Collection, Black and Fuchsia Suede Jacket. Marked size 38 French. Measurements: Bust 44 cm, Waist 34 cm. Main material:...
Iconic and Rare Maison Martin Margiela Circle Leather Jacket
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
The Maison Martin Margiela "Circle" leather jacket is an iconic, highly sought-after collector's piece originally debuting in the Spring/Summer 2002 Artisanal collection. The jacket ...
Vintage Terry Paris Gold Medallion Leather Lace Jacket
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fabulous early 1990's Terry Paris Versace style jacket. Beautiful decorative goldtone medusa head medallions. Lace embellishment. Goldtone button closure a...
$1,000
Size: Unmarked. Fits like "L" or "XL"
1980's Sonia Rykiel France Evening Wear Lightweight Silk Velvet Lame Duster
By Sonya Rykiel
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisite 1980's evening wear coat, jacket, blazer or duster is lightweight, vented and easy to wear for dining, parties and dancing, with an animal patterned, soft silk velvet and shiny gold lame metallic velvet effect. Collarless coat features wide cap sleeves over long, wide, tapering open air sleeves, generous arm vents, a straight shape with a long back slit, 4 pockets and a neck tie closure. Jacket is unlined. Labeled, "SONIA RYKIEL" and "Made in France" and "Silk 24%, Viscose 29% and Metal 26". Will fit a wide variety of sizes. Shoulder to hem measures 37". Wide, tapering sleeves measure 24.5" long x 17" in circumference at the top (at the opening), tapering to 11" in circumference at the wrist. Bust, waist and hip measures 49" in circumference. Hem sweep measures 55" in circumference. Sonia Rykiel (1930-2016) was an iconic french fashion designer and writer. She is credited with inventing the poor boy...
FW 1994 Rhinestone Brooch Thierry Mugler Bejewelled Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Spectacular Thierry Mugler jacket from fall winter 1994 Quaker Splash collection. Adorned with large rhinestone encrusted brooches on the front fastening and the cuffs. Beautiful asy...
MUGLER 90S faux fur Biker jacket
By Thierry Mugler, Mugler
Located in Genève, CH
Made of soft black faux fur fabric, this biker jacker has the emblematic sculpted Mugler’s shape. -Double breasted biker cut -Closed by six silver snap buttons embellished with a star -One breast...
1990s Bob Mackie Beaded and Sequin Lattice Pattern Evening Cropped Bolero Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Bob Mackie Beaded and Sequin Lattice Pattern Evening Cropped Bolero Jacket: Exquisitely hand embellished with myriad bugle beads, sequins and rhinestones in a trompe l'oeil tre...
Vintage 80's Bob Mackie Fully Beaded Bolero Jacket size Small NEW
By Bob Mackie
Located in Montgomery, TX
Bob Mackie for Elizabeth Arden Vintage 80's Bolero Jacket Size - Small Exquisitely beaded with black, white, clear, gold and amber colored bead...
1980S BOB MACKIE Red & Gold Lamé Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Red & Gold Lamé Jacket
BOB MACKIE Size S Pink White Embroidered Cotton Jacket Blazer
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Francisco, CA
BOB MACKIE jacket blazer comes in a pink cotton with a full liner featuring a shawl collar, white embroidered designs, and a single button closure. New With Tags. Marked: S Measu...
Bob Mackie Art Deco Gold Black Beaded Jacket, 1980s
By Bob Mackie
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer to the star, Bob Mackie’s designs are easily some of the most exuberant and show-stopping pieces. Having spent much time working in Hollywood for notable designers such as E...
Rare Bob Mackie Toy Race Car Oversized Bomber Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Most Amazing Jacket Is here! Circa 1990s, this Bob Mackie oversized jacket features a winding street with a variety of miniature toy cars placed throughout. The sleeves and hem a...
Bob Mackie Vintage Metallic Gold + White Sequin + Beaded Trophy Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in Sparks, NV
Incredible hand done beadwork by Bob Mackie! Vintage metallic gold and white sequin and beaded trophy jacket. This piece is heavy! Fully lined with no cl...
BOB MACKIE c.1980's I. Magnin Ivory Embellished Beaded Rooster Blazer Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage c.1980's Bob Mackie I. Magnin ivory silk twill long blazer jacket. Cord and beaded black roaster embellishment on back continuing onto left front shoulder. Long sleeve. Colla...
Sold
Size: Small - Large
Vintage Bob Mackie Rare Casino Poker Motif Cropped Embroidered Novelty Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
AMazing and rare vintage BOB MACKIE cropped ' Casino ' jacket! Features a fitted bodice, with a zipper front. Avant Garde yellow collar looks great popped up! Embroidered slot machin...
1970's Bob Mackie Black Taffeta Cropped Embroidered Unicorn Motif Jacket
By Bob Mackie
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Bob Mackie black taffeta cropped embroidered unicorn motif jacket. Size 4. In excellent condition. MEASUREMENTS: Length - 16" Shoulder - 15.5" Bust - 29" Waist - 32"