bob mackie
1980s Bob Mackie Heavily Beaded & Sequin Dress w Pink & Red Surprise Underskirt
Bob Mackie was best known for dressing Cher. He had a love of opulence and bead work, both of which he incorporates heavily into the best of his designs. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to working as a costume designer and co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In many ways his creations defined their careers and that entire era of Hollywood glamour. I think he secretly always designed for the big screen and the bygone glamor of Hollywood as his work is always over the top and extravagant. This dress is from his main label and quite amazing.
Every square inch of this gorgeous little dress is heavily sequinned and beaded. The lines are simple and once on it is extremely sexy and flattering. Onto the black silk base of the dress are hundreds of bands that are made out of a combination of glossy black sequins and tube beads. These are laid out in a sharply angled chevron pattern that comes together down the centre giving the illusion of an even slimmer silhouette. On the skirt the flare pout to match the incredible sweep of the lower skirt. The exterior of the dress is done in a solid black with just the pattern of the sequins and beads to catch the eye. The beadwork is so extensive and it is all glass beads so the dress is fairly heavy off the body. Yet once on the body it lies and drapes in a way that it is balanced and feels comfortable. The bodice is cut to skim over the chest with a scooped neckline. The sleeves are capped and the waist nips in. Under that the skirt flares out in a massive volume. If you lay it out flat you see that it is a true circle skirt. Underneath is a built in crinoline that is a combination of a vivid pink and red. These are set in extravagant, pleated ruffles. If you stand perfectly still you can't see the color underneath but the second you move or sit that vibrant color explodes outwards. The under-skirts also helps to hold the shape and volume that the lower skirt is meant to have. The effect of this is far more dramatic and fabulous on a real body and it really shows off the legs. If you even remotely love it in the photos you will die when you see it in person as it is even better in real life. Very well made. It appears to have ben worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk. It closes with a hand set back zipper. Hand finished throughout. Attached underskirts in red and pink. It appears to have ben worn very little if at all.
Shoulders: 15
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3361
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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