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

Cher-ing is Caring

With Cher's impending album release I felt that it would behoove me to revisit some of my favorite Cher Fashions. Clearly she looks the most epic when she is wearing Bob Mackie.
I LOVE this Pink and Orange gown with a chevron motif accented with silver.  The faux sheer panel across the bust with the chains is a tantalizing element but still remains elegant.  Not to mention the shawl reveal!  When Bob Mackie and Cher team up it's pure glamour!!!

Is anyone else as excited as I am about the costumes for this tour?!

-Philip Estrada

Reunited and it feel SO GOOD!

I woke up this morning to find out some very exciting news!
Our good friend Cher tweeted in the wee hours of the morning confirming that she will be once again donning Sequin Encrusted Bob Mackie masterpieces for her upcoming tour!

I am over the moon right now.
This means a whole new crop of Mackie-Cher creations.  Could I ask for anything more?
I could, but I don't want to get greedy.  I have never been so happy!

Below are some of my favorite creations Bob Mackie has designed for Cher.
CHER! CHER! CHER!!!!  Is any one else losing their minds?!
-Philip Estrada

LGBT Pride Courtesy of Cher

It's Pride here in NYC and in order to celebrate the occasion in style, Bloomingdales is hosting The Stonewall Pride Collection Exhibit. They are featuring looks from several LGBT designers, including everyone's favorite, Bob Mackie. On display are two looks that he designed for LGBT favorite, Cher!
The sequin Bob Mackie looks are from Cher's Caesars Palace show. There is a blue floral three dimensional sequin and bead encrusted gown with matching head piece. I love good headgear! Also shown is Cher's purple Zoot Suit and hat complete with pheasant plume.
This is a must see opportunity! Viewing Bob Mackie's work up close is almost indescribable. When seen from a distance, the dazzling look enhances the wearer but when zoomed in on each section the embellishment becomes a work of art on its own, like a microscopic mosaic. This is yet another reason why I am so inspired by Mackie. He has an ability to see the overall effect of the look as well as seeing all the detail and beauty that goes into the piece.
The Stonewall Pride Exhibition is being hosted at Bloomingdales' Uptown location (Broadway and 59th street) on the third floor through June 30th. Swing by if you can.

 

 

-Philip Estrada

Cher's Sparkle Drawer

Kathy Griffin was on "Late Night with David Letterman" last night dishing about her friendship with Cher.  Although her impression isn't the best, the gossip is top notch!  I love the idea of Cher keeping Bob Mackie in her "Sparkle Drawer."  Hell I'd live in that thing.  I have a feeling  it has a few more square feet in it than most Manhattan apartments.  "What's that Miss Cher?  More rhinestones on that bra?  I'm on it!"

-Philip Estrada

Take Time to Enjoy the Cher

Hello fellow Mackie fans!  Today is Friday and I know everyone's brain has already checked out for the day.  So I suggest we all take a moment to enjoy a little Cher.  Where Cher goes a Mackie is sure to join which makes every Cher moment a bit more sparkly. 


This is one of my favorite Mackie-Cher moments, from the Cher Show in 1975.  Nothing better than an uptempo reveal.  Am I right ladies?  Don't even get me started!  That feather wrap needs to be in every women's closet.  I love the draped rope detail on this dress.  Mackie used this detail in Jubilee! and even in the Barbie 50th Birthday fashion show.  I love it!  It gives the gown an opulent looks that recalls images of the Ottoman Empire. 

The gown was auctioned off by Cher in 2006, but the wrap wasn't present at the sale... which can mean only one thing.  She still wears it from time to time.  After all, you never know when an emergency reveal might strike!

 -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

A Mackie Christmas to All and to All a Good Cher!

It's the Friday before Christmas and we're all running around like escaped mental patients wrapping up loose holiday ends!  Take a moment to relish in the wonderment this season has to offer.  Watching this video is a good start, it has Cher rocking some Bob Mackie Dickensian inspired Holiday wear.  INTO IT!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Wide World of Mackie

Well look who we have here in the September issue of Italian Elle Magazine... it's none other than Miss Cher herself!  And who is this ravishing beauty wearing in her 4 page article?  Mr. Bob Mackie of course, on every page!!

