Mad For Mackie

 This little show called "Mad Men" will be beginning to film its 5th season after the "powers that be" finish sqabbling over money.  You may have heard of the program, it's on AMC, that's a basic cable channel.  One of the many beautiful aspects of this show is the Janie Bryant designed costumes.  Season 4 of “Mad Men” took place in 1966 and the gang looked as slick and sexy as ever.

2 of Aghayan's desgins for Judy illustrated by Bob Mackie

TV in the 60s brings to mind the designers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.  The costume designers of TV shows worked much like the movie designers of that time.  The difference being that all of the actors’ clothing had to be designed and made on a WEEKLY basis!!  Luckily a young Robert Mackie was there to save the day.  Mr. Mackie’s first break was as Ray Aghayan’s assistant on “The Judy Garland Show” in 1963.  His main responsibility was to illustrate Aghayan’s designs.   Could you imagine how a call like that would have gone between Bob and his headhunter? 

As well as working with Aghayan on other projects Bob Mackie also began designing various projects on his own.  His 1960s highlights include: designing a Flying butterfly costume for Lucille Ball for the first episode of the “Danny Thomas Show”, Episodes of “Hollywood Palace” and the TV Special “Mitzi” starring Mitzi Gaynor.

Costume Illustration for Lucille Ball on the Danny Thomas Show

Being that Mr. Mackie worked extensively on TV through the 60s and 70s I feel he would be an amazing resource for the costume team on “Mad Men”.  What better way to get information than from the original source?  I have a feeling Bob may still have some of his original gowns or sketches in storage.  Since Mr. Mackie owns a custom costume shop it would be easy for him to fabricate anything Janie may need for wardrobe.  A collaboration by these two designers could be great for the shows aesthetic as well as a PR bonanza for both parties.  If needed I can be called in to take notes, help with the sewing, and cater to their every need.  I am a VERY valuable worker.

What do you guys, the die hard "Mad Men" fans think?  Thoughts?

-Philip Estrada

An Inspired Wandering Mind

My mind was wandering a bit today.  I find in these instances it's best to put pencil to paper and see where it takes you.  In this case, all I had was a pen and a little notebook, so please excuse the writing lines.  I got to thinking about how pretty a graphic pattern would look if it were made of small flat sequins on sheer mesh.  Picture a design that looks like crashing waves going every which direction.  The effect is awesome and has a lot of movement.

How amazing would this look in flesh colored mesh with the sequins in navy and midnight blue? Imagine within the design mixing matte and shiny finishes?  Ugh... to die for!

I could see Kim Kardashian wearing this to the MTV Music Awards or Christina Hendricks rocking every inch of this at the Golden Globes.

The wonderful thing about this technique is that it could easily be applied to ready to wear as well. A navy silk voile dolman sleeve top with a sheer back with the sequin motif all over the front panel would look stunning!  It would look very sexy with some super skinny jeans and a sexy platform heel.  One could easily design a whole group of separates around this gown.

An example of Navy Sequins used in casual separates

-Philip Estrada