Bionic Blonds

I am finally fully rested from another crazed fashion week working with the mad science design duo, The Blonds. It has been an insane three weeks of very little sleep due to working all day and then rushing to The Blonds to lend my talents. I can't complain though since it's always the most fun!

This season was unlike the previous ones in one major way... it was MASSIVE both in scale and beauty. This was the fifth anniversary of The Blonds showing at New York Fashion Week and for their tenth show they blasted off to a whole different galaxy!

This season the collection was inspired by David and Phillipe's favorite blondes including Marie Antoinette, Tweety Bird and Barbarella. 

This collection was the teams' most mature and ambitious collection to date. David and Phillipe challenged themselves by using new couture techniques thus raising the  level of their artistry to new heights.  The collection contained their signature mix of glamour, sex appeal, and razor sharp wit. 

Phillipe opened the show by slowly emerging from a silver glitter space suit like a butterfly from a strange new world.  The body suit he wore was encrusted in oversized flesh toned jewels.  It was as if his skin was made of jewels.  Whether or not this Blond came in peace is arguable but, the spectacle was undeniable. This was the perfect harbinger for the show to follow. 

I hope you enjoy the photos below of some of my favorite looks on the runway and backstage.  These include the ones I got the chance to work on. 

 

 

I can't wait for next season. 

-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

It's Yo Birfday Beyonce

Happy Birthday Beyonce!

Hey Beyonce!  Since it's your birthday, you go ahead and throw on your Tina Turner inspired Mackie dress and get your 'Proud Mary' on.

Rollin'... rollin'... rollin' on the riv-eeeeeeeeeer!

-Philip Estrada

Cher's Sparkle Drawer

Kathy Griffin was on "Late Night with David Letterman" last night dishing about her friendship with Cher.  Although her impression isn't the best, the gossip is top notch!  I love the idea of Cher keeping Bob Mackie in her "Sparkle Drawer."  Hell I'd live in that thing.  I have a feeling  it has a few more square feet in it than most Manhattan apartments.  "What's that Miss Cher?  More rhinestones on that bra?  I'm on it!"

-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.

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

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

Le Mackie... Oh La La - Part 2

Last night while browsing aimlessly on the interwebs Ryan came across this video and promptly pointed it out.  It seems as these were promo videos put together after Vogue Paris' February issue in Las Vegas.


The first video features the ladies of Jubilee! in their fan dance costumes designed by our friend and my future boss, Bob Mackie.  Those ladies move so effortlessly!

The second video is sheer perfection!  Not only does it feature quite an excellent Elvis impersinator, but it also features the Jubilee! ladies both on and off stage.  Featured heavily is one of the show's finalé costumes which is an engineering marvel.  The costume is lovingly nicknamed "The 747" on account of its breathtaking wingspan.  The entire finale of Jubilee! features an army of headdresses each more breathtaking than the next and all of which were designed by Bob Mackie.

These videos make me antsy for my return trip to Vegas!  So glad that these got uploaded to youtube.  A big thanks to them.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.


- Philip Estrada

Madonna + Mackie = Oscars

Today is Hollywood's self proclaimed 'biggest day!'  Wow... I hate to be Mrs. Hollywood, their anniversary didn't even make the cut.  

Madonna performed "Sooner or Later" from Dick Tracy at the Oscars in 1991.  This was the infamous year that she arrived at the award show on the arm of one, Mr. Michael Jackson.  She wore a bead and sequin encrusted white gown with a luxurious fox fur stole that only Bob Mackie can do correctly.

Madonna on the cover of Vanity Fair in the Bob Mackie gown

Madonna arriving at the Oscars with Michael Jackson

The gown on model Rachel Williams

The performance was haunting and beautiful and the Mackie gown added a certain authenticity to the obvious homage to Marilyn Monroe.

Happy Oscar Day!!

-Philip

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!

A Very Mackie Christmas

Christmas is once again upon us!  I hope that everyone enjoys all the holiday season has to offer!  My gift to you is, besides my radiating beauty, is this video I pilfered from Youtube (times are tough, don't judge).

May I present Mrs. Judy Garland, and her children, Lorna and Joe.  Liza is off skating with her beau.  Notice her fur trimmed wide necked gown... it was designed by Mr. Ray Aghayan.  Gotta love his use of brocade. 

Also for your viewing pleasures here is the original costume illustration by Mr. Bob Mackie!

Merry Christmas to you all my little Mack-inistas!  May the season be encrusted with rhinestone filled wonderment!

-Philip Estrada

10 Minute Mackie Break

Since it's Friday I feel that everyone deserves a little "Mackie Break."  It's the same as a coffee break but far more glamorous! 


It's 1983 and everyone is gathering around their TV sets to see who will take home Oscar.  A Mackie clad Bernadette Peters storms the stage singing a tribute to the legendary song writer Irving Berlin.  In the supporting role is an army of Bob Mackie bedeckeddancers.  Make sure you watch near the end since beautiful Amazonian showgirls take the stage for “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody”.  Can’t help but think these ladies were imported from “Hallelujah Hollywood” in Vegas.

Enjoy your “Mackie Break!”
-Philip Estrada

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

It's Fashion Week You Guys!

I hope everyone has boned up on there champagne sipping skills and practiced air kisses on all there "frien-emies" because we are in the thick of New York Fashion Week!  In honor of the showing of the collections here is Mr. Mackie's own tent show from 1993.  The collection is Las Vegas themed and Mr. Mackie has home field advantage!  I love the subtle reference to Jubilee in one of the hats.  You knocked it out of the park Mr. Mackie!

- Philip Estrada

Drum Roll Please....

Here is the moment you've all been waiting for!  The zany video I promised you has finally arrived!  I honor of reaching 100 likes on the Facebook page I present to you me dancing around to Cher's "Song For the Lonely" celebrating the awesomeness that is Bob  Mackie!

