The Rockettes: Bob Mackie Style

Thanksgiving has come and gone, the turkey has been served, and the war wounded Black Friday shoppers have limped back home with their spoils.  That can only mean one thing: it’s officially “The Christmas Season!” 

Nothing says Christmas more clearly than The Rockettes… well Santa does a pretty good job, but Santa is no where NEAR as glamorous as those high-kicking Radio City gals!

Since seeing The Rockettes is a New York City Christmas tradition this post couldn't be more perfectly timed.  The guys and gals over at the Radio City Music Hall will be celebrating 85 years of high-kicking style!  It has come to my attention that our good pal Bob Mackie designed for the Rockettes in 1981!  The same year that Jubilee! opened in Las Vegas.  Man!  Must have been the busiest of years?!  The Rockettes show this year features many of their signature costumes from its rich history.  It is wonderful that they brought back Mackie's totally tubular turbans!

Here is a copy of Bob's original costume sketch that is actually on sale as a souvenir print!  

I love that Bob resurrects his signature trapunto sequin twists for the turbans. 

I hope everyone enjoys The Holiday Season!

-Philip Estrada

Halloween 2012

Alert the media!  I have begun development on my Halloween costume for this year.  If you follow the Facebook page you've already seen a few pictures and may have guessed my plans.  I am here today though to put all the rumors to rest and make my formal announcement. 

I present to you ladies and gentlemen of the press... Cap'n Crunch!

You and the Cap'n will indeed make it happ'n!

This seafaring master of the high Cereal Seas will be decked out in his best Bob Mackie inspired finery.  His regal hat will tower above him like a Jubilee! headdress festooned with as many feathers as I can cram in there.  The entire ensemble will be encrusted with cobalt blue sequins and details of gold.

Stay tuned as I will be posting more updates along with my progress!
I would love to know what you all think.

-Philip

Gold Diggers

I don't know about you, but I am VERY excited about "The Great Gatsby" movie coming out this Christmas.  If this movie is anything like Baz Luhrmann's last film, "Moulin Rouge" it is going to have a noticeable cultural impact.  Working in fashion I have already been seeing the influences of the flapper for a couple seasons and when the movie comes out it'll only be heightened further.

 I think Jubilee! should capitalize on this impending Roaring 20s craze. Through my endless research of the show I have found out that there once was a Gold Diggers number.  It must have been cut when they trimmed the show down to 90 minutes from 120.  I tracked down the original costume sketches that the University of Las Vegas has in their reference library. 

Original Bob Mackie sketches for the cut Gold Digger number.  

Unsigned but you can tell by the distinct way he draws hands.

I was delighted beyond belief when I saw a photo of this costume on Facebook.  Alexandra Freeman, until recently, a Jubilee showgirl has been generous enough to allow me to publish it here.  I would love to see this bad boy in action!  I can almost hear those gold coins a-tinklin'.

Follow Alexandra Freeman on Twitter

Maybe we'll see this costume back on the stage one day.  One can hope... I sure would love to see a chorus line of Bob Mackie clad Gold Diggers!

-Philip Estrada

Sequin Jackets for Las Vegas

I made sequin tuxedo jackets for Ryan and I to wear when we were in Vegas.  After all it is the glittery city and one should aim to look their best.  We wore them the night that we went to go see Jubilee!  After the show we did some gambling at the Cosmopolitan where everyone was jealous of our fly threads. 

Ryan's jacket was made from a wonderful sequinned fabric we found.  The sequins are a frosted blue color and are arranged in overlapping alternating vertical lines.  The color of the sequins make the jacket appear as though it was made from metallic blue leather.  I love this jacket and can not wait to usurp it for my very own!  

My jacket was a bit more flashy.  The fabric is encrusted with tiny silver sequins applied in a random pattern allowing for maximum bling-age.  The effect was wonderful, we were turning heads all night and were treated like celebs over at Ballys.  The dude working the will call counter gave me two free Jubilee! programs on the house.  I guess he just had a hunch I was a big fan of the show.

All photos courtesy of Ryan Duffey

-Philip Estrada

Not Ashamed Of My Super Fan Status

Shamelessly I proclaim to you, "I am a SUPER FAN!"  Super Fan of what you ask?  Well Mr. Bob Mackie is a given, after all let's not forget the blog's namesake.  Second to him, I am an insane frothing at the mouth type fan of his masterpiece Jubilee!  I am constantly researching that show and finding new references, photos and even blog entries from cast members!

