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Bob Mackie: A Master of ‘Bold Luxury’

Explore the legacy of Bob Mackie, a master of 'Bold Luxury.' Discover his bold luxury picks in our upcoming celebrity fashion auction on September 24th, 2024.

September 12, 2024

Bob Mackie is a bonafide legend who’s glamourous fashion creations have graced the fashion world for decades. Known for his daring use of color, Mackie’s iconic designs often incorporate intricate embellishments, with just a touch of the theatrical, Mackie's creations have adorned some of the most celebrated stars of our time.

A Career of Couture

Born in California in 1944, Mackie's passion for design was evident from a young age. He honed his skills at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles and quickly made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His early collaborations with Cher, a lifelong muse, cemented his reputation as a visionary designer.

Mackie's signature style is characterized by bold silhouettes, vibrant hues, and an unapologetic sense of extravagance. His designs often feature sequins, feathers, and intricate beadwork, transforming ordinary garments into showstopping pieces. From Cher's iconic "Half-Breed" costume to Diana Ross' dazzling gowns, Mackie's creations have become cultural touchstones.

bob mackie american fashion designer is smiling in front of a black dress

Legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie is a featured curator of Julien's Auctions' inaugural "Bold Luxury" celebrity fashion auction. Register and bid for the auction September 24th, 2024, online and live from the famed Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Bold Luxury: Mackie's Curated Collection

In our upcoming "Bold Luxury" celebrity fashion auction, Bob Mackie has curated a collection of his most iconic designs. This extraordinary selection includes vintage pieces from renowned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, and Mackie's own Spring 1992 Betty Boop dress, famously worn by Margot Robbie in the film "Barbie."

Each piece in this collection of bold picks is a testament to Mackie's mastery of craftsmanship and his ability to identify and push the boundaries of fashion. From the intricate embroidery on a vintage Gucci gown to the daring cut of a Versace dress, these garments are not merely clothing; they are works of art.

These are Bob Mackie's 'Bold Luxury' Picks:

Alexander McQueen

Spring 2012 Sarah Burton Designed Laser Cut Leather Jacket

Estimate:

$1,000 - $1,500

A spring 2012 Alexander McQueen laser cut, cropped leather jacket designed by Sarah Burton. The design was seen on the runway (look 20) on model Emilia Nawarecka.

The jacket is trimmed in the designer's iconic metal zipper trim. An asymmetric cascading ruffle runs from the neckline to the waist, going into a peplum at the waist. The back of the jacket has a lace-up back detail with a satin ribbon for an oval cut-out at the back with a polyamide mesh illusion panel. The interior is lined with cotton mesh. Gold-tone hardware with long zips at the cuffs.

Gucci

2015 Spring Runway Embellished Fur Vest

Estimate:

$600 - $800

A fur, leather, and suede vest designed by Frieda Giannini for Gucci's Spring 2015 collection.

Glam rock royalty styling is a standard look for the label. The vest is designed with burgundy and ivory leather (lamb and goat) with accents of coyote and snake. It is finished with heavy gold sequin and rhinestone embellishment trim. The vest is fully lined with a patterned silk blend. A Gucci label is on the interior, but no size tag is present.

Gianni Versace Couture

1998 Donatella Versace Spring Runway Collection Gown

Estimate:

$5,000 - $7,000

A Gianni Versace Couture spring/summer 1998 runway, metallic, body con, evening gown designed by Donatella Versace in her first solo fashion collection for the Italian design house.

A bicolor evening gown composed of a metallic black poly-spandex blends with a bright red nylon blend lining that is revealed by an ultra-high slit at the left leg. The sleeveless dress features a halter neck and a large oval-shaped cutout at the back of the bodice. At the left hip is boning to give the cutout an added sculptural element. The interior has a Gianni Versace Couture label present, marked an Italian size 40.

Bob Mackie

Spring 1992 Betty Boop Dress with Signed Barbie: The World Tour Book

Estimate:

$2,000 - $3,000

A Bob Mackie black strapless cocktail dress from his spring 1992 collection featured Hollywood style icons, one of which was Betty Boop, who inspired the bodycon mini dress.

A version of this particular design was worn by Margot Robbie in Barbie: The World Tour book by Margot Robbie and stylist Andrew Mukamal, published by Rizzoli New York. One of the looks featured in the book was a Spring 1992 design by Bob Mackie that paid homage to Hollywood style icons; one was Betty Boop, who inspired the bodycon, beaded, sequin cocktail Robbie wore. The look was accompanied by a sketch illustrated and signed by Mackie. During her press tour, Robbie, styled by Andrew Mukamal, wore an assemblage of custom and vintage designer pieces for the Barbie film press tour.

Bob Mackie

Barbie, Margot Robbie Signed Press Tour Fashion Illustration

Estimate:

$800 - $1,200

A mixed medium fashion illustration by Bob Mackie of Margot Robbie in an archival Mackie Spring 1992 "Betty Boop" black beaded and sequin cocktail dress.

