Today is the 69th Birthday of Miss Barbra Streisand. In her honor enjoy these costume design sketches from her appearance on "The Judy Garland Show" from 1963. The looks were designed by Ray Aghayan and were illustrated by his assistant. You may have heard of him. His name is Bob Mackie.
In honor of Easter and the beginning of Spring I would like to share with you Bob Mackie's floral hats from 1992. They are so jaunty and fun just like Spring! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!
The boyfriend and I scored a couple free tickets to a preview performance of "Baby It's You" opening soon on Broadway. This is the all new musical based on Scepter Records founder, Florence Greenberg's involvement in creating the all girl group The Shirelles. At one point in the show The Shirelles were named the #1 Girl Group of ALL TIME! Inevitably times changed and they had to step aside when Diana Ross and her Mackie-clad Supremes marched into town. Oh Diana and the Supremes... how awesome were they?!
Sadly the show wasn't all that exciting. The songs didn't stay with you like other shows. In my opinion the best number was actually the Dionne Warwick character singing "Walk On By."
We must change the subject to happier thoughts, such as:
A trio of Motown beauties decked from head to toe in the sweet sweet Mackie goodness! This is from Diana Ross and the Supremes - GIT On Broadway; a TV special with The Temptations in 1969. Here they perform a couple songs from Porgy & Bess for your enjoyment.
I need to get a job with Mr. Mackie ASAP. When I watch this video my only thought is how fun it would have been to sequin those gowns! I got sparkles on the brain!
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 “HollywoodPalace” 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?