Since I'm a super-pooper-duper obsessed fan it's only natural that I would be doing my own fan art.  This one is inspired by the artwork used to advertise the shows running at The Moulin Rouge in Paris.  I feel like a preteen obsessively drawing versions of my favorite X-men characters... and I love it!  I'll try my best to avoid Jubilee! fan fiction, God only knows how weird that would get.

-Philip Estrada

A Love Letter to the Cast and Crew of Jubilee!

Tonight I will be going to see Jubilee! again.  I have been enamored with these ladies ever since I first saw them descend the glittering staircase in their towering Bob Mackie headdresses.  Please allow me the chance to express my admiration in the best way I know how. 

I present "My Heart," a gift to all the showgirls, showboys, and crew.   Nothing like a little fan art to clearly express just how much I love this show!

I hope Jubilee! continues to be a Las Vegas institution for as long as there is a Las Vegas.

-Philip Estrada

The Lost Art of Jubilee!: The Second Installment

This time next week I will be in Vegas!  The first order of business will be to go see the glittering Bob Mackie clad goddesses over at Jubilee!  If you’ve been following the blog you know by now that I have an unhealthy fixation on showgirls.  Jubilee! will be my new Las Vegas tradition going forward.  In honor of my return to the Neon Oasis in the Mojave Desert I wanted to share with you the second installment of “The Lost Art of Jubilee!” 

This Bob Mackie design was under consideration for the production of Jubilee! when the costumes were still being designed and not a dancer was cast.

I love this costume because it is unlike anything in the show currently.  I wonder what kinds of feathers they would have used to make her giant multi color pom-pom.  The costume wasn’t ultimately used so this sketch was auctioned at Christie’s in 2005.

-Philip Estrada

Happy Birthday Mr. Mackie!

Happy Birthday Mr. Mackie!  

I hope your special day is full of Sparkle & Excitement!

-Philip Estrada

Le Mackie... OH LA LA!

French Vogue swung by Vegas for it's February issue to shoot a 66 page fashion spread using the City of Sin as its playground!  When I heard that, I ran to the nearest world magazine store and threw down my cash like a shameless addict.  Prominently featured throughout the spread was the Bob Mackie clad ladies of Jubilee!  I know I post a lot about these gals, but honestly I can’t help myself.  They are magnificent!

I love these shots because the Jubilee gals are used as props and secondary models, but they outshined the main model!  Since they are wearing the Bob Mackie and Pete Menefee designed costumes from the show your eye goes directly to them.  The detail and intricacy of their wardrobe is so dazzling!  In some of the photos it's like playing Where's Waldo to find the model!

Below are the photos I scanned directly from the magazine.

I am in LOVE with the lady at the top of the stairs!  I’ve never noticed her costume in photos before, but I am obsessed with her now!  Work it out lady friend!  WORK IT OUT!

-Philip Estrada

Showgirls on the Brain

I just can't stop sketching showgirls!  Those Jubilee! ladies have infected my noodle.  Don't get it twisted though... I am NOT complaining.  I've waxed poetic before about how amazing those over the top Mackie designs are so I'll keep it more brief this time.  The Bob Mackie showgirls may be some of his most mind blowing works ever.  I've been studying the sketches and photos of the costumes at length.  I feel it has inspired me to design without limitations while always maintaining a level of beauty and timeless style.

Here are a few sketches I have done inspired by the Bob Mackie clad ladies of Jubilee!  Hope you enjoy!

-Philip Estrada

Inspiration - Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey season 2 premiered on PBS last night and I was more than excited to sit down and watch the 2 hour special!  Leading up to the premier I was recounting the first season and all the beautiful clothing that swept across the screen leaving me breathless. 

One of my favorite things about season 1 was how it began with the news of the sinking of the Titanic.  My mind started its journey from there and I began thinking about the Titanic and its sinking, after all, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the fateful event.  When I think about the Titanic, I also recall the scene in Jubilee!  They showed the passengers arrive to the pier in full high fashion as well as the sinking, right on stage.  It was pretty awesome!
With all this fabulocity clanging around my noodle my hands got to sketching.  This fancy gal is what I came up with. 

Meet Diannis Moorepark.  She has arrived, dressed to the nines in her rhinestone encrusted jacket.  She doesn't seem pleased having to wait to board the Titanic and go to her First Class stateroom.  Let's hope she arrives in New York safe and sound.

