Turnt Back The Times

Ryan and I had the pleasure of seeing our patron saint, Cher, in concert here in NYC. She puts on a great show. I hope I'm still giving them hell at her age. 

Since we were seeing The Diva herself we had to dress accordingly. The outfit I made myself was inspired by her iconic "Turn Back Time/I Found Someone" look designed by Bob Mackie. 

Bob Mackie inspiration 

In-mirror bedroom selfie 

Obligatory Bathroom Selfie!!

Detail of the rhinestones

The shirt is a fishnet and black sequin combo. Painstakingly hand sewed and detailed with rhinestones in crystal and two shades of purple. The iconic motorcycle jacket was given an update by making it from black and silver sequined material.

Nothing goes better with an exposed midriff than beer!

This is me going nuts, rightfully so, when Cher sang "Turn Back Time"

Ryan's look was also A HIT!!

Ryan paired his sequined Cher T-shirt I made him with a custom sailor hat encrusted with hundreds of Swarovski Crystals. I even rhinestoned the inside of the brim of his hat in a light blue stone in order to give him even more sparkle.  All night he was greeted with adulation and cheers of delight. At one point money was offered for his hat. Sadly the dude wasn't a serious buyer. 

Before and After

We had a blast and will cherish that night forever!

-Philip Estrada

Blurry Shade - LOL

Mackie/Cher-gate

By this time everyone has read the news that Bob Mackie regretfully had to bow out of providing the wardrobe for Cher's latest tour, "Dressed To Kill."  Some are saying that this is her final tour. Personally I'm not buying it. As long as you can glue rhinestones to a wheelchair there is still a chance for a follow up tour.

I won't bother copy/pasting the tweets and statements into this post. It is obvious that both Bob and Cher are disappointed in the circumstances, we all are.  Oh what Mackie visions could have been...

But life goes on and there is no use dwelling. Cher is in good hands with Hugh Durrant since he's worked with her in the past. 

Although the tour will be sans Mackie my ensemble will be paying homage to both divas. I am doing this for solidarity, tradition and mostly because I've already started and I'm not one for looking back. 

Until then let's enjoy some epic Mackie-Cher Realness. 

-Philip Eatrada

The Rockettes: Bob Mackie Style

Thanksgiving has come and gone, the turkey has been served, and the war wounded Black Friday shoppers have limped back home with their spoils.  That can only mean one thing: it’s officially “The Christmas Season!” 

Nothing says Christmas more clearly than The Rockettes… well Santa does a pretty good job, but Santa is no where NEAR as glamorous as those high-kicking Radio City gals!

Since seeing The Rockettes is a New York City Christmas tradition this post couldn't be more perfectly timed.  The guys and gals over at the Radio City Music Hall will be celebrating 85 years of high-kicking style!  It has come to my attention that our good pal Bob Mackie designed for the Rockettes in 1981!  The same year that Jubilee! opened in Las Vegas.  Man!  Must have been the busiest of years?!  The Rockettes show this year features many of their signature costumes from its rich history.  It is wonderful that they brought back Mackie's totally tubular turbans!

Here is a copy of Bob's original costume sketch that is actually on sale as a souvenir print!  

I love that Bob resurrects his signature trapunto sequin twists for the turbans. 

I hope everyone enjoys The Holiday Season!

-Philip Estrada

Olympic Spirit

The 2012 London Olympic Games kicked off last night with the Opening Ceremonies.  The pageantry and spectacle was in full force in the way only the English can do it.  The Olympics have always had a special place in my heart ever since I was a kid.  The first games I can fully remember watching were the Barcelona games in 1992.  I do remember smatterings of the '88 Seoul games.  The 1984 Olympics were held in bright and shiny Los Angeles.  Sadly I don't remember anything from the Los Angeles games.  Bear in mind I was 3 years old.  I do recall some Sam the Eagle paraphernalia laying around the house for years to come.

Recently I had learned that the costumes for the opening and closing ceremonies of the '84 games were designed by Ray Aghayan.  Mr. Aghayan was the lifelong partner of Bob Mackie and passed away in October of 2011.  His talent will be greatly missed.  Aghayan designed 50 different costumes for the ceremonies, and they were duplicated for some 11,000 performers.  

There was even a flight suit for Bill Suitor who entered the arena via Jet Pack.  I wonder if this technology had anything to do with why the Soviets boycotted the games?

I hope the spirit of the games continues on through the 2012 London games.  I wish all the athletes the best of luck and urge them to remember the most important thing, if you can't win gold make sure to look fabulous while trying.  I'm off to watch rhythmic gymnastics followed by men's water polo!

