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

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

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

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

Mondays Are A Drag

Mondays are a drag and everyone knows it.  But this Monday promises to be a whole different kettle of fishy realness.  "What's so different about this Monday?"  Why this, you silly queen!

 

The Raja of Rhinestones returns to RuPaul's Drag Race tomorrow (Check yours local listings).  Bob Mackie and Marg Helgenberger lend their expertly honed skills to help Ru judge The Girls.  Mackie will be inspecting the ladies ability to sparkle while Marg will be collecting forensic evidence about their tuck jobs (she used to be on CSI).  So you better pop your corn in advance and set your DVR's to WOOORK!  And if Ru knows what's good for her she'll make sure that gown is a Mackie!

Just for herstory's sake here is RuPaul wearing a worktastic Bob Mackie creation for the 1995 VH1 Fashion and Music Awards.  Work those wings hunty!

-Philip Estrada

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. MACKIE

Today is Bob Mackie's Birthday!  

Let's all raise our glasses to a True Legend!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday Mr. Mackie!

-Philip Estrada

Brazilian Banana Bonanza Instagram Contest

Hey there everybody! Bob Mackie is giving away his latest Barbie creation, Brazilian Banana Bonanza, to three of his most creative fans. 

The contest is simple.  Follow these easy steps:
1) Follow @BobMackie on Instagram
2) Upload a photo to Instagram inspired by Bob Mackie's Brazilian Banana Bonanza Barbie.
3) Tag the photo with the hashtag #MackieBrazilStyle and @BobMackie

The contest is being judged by 3 of Team Mackie's favorite bloggerinos -

•  Kristine of Beauty in NYC 
• Jasmin of Vintage Vandalizm
• and ME! (It will be an honor and a privilege to serve.)

Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on February 5th, 2013 to be considered.

Make sure to bring you're A-Game people... I expect nothing less from Mackie fans!

For further information please visit The Bob Mackie Blog.

GOOD LUCK!!!

-Philip Estrada