-Philip Estrada

30 Years of Jubilee!

This weekend Bally's Las Vegas will be hosted the 30th Anniversary performance of it's hit show Jubilee!  I'm super stoked for them, but bummed, since I couldn't be there.  I have been obsessed with that show and it's history since I first heard about it when reading Bob Mackie's book Unmistakably Mackie.  Mr. Mackie's designs for this show are truly breathtaking.

I found these wonderful pictures that I hope you enjoy.  I don't know much about the history but it looks like they were taken during rehearsals in 1981.  I love seeing the behind the scenes glimpses.  The making of Jubilee is just as fascinating as the show itself.

 Mr. Mackie finessing the ladies is his designs.

 Looks like he giving them some pointers, he undoubtedly picked up some moves from Cher.

A magazine article showing the costumes in full color - awesome! 

I found the costume sketch for the outfits... I love Mr. Mackie's illustration style.

I wonder if anyone from the show can confirm if these costumes are still in Jubilee!  When I saw it I was dazzled by the whirlwind of sequins and feathers and I can't be certain if I saw them.  I can't wait to return to Vegas and see the show again!  

Mr. Mackie's talents are endless and I hope that one day I will be able to work along side him.  Knowing a designer's history is key.  This tells you where they have come from and you are educated in their work and style.  This allows you to stay true to the original intention and aesthetic the designer has developed as their signature.  Since beginning this blog Mr. Mackie's work has become an even deeper passion of mine.  I love learning new things about him and his rich history.  I look forward to the day when I can learn new things directly from the master himself.

-Philip Estrada 

The Lost Art of Jubilee!

Jubilee! at Bally's in Las Vegas is coming up on 30 years of dazzling audiences with showgirls dripping with rhinestones and feathers.  This show is amazing and a must see for everyone visiting Sin City. 

In honor of their 30 years I wanted to share with you a Bob Mackie sketch for the show.

This was a proposed sketch for the Jubilee! that didn't end up getting used for the show.  It was auctioned at Christie's in 2005.

I love this idea because it's 2 looks in one and there is a big show stopping reveal.  The show should consider using this if they ever want to switch up the costumes.  Could you imagine her?!  Strutting slowly down the stairs during the finale with the other ladies dressed in red.  The cymbals crash and she drops the top wowing the audience with even more feathers, sequins and rhinestones!

I was thinking about how much fun it would be to make something this epic.  I love her "bowl" of ostrich plumes.  I already have a statuesque friend who meets the showgirl height requirement.  She's been studying the Jubilee! promo videos so she's ready to go at a moments notice!

- Philip Estrada

I Know It's Early

I realize Halloween is a few months away but lets face it, time gets away from us very easily!   Therefore in order to outdo my costume from last year I've already done some strategizing and sketching.  

The plan this year is to do an ensemble costume of the cast of "The Wizard of Oz."  Seems simple enough but here is the twist!  Each character's gender will be switched and the costumes will be redesigned and pushed to the limit!  

I shall be a male version of the Wicked Witch of the West!  I designed a 1920s cutaway tuxedo jacket with tails extended to the floor.  The sleeves and front panels would be accented by shiny emerald lurex embroidery in vine motifs (I can do some pretty cool stitches on my sewing machine).  Underneath would be an emerald encrusted double breasted vest.  The cravat would be super frilly and be made of a black iridescent fabric with green undertones.  I would sew sequins with beads spaced evenly on the fabric.  The whole thing would be topped off by a black top hat with an emerald sash.  The whole look will come together with my broom that I will be carrying.  That was the original plan, but then something happened...

... The Jubilee Backstage Tour.  After seeing all those beautiful Bob Mackie costumes inches from my face I had an epiphany.  I must, at all cost even death, push my designs to the level of artwork like the costumes of Jubilee.  That experience has been one of the most inspiring things I ever had the benefit of experiencing so intimately. 

The original concept of the costume is remaining much the same, but now the embellishment will be pushed beyond anything I have attempted thus far.  The cuffs are now going to be encrusted in bugle beads and black cup sequins.  The cuffs will extend past the sleeve and emerald and raven color feathers will be inserted into the ends to reference the wings of the Wicked Witch's flying monkies.  The vest will still be encrusted in emeralds, which I'm greatly looking forward to.  The embroidery on the jacket will now be accented with raven black seed beads and wonderful brunished green sequins I found.  They have a matt oil slick quality to them with flecks of yellow and black in them.  I plan on sprinkling the sequins and beads along the embroidery randomly to give it an organic and etherial feeling.  The hat will now have a mass of plumage pouring from it in coordinating emerald and raven colors.  Luckily I found a trim store in the fashion district that has an amazing selection and variety of feathers and I've already begun stocking up.

