After this year’s Met Gala themed the gilded age, everyone knows the iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”, but the designer of the dress is equally as iconic. Bob Mackie, an American fashion designer, is the genius mind behind this year’s most talked about Met Gala look.
Mackie is not new to the fashion design industry. The Southern California naitive got his start in 1961 working for Paramount studios but his career really took off in 1966. It was in this year when Mackie was hired by Mitzi Gaynor to costume her specifically for entertainment specials. Mackie performed so well that Gaynor relied on Mackie for the following 50 years.
While Gaynor was Mackie’s first celebrity client, she was far from his last. Mackie has dressed icons such as Cher, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and The Temptations. His designs can be found in productions like Gone With The Wind, or on stage at a P!nk concert.
Mackie’s designs are timelessly elegant. He has become known for his signature sleek silhouettes that accentuate the feminine figure. His designs are often adorned with rhinestones and feathers. Mackie’s designs remain playful and sexy through time, cementing him as one of the greatest designers.
Here are some of Mackie’s brilliant designs through time:
This beautiful billowy dress features a floral print that is reminiscent of a tropical vacation. The form fitting top bodice of the dress is accompanied by a sexy scooped neckline. The oversized bell sleeves offer a romantic touch to the design. This dress showcases a young and fresh look with shades of orange, yellow, pink, and white. Of course, this design would not be one of Mackie’s without the sequins which can be found placed throughout the dress.
Mackie and Cher had a long professional relationship. Mackie’s design for Cher features a sleek black skirt with a zig-zagged waist line. To complement that, the top is made up of diamond cut outs and a cage like design with a mock neckline. The entire sparkly get up is topped off with a fuzzy headdress and a matching cape.
Mitzi is once again wearing Mackie and looking fabulous. This sheer, floor length gown presents an elegant figure. The crystal detailing on the dress adds some drama and shine to this outfit. The influence of this dress can be seen today in the Versace dress worn by Lizzo to the 2020 Grammy Awards Show.
Diana Ross wears a breathtaking outfit from Mackie. This outfit includes all of Mackie’s signature touches, shimmering gems, and sheer material. This dazzling outfit jas a very unique neckline that gives off an almost regal mood.
Diana Ross, like Cher, developed an affection for Mackie’s designs. Mackie captures the spirit of Ross in the gold design. This two piece outfit is as eye-catching as Ross herself. The fringe offers a playful look, while the gold metallic coloring feels glamorous. As Mackie often does, he included a large, romantic wing sleeve.
This look from Mackie’s Fall 1983 show is timeless. This silhouette has squared shoulders and sleek sleeves, different from the majority of his designs. This beautiful wrap dress is a timeless look. A sleeve design coupled with the Mackie shine and shimmer. This dress shows the range of Mackie’s talents.
Lastly on this list, is a personal favorite. Cher is wearing a look that I think fully encompasses the spirit of a Mackie design. This look is sexy, sleek, flashy, romantic, and dazzling. The sheer catsuit has strings of sequins. The arms and legs of this outfit have fluffy white feathers laid in a fringe effect.
By Tianna Staten