VIDEO: Bob Mackie Talks His Legendary Career and New Book on Backstage Live with Richard Ridge
Mackie is joined by 'The Art of Bob Mackie' co-author, Frank Vlastnik.
Cher, Carol Burnett, Bette Midler, P!nk, Tina Turner, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Angela Lansbury, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, RuPaul, and Madonna...what do they all have in common? All have been dressed by Bob Mackie.
For nearly six decades, the iconic and incomparable Bob Mackie has been designing stunning, unforgettable clothing. His unique, glamorous-sometimes hilarious-creations have appeared on Broadway stages, TV screens, runways, and red carpets worldwide. For his pioneering genius and continual reinvention, he is a Tony Award and nine-time Emmy Award winner, a three-time Oscar nominee, and recipient of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. For the first time, he has granted full access to his archives and personal memories to the authors of this lavish celebration of his achievements.
The Art of Bob Mackie (available now) is the first-ever comprehensive and fully authorized book showcasing Mackie's work, from his early days as a sketch artist for the legendary Edith Head at Paramount to his current, cutting-edge costumes for pop stars and line of accessible, wearable clothing for QVC. In addition to hundreds of glorious photos and dozens of dishy recollections from Mackie and his many muses, this gorgeous volume features never-before-seen sketches from throughout his prolific career, from Marilyn Monroe's iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" gown to Carol Burnett's "Went with the Wind" curtain-rod dress, to Cher's show-stopping 1986 Oscar look. As other designers have burst onto the scene and faded out of fashion, Mackie has soared from success to success, always remaining relevant because he has always been spectacularly fashion-forward.
Buy the book today!
How did the book come to to fruition? "I think it all came about because by co-author, Laura Ross, went to Birdland in December of 2018," explained Vlastnik. "They were seated at the same table as Bob. After the concert, Laura just gave him the pitch!"
"Usually I'm 'Mr. Control Freak,'" laughed Mackie. "I have to have my finger in everything. We were supposed to get the tour for The Cher Show ready right away. [So when they came to me about the book,] I said, 'Well, I'm going to be doing that... so I'll just have to let it go.' Of course I never really let it go, but you know what I mean!"
Watch below as Mackie reminisces about his extensive career and reflects on the new book!