I think this is going to be a wonderful Mackie-esque Halloween.  I hope you enjoy my sketches, and I will be sure to post many updates of my progress!

-Philip Estrada

Cee Lo-berache

Cee-lo Green's new video for "I Want You" was released yesterday.  The video was filmed at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.  It also features six dancers from the Bob Mackie designed revue "Jubilee" which runs nightly at Bally's.  It's so wonderful to see the ladies working their Mackie duds behind one of today's biggest stars.  It'd be awesome if Cee-Lo performed a few special shows with Jubilee!  He could wear his wonderful Liberache inspired costumes.

- Philip Estrada

Backstage Tour or Lara the Showgirl Makes A Dream Come True

Since I had such a wonderful time in Las Vegas I will continue to blather on and on about it.  Glad that you're on board, and that we see eye to eye on this subject.  One of the most amazing things about Vegas, besides my boyfriend taking the casino for more than $300 at Blackjack, was Jubilee!  I know I spoke about going to the show earlier, but now I must share with you the wonder that is The Backstage Tour. 

We never did make it to that buffet.

Let me set the scene for you guys.  Ryan and I landed in Las Vegas at 10am.  The back stage tour begins at 11am.  We had ONE HOUR to get off the plane, take a tram to baggage claim, meet my friend Kathleen at our luggage carosel (who was waiting for us there), get our luggage, grab a cab and high-tail it over to Bally's Casino, check our luggage at the bell desk and pick up the tickets at Will Call.  We all, walking as fast as possible, waltzed into the Jubilee Theater at Bally's at 11:02am.  That HAS to be some sort of record!

Notice how my Mackie shirt rides up on me... time to make a new one!

We met our guide, the statuesque Showgirl Lara.  She was sporting a sequined and rhinestudded jacket with a matching derby hat, dancers tap shorts and flesh tone fishnets.  All very Judy Garland a la "Come on Get Happy."  Luckily I wore my sequin Mackie t-shirt otherwise I would have been wearing the outfit.  That would have been SUPER awkward.

The tour began ominously enough with an injury wavier.  This was in case we fell down some stairs or had a brain aneurysm from all that sweet sweet Mackie goodness we were about to be relishing in.  

Lara told us in detail about the show's history and some background information on Don Arden, Jubilee's creator.  It was pretty interesting.  It was really nice to hear a performer speak about the show.  You could hear the respect for the show and it's history in her tone and the way she spoke.  You could also tell that she enjoyed her job and felt honored to be part of such a rich tradition.

When Lara brought us downstairs my face was in permanent smile mode.  The hairs on my arms were standing on end... the Mackies were close by.  I could feel it!  Every time she pulled a curtain or opened a door to reveal the costumes I gasped.  Which in turn caused the other patrons of the tour to giggle.  I couldn't contain myself I was so excited to see such amazing work up close and personal.

Lara explained that they couldn't allow photos to be taken backstage, down in the costume shop or the dressing rooms.  This was to ensure that their trade secrets wouldn't fall into the hands of the enemy who is hell bent on destroying all things glamorous.

At the beginning of the tour I causally mentioned to Lara that it was my 30th birthday and if she needed someone to try on a headdress that I was her man.  Near the end of the tour she took us into the Feather Room.  This room was like waking up in some sort of dream.  The Feather Room housed most of the finale costumes.  All 4 walls were covered in over-the-top Bob Mackie designs. 

Backstage photos from the Las Vegas Sun

These amazing costumes were more like wearable sculptures than clothing.  I doubt designs like these will ever be duplicated in any other way.  A Las Vegas showgirl revue would be the only setting where these mammoth creations can live and thrive for the 30 years that these have.  Lara told us about the finale and how it was referred to as a "Jewel Box" because each grouping of costumes represented a different gem.  She also presented a couple to us and told us about each costume or headdress' nickname.  Names like "Asparagus", "Water Fountain", and "Mohawk" which inspired Cher's infamous Oscar outfit.