-Philip Estrada

Lynda Carter

The fact that this happened makes me SO happy!  Bob Mackie designed the costumes for the Lynda Carter TV Special "Encore!" in 1980.  This was part of a musical medley that Lynda, most know as TV's Wonder Woman, performed describing her "Rock and Roll Fantasy."  She embodied the personas of Tina Turner, Bette Midler and KISS.  Believe you me... Gene Simmons never looked SO GOOD!

The video can be seen here

I really hope she has this costume hanging in her closet and occasionally breaks it out to reenact the number after a few martinis.

- Philip Estrada

Gold Diggers

I don't know about you, but I am VERY excited about "The Great Gatsby" movie coming out this Christmas.  If this movie is anything like Baz Luhrmann's last film, "Moulin Rouge" it is going to have a noticeable cultural impact.  Working in fashion I have already been seeing the influences of the flapper for a couple seasons and when the movie comes out it'll only be heightened further.

 I think Jubilee! should capitalize on this impending Roaring 20s craze. Through my endless research of the show I have found out that there once was a Gold Diggers number.  It must have been cut when they trimmed the show down to 90 minutes from 120.  I tracked down the original costume sketches that the University of Las Vegas has in their reference library. 

Original Bob Mackie sketches for the cut Gold Digger number.  

Unsigned but you can tell by the distinct way he draws hands.

I was delighted beyond belief when I saw a photo of this costume on Facebook.  Alexandra Freeman, until recently, a Jubilee showgirl has been generous enough to allow me to publish it here.  I would love to see this bad boy in action!  I can almost hear those gold coins a-tinklin'.

Follow Alexandra Freeman on Twitter

Maybe we'll see this costume back on the stage one day.  One can hope... I sure would love to see a chorus line of Bob Mackie clad Gold Diggers!

-Philip Estrada

Not Ashamed Of My Super Fan Status

Shamelessly I proclaim to you, "I am a SUPER FAN!"  Super Fan of what you ask?  Well Mr. Bob Mackie is a given, after all let's not forget the blog's namesake.  Second to him, I am an insane frothing at the mouth type fan of his masterpiece Jubilee!  I am constantly researching that show and finding new references, photos and even blog entries from cast members!

Since I'm a super-pooper-duper obsessed fan it's only natural that I would be doing my own fan art.  This one is inspired by the artwork used to advertise the shows running at The Moulin Rouge in Paris.  I feel like a preteen obsessively drawing versions of my favorite X-men characters... and I love it!  I'll try my best to avoid Jubilee! fan fiction, God only knows how weird that would get.

-Philip Estrada

A Love Letter to the Cast and Crew of Jubilee!

Tonight I will be going to see Jubilee! again.  I have been enamored with these ladies ever since I first saw them descend the glittering staircase in their towering Bob Mackie headdresses.  Please allow me the chance to express my admiration in the best way I know how. 

I present "My Heart," a gift to all the showgirls, showboys, and crew.   Nothing like a little fan art to clearly express just how much I love this show!

I hope Jubilee! continues to be a Las Vegas institution for as long as there is a Las Vegas.

-Philip Estrada

The Lost Art of Jubilee!: The Second Installment

This time next week I will be in Vegas!  The first order of business will be to go see the glittering Bob Mackie clad goddesses over at Jubilee!  If you’ve been following the blog you know by now that I have an unhealthy fixation on showgirls.  Jubilee! will be my new Las Vegas tradition going forward.  In honor of my return to the Neon Oasis in the Mojave Desert I wanted to share with you the second installment of “The Lost Art of Jubilee!” 

This Bob Mackie design was under consideration for the production of Jubilee! when the costumes were still being designed and not a dancer was cast.

I love this costume because it is unlike anything in the show currently.  I wonder what kinds of feathers they would have used to make her giant multi color pom-pom.  The costume wasn’t ultimately used so this sketch was auctioned at Christie’s in 2005.

-Philip Estrada

Happy Birthday Mr. Mackie!

Happy Birthday Mr. Mackie!  

I hope your special day is full of Sparkle & Excitement!

-Philip Estrada

Le Mackie... Oh La La - Part 2

Last night while browsing aimlessly on the interwebs Ryan came across this video and promptly pointed it out.  It seems as these were promo videos put together after Vogue Paris' February issue in Las Vegas.


The first video features the ladies of Jubilee! in their fan dance costumes designed by our friend and my future boss, Bob Mackie.  Those ladies move so effortlessly!