Mr. Mackie has always had a global appeal.  And here is the proof in black and white.

-Philip Estrada

Drum Roll Please....

Here is the moment you've all been waiting for!  The zany video I promised you has finally arrived!  I honor of reaching 100 likes on the Facebook page I present to you me dancing around to Cher's "Song For the Lonely" celebrating the awesomeness that is Bob  Mackie!

I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it!  Don't forget to tell eveyone you've ever met to "Like" the Facebook page.  After all, imagine what I'll do for 500 likes.

-Philip Estrada

Bob Mackie Art Event

In honor of the Bob Mackie Art event today I thought I share with you a little Bob Mackie Illustration gem!  Wouldn't mind having this beautiful lady hanging on my wall, if you know what I mean.

- Philip Estrada

The Internet - Now With More MACKIE!

Lately I have been exploring the world of Web Series and Podcasts.  One of my faves is “Kevin Pollak's Chat Show”.  It's great he's been streaming live weekly shows from his website for almost 2 years.  The format is pretty simple.  He sits down with a person of note (usually a celeb) and chats with them for around an hour and a half to two.  I honestly think Bob Mackie would make a wonderful guest but we'll deal with that later.  Kevin Pollak has managed to turn an unpaid rag tag team of people into a show that has live weekly viewers up to a thousand at a time.  The wonderful thing about the show is that they still retain they’re motto from the first show, “We aren't ready.”  The chat show archives are now hosted as a pay to download audio podcast on iTunes and Amazon.com has started carrying them as a DVD for purchase as well.  On Kevin’s website the full videos of the show are hosted with short commercials inserted periodically.  This helps pay his crew for their time.  I've been watching the show for about a year now and it makes me really happy to see them succeed.

This got me thinking about my future BFF and employer Mr. Mackie.  Bob needs to get in on this racket.  People love Bob Mackie because his charm is undeniable and infectious.  So here’s my pitch!

There have been rumblings about Cher working on a new studio album.  With a new album comes a world wide tour.  Since it's a Cher tour Mackie will be called upon once again to make her look amazing 30 times over.  This is where the web series comes in.   How fascinating would it be to have a documentary film crew follow the Bob Mackie and team on the journey from first sketch to first concert?!  The film could be released directly on bobmackie.com in 15-30 minute weekly episodes in conjunction with the start of Cher’s tour.  The episodes will most likely go viral and gain more and more viewers as the weeks progress and additional episodes are posted.

The concept reminds me of “Signe Chanel,” a documentary series (5 half hour episodes) that was filmed in 2005.  The crew filmed at the Chanel couturier as they prepared and eventually showed the Chanel Haute Couture collection by Karl Lagerfeld.  The show is fascinating because it focuses mostly on the process and the human drama of producing these amazing works of art. 

Having the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mackie I would bet that the tone of his documentary would be equally if not more beautiful!  Seeing Bob Mackie illustrate and present his ideas to Cher could be an episode all on its own.  Seeing his ladies sequin and bead bringing Cher’s costumes to life would be amazing to watch in time lapse sequences.  I’m actually salivating at the idea of watching this series and it is only an idea!  Having this kind of access inside the world of Bob Mackie could potentially secure this project as one of the “go to” fashion industry films.

Releasing the film for free is a great marketing tool since the Internet was founded on the concept of sharing art and information for free.  Many big names in Hollywood have been making internet specific content for a while now.  Will Ferrell and many other big name stars, including Academy Award Winners, have been working with FunnyorDie.com to shoot short form comedy videos, Joss Wheden shot “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” with Neil Patrick Harris, specifically for internet distribution in 2008, Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube, even the White House is posting videos online.  Major TV networks have recently gotten on the “internet specific content” band wagon as a means to promote their weekly programs and bring in additional advertising revenue.  If the Bob Mackie bills really do need to get paid then he can go the route of Vimeo, and have a short commercial at the beginning of each video for ad dollars.  It makes sense for Mr. Mackie to utilize this tool to his advantage.  It will easily bolster his street cred with this new tech-savy generation that is poised and ready for new and fascinating content.

I would love to watch this series let alone work on this project.  I wonder what the Bob Mackie fans think about the idea of a webseries?  Thoughts?

