Bob Mackie: The Master of Showbiz Glamour
Taylor Swift is embracing the showgirl aesthetic in her upcoming album, drawing inspiration from the glamorous world of entertainment. The album's photoshoot features Swift in a dazzling outfit designed by the legendary Bob Mackie, known for his extravagant costumes. The outfit was co-designed by Pete Menefee for the Las Vegas showgirl show Jubilee!, which ran from 1981 to 2016, taking cues from Broadway revues like the Ziegfeld Follies. Mackie has a long history of creating costumes for some of entertainment's most fabulous stars, including Barbra Streisand and Bernadette Peters.
One of Mackie's frequent collaborators is Carol Burnett, for whom he designed all the costumes for The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1978. Burnett famously wore the iconic curtain dress in a comedic sketch parodying Gone with the Wind. Mackie's work with Burnett continued over the years, including projects like Putting It Together and Once Upon a Mattress. Another star Mackie has dressed multiple times is Bette Midler, creating unique pieces like an orange gown and purse for Halloween celebrations. Mackie's designs for Broadway productions like Lorelei have become iconic, with costumes like the flashy dress worn by Carol Channing now part of the Smithsonian collection.
Bob Mackie's collaboration with Cher has spanned decades, with the designer creating many of her iconic looks for tours, photo shoots, and public appearances. One of their most famous collaborations was the controversial nude dress with feathers worn by Cher to the 1974 Met Gala. Mackie's work on The Cher Show on Broadway earned him a Tony Award for costume design. Mackie also worked with Liza Minnelli on various projects, including the Broadway production Minnelli on Minnelli, where she wore a range of flashy outfits inspired by her father's films.
Mackie's designs have graced the stage and screen, including his work on The Diahann Carroll Show and the Academy Awards. He has created numerous outfits for Broadway legend Bernadette Peters, from sparkling gowns to starry dresses. Peters has been a longtime friend and muse for Mackie, who also designed her wedding dress and outfits for special occasions. Mackie's costumes for Barbra Streisand in Funny Lady earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, showcasing his talent for creating diverse looks that capture the essence of the characters.
Throughout his career, Bob Mackie has collaborated with Angela Lansbury on various projects, including award shows and TV musicals. His designs for Lansbury at the 45th Academy Awards featured multiple outfits for her performance, culminating in a shimmering gown. Mackie's ability to create stunning and memorable costumes has solidified his reputation as a master of showbiz glamour, with his work continuing to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.