A light beige souffle nude illusion, fully-embellished, evening gown designed by Bob Mackie for Raquel Welch, unlabeled but confirmed by designer Bob Mackie, the gown was a custom-made design for Welch.

The gown features a sheer beaded bodice with a single layer of souffle fabric with long sleeves featuring a strategic beaded design, ears of wheat, and fringe accents at the lower arms. The gown is fitted through to the hips with the skirt going into an A-line shape, hemline hitting below the ankle. There is a high neckline but the gown is cut low at the back. Fully embroidered the gown has glass gold-tone bugle beads, micro gold sequins, faceted rhinestones, and gold beads are tied off at the ends of the fringe. The gown is accompanied by two beaded straps, unfinished, and not incorporated into the final design.

Bob Mackie worked with Jean Louis who designed the nude illusion gown worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1962, singing "Happy Birthday" to JFK. Mackie who went on to design for Cher and other celebrities have gone on to wear nude illusion gown designs. Monroe is credited for making the gown into an evening wear garment, before her wearing the gown at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, these gowns were worn as a costumes for stage and film productions.

Welch was photographed in the gown performing at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, Paris, France, on February 4, 1976. Together with a clipping containing a photo of Welch wearing the dress.

PROVENANCE From The Estate of Raquel Welch

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