From Cher to Zendaya, the legendary Bob Mackie reflects on a lifetime of turning lewks for gay icons
Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion. Mackie, now 84, has always had a penchant for the glamorous, beginning with his early career as a sketch artist for film costume designers.
His work caught the eye of Mitzi Gaynor, who engaged him to design fresh looks for her popular Las Vegas review, which, in turn, put him on Carol Burnett and producer Joe Hamilton’s radar for the comedian’s namesake TV show, which he designed for its entire 11-year run.
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.One of Mackie’s earliest gigs was sketching for a film to star Marilyn Monroe, the beginning of his storied career, which he recently chatted about with Interview magazine, name-dropping no less than four divas at once. “Some divas are fabulous to work with and are so professional, but Marilyn had her problems,” Mackie said. “Later I worked with Judy Garland, who was brilliant, but there were days when she didn’t show up.
And yet if somebody great was on the show with her, it was magic. If Barbra Streisand showed up to do a bit, and then they got Ethel Merman out of the audience, it was like show business heaven, and that’s what I loved more than anything.”Through the decades, Mackie has become known for his exquisite eye for style, and what works with particular talent. “You can’t be the fan, but you have to be knowledgeable,” he said. “Like, ‘Oh, your legs look great in those shoes.’ You try very hard to protect them, and at the same time, show off their best qualities.