I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it!  Don't forget to tell eveyone you've ever met to "Like" the Facebook page.  After all, imagine what I'll do for 500 likes.

-Philip Estrada

The Internet - Now With More MACKIE!

Lately I have been exploring the world of Web Series and Podcasts.  One of my faves is “Kevin Pollak's Chat Show”.  It's great he's been streaming live weekly shows from his website for almost 2 years.  The format is pretty simple.  He sits down with a person of note (usually a celeb) and chats with them for around an hour and a half to two.  I honestly think Bob Mackie would make a wonderful guest but we'll deal with that later.  Kevin Pollak has managed to turn an unpaid rag tag team of people into a show that has live weekly viewers up to a thousand at a time.  The wonderful thing about the show is that they still retain they’re motto from the first show, “We aren't ready.”  The chat show archives are now hosted as a pay to download audio podcast on iTunes and Amazon.com has started carrying them as a DVD for purchase as well.  On Kevin’s website the full videos of the show are hosted with short commercials inserted periodically.  This helps pay his crew for their time.  I've been watching the show for about a year now and it makes me really happy to see them succeed.

This got me thinking about my future BFF and employer Mr. Mackie.  Bob needs to get in on this racket.  People love Bob Mackie because his charm is undeniable and infectious.  So here’s my pitch!

There have been rumblings about Cher working on a new studio album.  With a new album comes a world wide tour.  Since it's a Cher tour Mackie will be called upon once again to make her look amazing 30 times over.  This is where the web series comes in.   How fascinating would it be to have a documentary film crew follow the Bob Mackie and team on the journey from first sketch to first concert?!  The film could be released directly on bobmackie.com in 15-30 minute weekly episodes in conjunction with the start of Cher’s tour.  The episodes will most likely go viral and gain more and more viewers as the weeks progress and additional episodes are posted.

The concept reminds me of “Signe Chanel,” a documentary series (5 half hour episodes) that was filmed in 2005.  The crew filmed at the Chanel couturier as they prepared and eventually showed the Chanel Haute Couture collection by Karl Lagerfeld.  The show is fascinating because it focuses mostly on the process and the human drama of producing these amazing works of art. 

Having the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mackie I would bet that the tone of his documentary would be equally if not more beautiful!  Seeing Bob Mackie illustrate and present his ideas to Cher could be an episode all on its own.  Seeing his ladies sequin and bead bringing Cher’s costumes to life would be amazing to watch in time lapse sequences.  I’m actually salivating at the idea of watching this series and it is only an idea!  Having this kind of access inside the world of Bob Mackie could potentially secure this project as one of the “go to” fashion industry films.

Releasing the film for free is a great marketing tool since the Internet was founded on the concept of sharing art and information for free.  Many big names in Hollywood have been making internet specific content for a while now.  Will Ferrell and many other big name stars, including Academy Award Winners, have been working with FunnyorDie.com to shoot short form comedy videos, Joss Wheden shot “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” with Neil Patrick Harris, specifically for internet distribution in 2008, Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube, even the White House is posting videos online.  Major TV networks have recently gotten on the “internet specific content” band wagon as a means to promote their weekly programs and bring in additional advertising revenue.  If the Bob Mackie bills really do need to get paid then he can go the route of Vimeo, and have a short commercial at the beginning of each video for ad dollars.  It makes sense for Mr. Mackie to utilize this tool to his advantage.  It will easily bolster his street cred with this new tech-savy generation that is poised and ready for new and fascinating content.

I would love to watch this series let alone work on this project.  I wonder what the Bob Mackie fans think about the idea of a webseries?  Thoughts?

- Philip Estrada

Reason #5 Bob Mackie Should Hire Me

Reason #5 - Learning

Just like little Ralph Wiggum I too have been learning.  I feel another reason Mister Mackie would benefit from hiring me is because I constantly take it upon myself to soak up information and learn skills. 

I have always have been proud of my self discipline to learn as much as I can and further my knowledge on the talents I possess.  I've always been the kind of person that goes out of their way to research information that improves my abilities.  I do this not only for my computer based skills, but I also love learning new things in sewing and garment construction.

Case in point, in college I took a machine knitting course.  It was a pretty basic class, but I loved the concepts.  After I finished the class I purchased two different gauge knitting machines with ribbing machine attachments.  We didn't learn the ribber in class but it came with a manual so I figured it out.  I pride myself on experimentation.  I love reading the information in a book while sitting at the machine so I'm able to try out the theory right then and there.  I feel that I have taken in a ton of information on how to use these machines and still there is more they can do!

In addition to the machine knitting I taught myself the Tambour technique of embellishing.  I have been hand embellishing and have constantly thought that there has to be a faster way.  After seeing videos of The House of Lesage on YouTube I realized that the hook tool was the key.  So I researched where to buy the tool and how the technique was done.  I had to make a makeshift frame to suit my apartment and now I'm sequining the hell out of everything!

Now these are only two examples of my readiness to pick up and learn new skills.  I've always found that learning and problem solving go hand in hand.  I've asked myself "I wonder how they do that?" countless times.  Each time I ask that, I inevitably research and find the answer no matter how long it takes.  The wonderful thing about these new skills is that they are not shortcuts.  Sometimes they end up taking more time to execute but my work looks so much more elevated and professional.  I have realized that the more mature I get and the more I learn the better I become as a designer.  I have been able to continually raise the bar on myself because I find ways to reach further than I thought I could.

My enthusiasm to learn new things would definitely be an asset to Team Bob Mackie.  I could be his go-to guy for anything that needs innovation.  If I don't know how to accomplish it I will figure it out.  My answer for any question or problem that may arise will always be "I'M ON IT!"

- 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

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