The second video is sheer perfection!  Not only does it feature quite an excellent Elvis impersinator, but it also features the Jubilee! ladies both on and off stage.  Featured heavily is one of the show's finalé costumes which is an engineering marvel.  The costume is lovingly nicknamed "The 747" on account of its breathtaking wingspan.  The entire finale of Jubilee! features an army of headdresses each more breathtaking than the next and all of which were designed by Bob Mackie.

These videos make me antsy for my return trip to Vegas!  So glad that these got uploaded to youtube.  A big thanks to them.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.


- Philip Estrada

Le Mackie... OH LA LA!

French Vogue swung by Vegas for it's February issue to shoot a 66 page fashion spread using the City of Sin as its playground!  When I heard that, I ran to the nearest world magazine store and threw down my cash like a shameless addict.  Prominently featured throughout the spread was the Bob Mackie clad ladies of Jubilee!  I know I post a lot about these gals, but honestly I can’t help myself.  They are magnificent!

I love these shots because the Jubilee gals are used as props and secondary models, but they outshined the main model!  Since they are wearing the Bob Mackie and Pete Menefee designed costumes from the show your eye goes directly to them.  The detail and intricacy of their wardrobe is so dazzling!  In some of the photos it's like playing Where's Waldo to find the model!

Below are the photos I scanned directly from the magazine.

I am in LOVE with the lady at the top of the stairs!  I’ve never noticed her costume in photos before, but I am obsessed with her now!  Work it out lady friend!  WORK IT OUT!

-Philip Estrada

Oscars and Cher... Together.... Forever

The Oscars are airing this Sunday and my Google alert on Bob Mackie is BLOWIN' UP!!  As it turns out Cher's Mohawk ensemble from 1986 designed Mr. Bob Mackie is the only interesting thing to ever happen at the Academy Awards... EVER!  Every article and blog post that is currently being posted about the Oscars mentions Cher's outlandish outfit.  So I am throwing my hat into the ring to get me some of those sweet sweet Oscar Google search views!

I think it's so awesome that a Bob Mackie ensemble is again associated with Hollywood's biggest night.  I remember seeing videos and pictures of this ensemble on TV when I was a kid.  Every news show reporting on the Oscars would always call back to Cher's 'shocking' outfit.  I remember thinking that she looked amazing.  It had to be the most epic thing I had ever seen. 

I can't wait to start working with Bob Mackie so we can make amazing and unforgettable creations together.

-Philip Estrada

Showgirls on the Brain

I just can't stop sketching showgirls!  Those Jubilee! ladies have infected my noodle.  Don't get it twisted though... I am NOT complaining.  I've waxed poetic before about how amazing those over the top Mackie designs are so I'll keep it more brief this time.  The Bob Mackie showgirls may be some of his most mind blowing works ever.  I've been studying the sketches and photos of the costumes at length.  I feel it has inspired me to design without limitations while always maintaining a level of beauty and timeless style.

Here are a few sketches I have done inspired by the Bob Mackie clad ladies of Jubilee!  Hope you enjoy!

-Philip Estrada

10 Minute Mackie Break

Since it's Friday I feel that everyone deserves a little "Mackie Break."  It's the same as a coffee break but far more glamorous! 


It's 1983 and everyone is gathering around their TV sets to see who will take home Oscar.  A Mackie clad Bernadette Peters storms the stage singing a tribute to the legendary song writer Irving Berlin.  In the supporting role is an army of Bob Mackie bedeckeddancers.  Make sure you watch near the end since beautiful Amazonian showgirls take the stage for “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody”.  Can’t help but think these ladies were imported from “Hallelujah Hollywood” in Vegas.

Enjoy your “Mackie Break!”
-Philip Estrada

Celebrating the Life of Ray Aghayan

Ray Aghayan

1928-2011

Today Hollywood lost a great talent and Mr. Mackie lost his long time partner.  Bob Mackie has worked with Ray Aghayan since almost the beginning of his career when he was assisting him on The Judy Garland Show.  Aghayan was instrumental in getting the Academy of TV Art and Sciences to recognize the work of the costume designers and won the first Emmy along side Bob Mackie for their work in Alice Through the Looking Glass in 1967.  They worked together on many other memorable and colorful projects including movies, TV Specials, and the Vegas Show "Hallelujah Hollywood".  

Bob Mackie and Aghayan opened a Costume Studio in North Hollywood where they both worked out of.  Mr. Mackie lost a dear friend today and my heart goes out to him and all of Mr. Aghayan's family and friends.  His talent will be missed.





- Philip Estrada