Eliza Doolittle

This gown was inspired by the Embassy Ball scene in “My Fair Lady.”  Rather than designing for the period the musical was set in I opted to be inspired by it instead.  The gown maintains the original intent of the scene but has a sexy contemporary feeling.  The front of the gown will have a dramatically low cut front with a sheer mesh panel.  The bodice of the gown will be encrusted with various sized rhinestones, white sequins and beads that trickle down loosely.  The shape of the gown will be fitted on the front with beautifully draped fullness at the back that transitions into the train.  I want the gown to be dramatically full but it will be constructed so that it doesn't appear shapeless. 

I originally started this just as a study of a Bob Mackie sketch as practice since I liked the pose.  The sketch was coming out pretty awesome so I took it and ran with it.  I had the idea for this gown as an option for a friend’s wedding that is coming up in December.  Although the design would be my own pipe dream I felt as though if I didn’t get it down on paper now I never would.  After the sketch was finished in pencil I scanned it into photoshop to clean it up and add color.  I feel the result looks pretty great!

Can you guess which Bob Mackie sketch was the original inspiration?

-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

Mackie Runs This Town Like Bugsy Siegal

My birthday is TODAY!!!  The Boyfriend and I are going on a Vegas getaway with a few friends.  Priority #1 while we visit the city of sin is JUBILEE!  This show has been a main stay on the Vegas strip since 1981, the very same year I sprung to life!  That's right... I'll be turning 30 in LAS VEGAS!!  We have it all planned out.  We'll be at the Saturday show, dead center, at one of those swanky tables they reserve for their "baller" customers.

Bally's Casino, that hosts the show, also has a backstage tour 3 times weekly where you can see the inner workings of this Las Vegas icon.  This tour has been my dream since the moment I heard it existed!!  I want to see the rhinestones, sequins and feathers up close.  Why would anyone want to see those costumes you ask? 

Four Words: COSTUME - DESIGNER - BOB - MACKIE 

Now pick yourself up off the floor and I can continue!  This show is a throw back to the old shows of Paris and Broadway with the Folies Bergere and the spectacles produced by Ziegfeld.  I have a feeling the grandeur of this show is going to bring me to tears!  This show proves Bob Mackie is a genius.  It's insane to think that the costume designs are going to be 30 years old and the ideas look as fresh as the day they were sketched.  It would seem Mackie's designs were intended for another time. This gives the costumes their dreamy vintage feeling.

 

I was born in the wrong decade.  If only I could have been there to help Bob Mackie with these costumes!  Click the pictures... They get much bigger and there is nothing wrong with THAT!
-Philip Estrada

Baby It's You

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!

-Philip Estrada

The Genius of Mackie

Please watch this video then you can continue reading...

Holy crap!!  Diana Ross' ensemble is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!  Mr. Mackie was clearly channeling the iconic "My Fair Lady" deigns of Cecil Beaton for "Wouldn't It Be Loverly."  Diana Ross sang this on the 1969 TV special "G.I.T. Broadway."  When Diana turned her head to reveal the scope of her hat and ensemble I lost it a little bit.  Mr. Mackie's talents are astounding!  Lady Gaga WHO?!  I need to work with him, that's all there is to say.  To be able to sew sequins on something of this caliber would be a dream come true.

-Philip Estrada