Prime Viewing

Since our house is a cord cutting home, we spring for Amazon Prime to avoid going all "The Shining" on each other. Below is a list of some choice movies I find particularly inspiring. Also, I have added the reasons why you should cancel all your plans, pop some Orville Redenbacher and stay in all night.

"On A Clear Day You Can See Forever"


Reasons to watch: (other than the above photo)

1. Barbra Streisand
2. Amazing soundtrack
3. Cecil Beaton period gowns
4. The extensive wig and hat budget

This movie will change your life and make you want to buy a wiglet. In fact, upon the first viewing I paused it just to run out and buy one so I could finish the film properly coiffed. Did I mention the epic turban? Oh yeah, that turban is EVERYTHING.

"What A Way To Go"


Reasons to watch:

1. Shirley Maclaine's legs
2. The Edith Head designed half million dollar wardrobe
3. A young Paul Newman and his beard

We watched this movie to celebrate my birthday, low key style. It's a slow one but the costumes make it worthwhile.  I wish they made a full length version of "A Touch of Mink."  I uttered WERK a few times under my breath during that scene.

"First A Girl"


Reasons to watch:

1. Original version of "Victor/Victoria"
2. The stage numbers are insanely lavish
3. The insane amount of egret feathers explains how they ended up on the endangered species list

The only drawback to this flick is that it is in black and white... man those sequins were probably amazing in person.

"The Girl Rush"


Reasons to watch:

1. Rosalind Russell's fast talking wit
2. Roz's fur stole in the big stage number
3. Fernando Lamas... le sigh

Watched this one randomly night. It's a fun movie, but when Fernando sweeps on screen everything else melts away. In all seriousness I turned to Ryan and said, "I'm not even sure what anyone is saying when he's on screen.  He's so DAMN pretty!"

Did I miss any of your favorites?  Do you have any hidden gems that you've found that I should be aware of?  I'm always up for a good 'old timey' film.

-Philip Estrada

Current Obsession- Marlene Dietrich & Jean Louis

Right now I'm having a Marlene moment. Specifically during her "let' tour the world singing my signature tunes" period.

Marlene Dietrich graced stages from Sweden to Las Vegas ensconced top to tails in beads, rhinestones and not much else!  All this finery was provided by the genius talents of Hollywood Legend Maker, Jean Louis.

Jean Louis will forever be remembered for designing the infamous nude gown for Marilyn Monroe when she sang Happy Birthday at 'a friend's' birthday party.

Previous post about the Marilyn gown and it being illustrated by Bob Mackie. 

The nude embellished gown became a signature Marlene Dietrich. Bob Mackie is also known for his nude embellished looks and gladly points to his former boss as his source of inspiration. 

 

 

Just look at those photos, I mean come on! That is the epitome of 'Legend' with a capital "L."
One day I would like to make one of these bad boys. All I need a girl and a reason...

Who should that girl be?

Philip Estrada

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

Restoration Hardware

*** CORRECTION *** - And a video!

I was mistaken when I mentioned that there was an airplane in stage during Hallelujah Hollywood. That was in Hello Hollywood Hello, a different Donn Arden production. Too many show to keep straight! Hallelujah Hollywood featured production numbers celebrating the MGM musicals such as "Kismet," "The Pirate" and "Meet Me In St. Louis."   The finale was a tribute to The Zeigfeld Follies. A big thanks to Grant for helping to keep the history straight!  

Also I wanted to include a video of the restored Bob Mackie in action. Grant Philipo did an amazing job making sure the costume still functioned as originally intended.  I'm could watch her sparkle for hours!! 

*** Original Post ***

By now, my affinity for showgirls should be quite obvious. As it turns out though I'm not alone, there is a Las Vegas Showgirl Museum! How I have managed to NOT visit this place is beyond me, but it is on the top of my to do list!

Grant Philipo, a former performer himself, runs and curates this haven for headdresses out in Las Vegas. In addition to displaying many costumes the museum also houses a collection of photos, videos and assorted show memorabilia.