During her press tour, Robbie, styled by Andrew Mukamal, wore an assemblage of custom and vintage designer pieces for the Barbie film press tour. The looks were published in Barbie: The World Tour by Margot Robbie and Andrew Mukamal, published by Rizzoli New York. One of the looks featured in the book was a Spring 1992 design by Bob Mackie that paid homage to Hollywood style icons, one being Betty Boop, who inspired the bodycon, beaded, sequin, cocktail mini that Robbie wore. The look was accompanied by a sketch illustrated and signed by Mackie.

Alexander McQueen

2011 Resort Sarah Burton Collection Embellished Evening Gown

Estimate:

$2,000 - $3,000

An Alexander McQueen evening gown by Sarah Burton for the label's Resort 2011 collection.

The gown was featured in Burton's premiere solo collection at McQueen, appointed creative director after Alexander 'Lee' McQueen's passing in 2010. The gown showcases Burton's talents and the house's key design elements. The embellished epaulets and bust feature sequins, studs, rhinestones, beading, and gold threadwork. The armor-like bust goes into a tailored bodice, cut on the bias, with a drop waist at the hips. The gown's skirt has a high-low hemline that hits above the knees at the front and then goes into a sweeping train at the back. The dress has an Alexander McQueen label and is marked an Italian size 40.

Roberto Cavalli

Bias-Cut Brown Silk Embellished Evening Gown

Estimate:

$800 - $1,200

A Roberto Cavalli brown silk bias cut evening with beaded embellishment at the bust and lower back. The gown is new and comes with original hang tags.

The brown silk is cut on the diagonal with a fitted bodice, a floor-sweeping skirt, and a godet train. Long sleeves with angel wing flounces fall past the wrist. A low-cut neckline that plunges past the waist with a beaded dragonfly sewn just below the bust line on black silk tulle. The back is open and low-cut, with a beaded dragonfly sewn on a black tulle net at the lower back. There is a Roberto Cavalli with hangtags sewn at the interior of the skirt, marked an Italian size 40.

Atelier Versace

Fall 1996 Atelier Versace Evening Gown

Estimate:

$8,000 - $10,000

An Atelier Versace animal print, silk chiffon, beaded evening gown from the fall 1996 couture collection, designed by founder Gianni Versace. A similar gown was worn by Elizabeth Hurley on October 26, 1996, in New York City for the opening of the Versace flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Recently, Halsey wore model of this design on the red carpet of the 2024 VMAs.

This burgundy and black silk chiffon Atelier Versace animal print sleeveless evening gown is cut on the bias, composed of silk chiffon, and embellished with intricate beading and Swarovski crystals. The surface design is done on the animal print strips of the gown. The couture gown features hand-sewn finishes that showcase the intricate craftsmanship of the tailors and sewists of the atelier. Sewn on the inside of the gown is an Atelier Versace label.

Emilio Pucci

Spring 2014 Peter Dundas Beaded Jacket

Estimate:

$500 - $700

An Emilio Pucci beaded jacket designed by Peter Dundas for the spring 2014 ready-to-wear collection. Mijo Mhaljcic modeled this style design (look two) for the runway show.

A fully beaded and embroidered jacket with a zip-up front and four front zip pockets.

The jacket features beaded embroidery inspired by the Maasai and a striped beaded animal motif. The interior is lined with black silk, and the designer label is sewn at the interior neckline. It is new with tags and marked an Italian size 38. The jacket is composed of cotton twill with neoprene accents and black nylon zippers.

Emilio Pucci

Spring 2014 Peter Dundas Emilio Pucci Beaded Skirt

Estimate:

$500 - $700

An Emilio Pucci beaded pencil skirt designed by Peter Dundas for the spring 2014 ready-to-wear collection. Joan Smalls modeled this design (look one) for the runway show.

A fully beaded pencil skirt with beads, sequins, and gold-tone metallic thread embroidery. The beading technique mirrors the cultural motif of the Maasai from Kenya and an abstract beaded pattern framed by chevron stripes that run vertically and horizontally. High-waisted, the skirt has a hidden zip at the back with a hook-and-eye on the waistline to fasten. The interior is fully lined in black silk, and the Emilio Pucci label is sewn at the back of the waistband, new with tags, marked an Italian 38.

Dolce and Gabbana

Leopard Canvas Print Duffle

Estimate:

$800 - $1,200

This Dolce and Gabbana leopard-print Crespo canvas duffle has leather accents and handles and an additional adjustable leather crossbody strap.

The duffle features double-plated gold hardware, branded engraving, and an exterior plate. It is fully lined with a cotton and leather gold foil stamp located on the back interior zip compartment.

Dolce and Gabbana began their line in 1985. Their clothing lends to Mediterranean sensibilities and is sexy and embellished with feminine opulence. The duo has become known for their celebrity collaborations with Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Kim Kardashian. Celebrities who wear Dolce and Gabbana have a strong, daring, sexy style and an eye for drama.

Dolce and Gabbana

Leopard Canvas Print Top Handle Tote

Estimate:

$600 - $800

A leopard print Crespo shopper tote with leather trim, accents, and handles, interior is lined with cotton. The tote is a coated canvas with a large scaled leopard print, rolled leather top handles, gold hardware, and engraved designer name plate at the front center, top of the shopper.

