Bob Mackie Couture Cocktail Dress 1991
View Similar Items
Bob Mackie Couture Cocktail Dress 1991
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 31 in (78.74 cm)Marked Size: M (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 30 in (76.2 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Phoenix, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU72437992
Bob Mackie
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.
- Herve Leger Grey Sequin Embellished Knit Cap Sleeve Bandage Dress MBy Herve LégerLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The Herve Leger dress exudes sophistication and allure. Crafted from premium fabric, it clings to the body's curves flawlessly, highlighting feminine silhouettes. The cap sleeve desi...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Saint Laurent Black Crepe & Jersey Draped Gown SBy Saint LaurentLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Resplendent, elegant, and gorgeous, this gown defines it all. Flaunting a floor-length silhouette, this gown is beautified using stunning details and a stylish neckline. Wear it with...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Loewe Blue Cotton Blend Smocked Detail Tie-Up Neck Mini Dress SBy LoeweLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Loewe dress is a chic and stylish garment that exudes elegance and sophistication. With its sleek design, flattering silhouette, and high-quality craftsmanship, this dress is pe...Category
2010s European Mini Dress
- MartinMargiela S/S2008 PlungingVneck Bias Ruched Halter SlitDress Black TopBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in Chicago, ILFrom one of the last fashion collections by legendary Belgian artist Martin Margiela, this asymmetrical plunging V-neck black jersey pullover that he designed for Spring/Summer 2008 ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Balenciaga NicolasGhesquiere SilkFlowerPrint StructuredShortSleeve BiasCutDressBy Balenciaga, Nicolas GhesquièreLocated in Chicago, ILWhile at Balenciaga in late 2007, Nicolas Ghesquiere designed this 100%-silk bias-cut paneled dress that explodes with a grey and pale-yellow flower print and features unique technic...Category
Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld red cashmere wool and faux fur dress, fw 2010By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for ChanelLocated in London, GB▪ Chanel red cashmere wool knee-length dress ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Faux 'fantasy' fur skirt and sleeves ▪ Funnel neck backed with brown lambskin leather ▪ Two front pockets...Category
2010s French Day Dresses