The respect that Mr. Philipo and I share for all things showgirls sadly isn't a worldwide phenomenon. Many of the costumes for the curtained Vegas shows have been discarded, improperly stored and/or have fallen into disrepair. 

Grant recently finished restoring an original, circa 1978, backpack from"Hallelujah Hollywood" designed by Bob Mackie.  They have taken to calling her "The Golden Cage." It took him over two years to get her on display, but it was well worth the wait considering how far she came. 

Before

In Process

After - Take that daytime talks show make-overs!

The original design sketch by Bob Mackie is housed in the collections at The University of Las Vegas. 

"Hallelujah Hollywood" ran from 1974-1980 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (currently Bally's Hotel and Casino) and celebrated all things Hollywood. This included the signature MGM roaring lion, a Ziegfeld style finale and even a 747 on stage!  Because why not?! 

The show was closed to make way for "Jubilee!" which still runs to this day at Bally's Hotel and Casino. 

This is how the costume appeared on stage during the finale.  Not a lot of photos from this show are circulating anymore.  

Here are links for more information on The Las Vegas Showgirl Museum. I can't wait for my next Vegas trip. All showgirls all the time! Sorry Ryan...

Website- Las Vegas Showgirl Museum

Facebook Page- FACEBOOK

All photos courtesy of Grant Philipo

-Philip Estrada

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

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

What can one say about a pink jump suit emblazoned with mirrored sequin paillettes?  Two things come to mind: 1) It HAS to be designed by Bob Mackie and 2) Elton John being manhandled by Miss Piggy.

So I hope you enjoy the Bob Mackie clad Elton John on the "Muppet Show" singing opposite Missy Piggy.

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

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!

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

What's Your Sign?

Ok... so there are a couple things we need to discuss.  First, Raquel Welch had a TV special air in 1970 simply titled "Raquel!"  Second, the costume designer on the project was our friend and my future boss Mr. Bob Mackie.  Third and most importantly, there are some pretty trippy sequences which require Mr. Mackie's magical costuming skills!

The "Age of Aquarius" number was filmed at an Aztec temple, naturally, and Raquel is backed up by the entire zodiac!  They all look so awesome!  But if I was forced to choose I'd say Pisces was my favorite, but then again no one is complaining about Taurus.  Lady Gaga would kill for the Pisces headdress!

- Philip Estrada

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

Mackie is a Girl's Best Friend.

Everyone loves Carol Channing!  Not just the gentlemen... because she's the blonde, get it?  Do you know who she loves?  Apparently she loves Mr. Bob Mackie.  Mackie designed the costumes for her triumphant return to broadway in "Lorelei," (1974) the sequel to "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."   One of the gowns she refered to as "The Diamonds Dress" and she wore it at every opportunity!

Miss Channing perfoming with The Pops in 1989.

1984 at the Tony's

With Miss Piggy in 1980.  Lucky Muppet!

Bob Mackie has the uncanny ability to make gowns that transcend time with an otherworldly quality.  His ability to make the wearer look like a creature from a dream with no basis in reality is unmatched.  Being able to suspend reality is an amazing skill and not easy for some designers.  This comes in handy since trend and timeline don’t apply which keeps his work timeless.

When designing I hold true to that same mind set.  I want my work to go beyond trend and maintain his sense of enduring style.  When I work for Mr. Mackie I would certainly keep this mantra in mind.  Just give me a start date Bob!  My sequinning fingers are ready!

-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 

Supremely Mackie

It's Friday... THANK GOD!  Blogger has been giving everyone the business all week so I'm gonna go easy on you today.  Enjoy a video I posted earlier of Diana Ross and the Supremes working it out on some numbers from Porgy and Bess.  I am also including the sketch for that WORK-alicious Bob Mackie gowns they are wearing.  ENJOY!

-Philip Estrada

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!

Happy Birthday to Miss Carol Burnett!

Costume sketch for the "Carol Burnett Show"

A gown designed by Bob Mackie for "The Carol Burnett Show"

- Philip Estrada