- Philip Estrada

Cher Sends Her Love

Happy Friday friends!  I hope you have wonderful plans for this weekend.  Myself I plan on relaxing and squeezing in as much personal work as possible.  I can't help it!  I find it relaxing!

So today I was browsing the Youtube and found this adorable video.  Bob Mackie's buddies Cher and Carol discuss hosting a variety show and give the various crew teams a shout out.  It was wonderful to see them give Mr. Mackie the first shout out AND by name!  You can really tell that Carol and Cher appreciate his talent and dedication.

Enjoy! And have a wonderful weekend everybody!

- Philip Estrada

Cher is Taking It Home

Take me home

Back home is where I want to be

Wrapped in your arms so tight

Just making love... 

Cher is amazing and always will be.  One can't think of Cher without thinking of Bob Mackie and the vice/versa.  I would like to take a moment to share with you some sweet sweet Cher/Mackie action.

Here is the cover for the "Take Me Home" album released by Cher along with the costume illustration. 

One of the many things that I love about Mr. Mackie's work is that the final product looks just like illustrations.  I love the challenge of making the finished ensemble reflect the original design as much as possible.  I thrive on that spur of the moment problem solving, as well as those times when I have to stand back and scratch my head.  It is pure bliss when the solutions to problems hit you like a ton of bricks.  It would be wonderful to work along side Bob Mackie, and I would relish the challenge of interpreting his visions into finished works of art! 

- Philip Estrada

Happy Birthday CHER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHER!!

Today is your birthday CHER!  Bob Mackie's original muse.  He's always stated that dressing you was the bee's knees.  According to Mr. Mackie, and I'm paraphrasing, "She is tall and slender and could wear anything."  Your 40 year collaboration with Mackie has produced many moments we will never forget, even if we tried.  See also, Academy Awards and "Turn Back Time".

I hope you have a wonderful birthday Miss Cher!  Slip into your favorite Mackie and raise a glass of champagne to another wonderful year!  If you can put in a good word with Bob Mackie for me that'd be much appreciated.  I know you have a new album in the works and he's gonna need extra hands when you come in for your fittings.  THANKS!

-Philip Estrada 

Reason #4 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

Reason #4 - Dreams

I HAD A DREAM!  Last night actually.  A Dream that not only starred Bob Mackie, but was costumed by the man as well.  Clearly I am so committed to Team Mackie that my subconscious is right there with me.

Picture it!  There I was standing on the stoop of my building.  It was a nice mild Spring day. The block was empty except for a man walking toward me.  As he got closer I realized it was none other than Bob Mackie.  We struck up a conversation and he was as nice as ever.  I told him that I was going to Las Vegas in 2 weeks for my 30th birthday.  Also I told him how and how super excited I was to have gotten tickets to see ;Jubilee!',  featuring his iconic showgirl designs. 

Then suddenly I was on an old timey pirate ship standing next to Bob Mackie's BFF, Cher.  At first I was a bit disoriented.  I didn't even have time to tell Mr. Mackie about the blog or beg for a job!  Not only that, but he must have thought I was insanely rude for just leaving without saying "Good day, Sir!"  However I wasn't really complaining.  It was nice to be hanging out with Cher on the high seas.  It was only a few minutes until the ship ran aground on the shore.


The pirate costume Mr. Mackie designed for Cher's "Believe" tour.
Photo via some random Flickr account.

Sorry for the small image but I just love the sketch of Cher as a pirate.... YARRRR!

Cher and I jumped off the ship and ran onto the beach which was extremely populated with tourists.  When we made it onto dry land I noticed that she magically changed outfits.  She was now wearing the red version of the "Take Me Home" bugle beaded outfit.  Unsurprisingly, I love every version of this outfit Bob ever made Cher.  Now at this point I couldn't keep up with Cher.  The beach and boardwalk were teeming with drag queens dressed as different versions of Cher.  Being as nice as she is (I assume), Cher insisted on running up and taking a photo with each and every single lady-boy.  That's when I woke up with a giant smile on my face. 

Talk about dedication!  The fact that I would gladly be Cher's wrangler while I sleep has got to be easily one of the BEST reasons for Bob Mackie to hire me!

- Philip Estrada