Dolce and Gabbana began their line in 1985 with their clothing lending to Mediterranean sensibilities as well as being sexy and embellished with feminine opulence. The duo have become known for their celebrity collaborations with Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Kim Kardashian. Celebrities who wear Dolce and Gabbana have a strong, daring, sexy style and an eye for drama.

Dolce and Gabbana

Leopard Print Cosmetic Bag

Estimate:

$300 - $400

A Dolce and Gabbana Crespo leopard print canvas duel zip toilettetry bag. The exterior features a branded engraved name plate, gold tone hardware, and a duel zipper connected by leather pull tab. The interior of the bag is fully lined, comes with the orginal designer box and packaging.

Dolce and Gabbana

Spring 2002 Black Bodycon Corset Dress

Estimate:

$1,000 - $1,500

A Dolce and Gabbana black silk and spandex exposed sides, fully laced, corseted dress. This design was featured as the premiere look for the spring 2003 collection, modeled by Gisele Bundchen.

Signature mid-length corseted dress with chrome hardware (grommets run from shoulder to hem). The dress has wide-set straps with a shelf bustline. Both the front and back panels of the dress are lined. Sizing is adjustable due to lacing detail. In excellent condition.

Sarah Mower who reviewed the collection for Vogue Runways (then Style.com) wrote, "The punk idea brought out S&M crisscross lacing in the satin corseted dresses." The collection featured revealing cuts, head hardware accents, and figure-hugging looks that showcased a fetishized-type glamour the Italian designers have become known to deliver.

Gucci

Frida Giannini Spring/Sumer 2021Sequin Strapless Cocktail Dress

Estimate:

$1,000 - $1,500

A fully sequined strapless cocktail dress designed by Frida Gianni for Gucci's Spring/Summer 2012 runway collection, look 40, as seen modeled by Joan Smalls.

The spring 2012 collection references the 1920s Jazz Age design and Art Deco aesthetic. Nicole Phelps, who reviewed the collection on September 20, 2011, interviewed the designer, where Giannini spoke on architectural influence for the collection, saying, "I like the architectural shapes, especially the New York skyscrapers of the period." The sequin surface design of the gown references the Art Deco lines in New York's city skyline and architecture.

Louis Vuitton

2022 Virgil Abloh Keep All 50 Duffel

Estimate:

$6,000 - $8,000

A Louis Vuitton monogram Illusion 50 Keep All duffel composed of taurillon leather designed by creative director Virgil Abloh for the menswear spring/summer 2022 collection.

The unique neon hues for the accessories added a playful element to the collection. The illusion, tie-dye, pink, and purple colorway design was adapted to the 50 Keep All duffel, composed of embossed taurillon monogram leather with silver-tone hardware. The duffel has rolled leather handles, a luggage tag, and an additional crossbody strap. The interior is an open compartment lined with a lightweight brown canvas lining.

Sarah Mower, who reviewed the collection for Vogue Runways, interviewed the designer. Quoting Abloh in her collection coverage: "'I feel like I’m writing a book with these collections. It’s one continuous logic about diversity and design,' said Virgil Abloh, talking from the Louis Vuitton menswear studio. 'And it’s now synced up with my true thoughts about culture.'”

Louis Vuitton

2022 Virgil Abloh Monogram Taurillon Leather Suitcase

Estimate:

$6,000 - $8,000

A Louis Vuitton monogram suitcase composed of taurillon leather designed by creative director Virgil Abloh for the menswear spring/summer 2022 collection.

The unique neon hues for the accessories added a playful element to the collection. The illusion, tie-dye, green/blue colorway were adapted to the Horizon 55 series rolling lugage designed by Marc Newson whose lightweight cabin-sized design and open flat compartments allow for the easy travel. The trolley is composed of embossed leather with silver-tone metal components. The suitcase features reinforced leather corners and zip-around closure.

Louis Vuitton

Virgil Abloh 2022 Taurillon Leather Monogram Tote

Estimate:

$5,000 - $7,000

A Louis Vuitton monogram weekender bag composed of taurillon leather designed by creative director Virgil Abloh for the menswear spring/summer 2022 collection.

The unique neon hues for the accessories added a playful element to the collection. The illusion, tie-dye, green/blue colorway was adapted to a weekender-style bag composed of embossed monogram leather with silver-tone hardware. The exterior features open pockets and reinforced rolled leather handles. The interior features fully lined leather borders, trims, and open zip compartments.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

We couldn't be more honored and excited to bring you our inaugural "Bold Luxury" celebrity fashion auction.

For collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike, this auction presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of fashion history. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of a vintage Louis Vuitton ensemble or the daring glamour of a Mackie original, there is something to suit every taste.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these garments offer a glimpse into the world of high fashion and the artistry that goes into creating such extraordinary pieces. They are not simply items of clothing; they are cultural artifacts that reflect the spirit of their time and the vision of a true master of his craft.

Join us on September 24th, 2024, from the famed Peninsula Beverly Hills as we celebrate the legacy of Bob Mackie and the lasting allure of bold luxury.

a collage of different colored handbags with a black background

Live Auction

BOLD LUXURY

Sep 24, 2024

10:00 AM PDT