And then Lara turned to me with the Mohawk in her hands.  "Would you like to try it on?"  Suddenly my heart began to race, my palms got clammy, and I blurted out a "Yes!" all the while trying not to soil myself.  I knelt down so Lara could place that work of art on my head and she warned me it would crush my coif.  I responded, "I don't care!  Crush my skull!"  I just wanted it to fit.  It wasn't a perfect fit but it definitely did the job.  

 Lara encouraged me to "stand like a showgirl" when we got that bad boy balanced on my skull

I felt so honored to be wearing such a masterwork.  Luckily we were allowed to take this picture.  After I took off my headdress (I'm claiming it as mine now) my heart was racing and I was giddy like a little kid seeing Santa.  It was amazing!  I am so jealous of the girls who get to wear these amazing costumes twice nightly!


The tour was awesome.  I was awestruck the entire time.  Seeing the costumes on stage was a treat but seeing them inches from your face was breathtaking.  My eyes were opened up to see how much effort was put into the costumes and how much work is still being done to keep them looking that good.  The backstage experience could only have have been enhanced if one of the costume staff was there to speak about their role.  I have a feeling that they share in Lara's joy for the show and respect for its legacy.

Lara was such a wonderful tour guide.  The next night when we watched the show an usher came up and dropped a souvenir program off at our table saying, "The ladies wanted to make sure you got this."  It was signed "Happy 30th Birthday.  Love Lara and the cast of Jubilee."  It was amazingly thoughtful!  My grin widened even more.  A classy lady.  They don't make them like that anymore.

This proves how awesome showgirls are, and how designing for showgirls has be one of the most exciting projects.  They are such wonderful dream-like goddesses.  I would love to be able to work on something so beautiful.  Jubilee! has changed my view on design and has inspired me to push all of my designing to that level.  Next up... HALLOWEEN!


-Philip Estrada

Jubilee... Jubilee... JUBILEEEEE!!

It finally happened!!

I felt like Indiana Jones entering the room that held the Jeweled Bob Mackie Holy Grail.  I made my way through the main entrance of Bally's Casino with my support team, Ryan and Kathleen.  Kathleen is the history expert which comes in handy when hieroglyphics need deciphering.  Ryan is known simply as "The Face".  His beauty and charisma comes in handy when dealing with the locals.  The dust cleared and the Jubilee Theater came into focus in the distance.

 Me rocking my Rat Pack inspired copper lamé tuxedo jacket.

I made it specifically for the event.  

(Photo courtesy of Ryan)

The show was simply astounding!  There are really no other words to describe it.  The three of us had a table in the second row.  We were pretty "baller" that night.  The curtain went up and we will never be the same again.  The pounds of feathers, rhinestones and sequins were sparkling as if freshly shined.  The girls in their 35 pound headdresses and jeweled bikinis whizzed around the stage in a dizzying fashion. 

There were points of the show that Kathleen identified as "Sensory Overload".  She informed me that this was the ancient phenomenon when a costume designer, choreographer, lighting designer, and dancer aligned perfectly.  At that precise moment it triggers your brain to release mass quantities of serotonin causing a dreamy euphoric state.  (I may have made this up, but it sounds pretty good, right?)

 Jubilee! is an amazing show.  This type of over-the-top showgirl revue doesn't exist anymore even in Las Vegas!  I felt like we walked through a time portal back to the heyday of Sin City.  It would not have surprised me if Dean Martin was sitting at the next table sipping a Martini.  He may not have been there in body, but I have a feeling he was there in spirit. 

  In the opening number the girls were raised from below the stage.  

The mirror showed us them from above first and was particularly thrilling!

The high kicks were given in liberal doses and much appreciated!

All the topless dancers were assigned individualized headgear.

 Show photos from the Las Vegas Sun

EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS SHOW!  It will change your life!

Kathleen and I posing in front of the theater after the show.

(Photo from Ryan) 

In summation the show was AMAZING!  Mr. Mackie is a genius and has inspired me EVEN more.  All the designs I have stewing in my brain just got "Jubilee-ified" as I call it.  I wanted to take home all the headdresses and backpacks to watch Friday night TV in.  I've been having fantasies of setting my apartment on fire and starting a new life in Vegas.  I could work for Jubilee's costume shop my new name would be Steven St. Stephan from Back Swamp North Carolina.  Alas the reality is I can't do that.

I took the back stage tour the day before and OH the stories I have from that.  I will leave that for another day.

- 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