Bob Mackie Embellished Strap Dress, 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.

Sleeveless, v-neck halter dress in black wool-blend crepe with bead and sequin-embellished shoulder straps. Concealed zip closure at back. Unlined with satin binding at interior seams. 
Label: Bob Mackie
Size: 6
Date: 1980s
Country of Origin: United States

Approximate Measurements: 
Bust: 25"
Waist: 24"
Length: 47"

This lot is located in Chicago.

From the Collection of a California Lady

Condition
Condition:The overall condition is very good. Minor residue at lining near hemline.Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email couturecr@hindmanauctions.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.