Bob Mackie Extraordinary 1990s Art Deco Beaded Gown

Name: Bob Mackie Extraordinary 1990s Art Deco Beaded Gown
Brand: Bob Mackie
Price: 3800 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Bob Mackie is commonly regarded as one of the world’s most prolific costume designers with his designs gracing stages and screens all over the globe. He famously designed for the likes of Cher and Diana Ross, and his designs continue to serve as inspiration for many celebrities and stars. Sometimes referred to as the “sultan of sequins” Mackie is a three-time Oscar nominee as well as an Emmy and CDFA award winner. In the 1990s, Mackie launched a ready-to-wear line that brought all of the fanciful dreaminess he is known for to the everyday woman in classic silhouettes with a twist. This extraordinary Bob Mackie dress is a dreamy blend of sparkly art deco swirls and impeccable tailoring. Done in net with peach silk detailing, this dress features a swirling pattern of iridescent white beads that accentuate the natural lines of the body. The sleeveless design begins with peach silk shoulder straps that are connected by a length of peach silk trim at the collarbone. The net fabric is partially lined at the bust, creating a plunging V neckline that is further defined by more silk detailing. Three long strips of peach silk extend from just beneath the bust to the hem of the dress, creating a corset-like aesthetic that is feminine and seductive at once. Size: 6 Measurements: Bust: 36 Waist: 28 Hips: Length: 56 inches The dress falls to a maxi length at the ankles and is fitted throughout, creating a slender columnar silhouette. A thigh-high slit at the center front of the dress adds a welcome note of drama that allows for greater ease of movement. The open back of the bodice introduces yet another risqué element that merges beautifully with the rest of the design and helps balance the beaded fabric. The back of the dress and hem are finished with more peach silk detailing, bringing the dress together visually while giving the eye something new to appreciate from each angle. An exquisite, swoon-worthy addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this Bob Mackie dress is the perfect choice for a gala, wedding, or special occasion and can easily be styled with statement heels and accessories. This 80s Bob Mackie dress is fully lined in a silky peach fabric and has a back zip closure. In excellent condition, it has been professionally eco-dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself. - Follow us on Instagram @BASHAGOLD

Designer:

Bob Mackie

Brand:

Bob Mackie

Dimensions:

Marked Size: 6 (US)

Period:

1990-1999

Condition:

Seller Location:

Boca Raton, FL

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU73019135882

View Invoice

Shop All Bob Mackie

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.