Tag: Bob Mackie Naked Illusion review

STYLE

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion

What can be said about Bob Mackie – also referred to as the “Sultan of Sequins,” and the king of Hollywood’s red carpet?  

Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) 2025

For starters; his designs are synonymous with extravagance, glitter, and creativity, making him a legend in the world of fashion and costume design.  ALL the biggest stars wear (0r have worn) Bob Mackie.

This wonderful and glamorous documentary, part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025, was my personal favourite.

“Naked Illusion” celebrates the legendary costume designer’s six-decade career of iconic, over-the-top creations which earned him nine Emmy Awards, three Academy Award nominations, and a Tony Award. This delightful documentary offers a glittering cavalcade of Mackie’s celebrity clients including Cher, Carol Burnett, P!nk, and Tom Ford as they offer an inside look at his dazzling legacy.  See trailer below.

And what a legacy he created!

THIS iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to JFK.

There were a few surprises that the audience was not expecting.  For one; finding out that Mackie is a grandfather and great grandfather.  Finding  out that this was a surprise for him too.

The world premiere of the “Naked Issusion” was held in May at The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles.  It was a legendary evening with Bob Mackie, Carol Burnett, RuPaul, Cher & Friends.

At the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Mackie was here in person and went on stage for a Q&A after the showing.

I’m lucky to have met Mackie on three separate occasions.  His book signing for “The Art of Bob Mackie,” at the Annenberg theatre for a play about “Edith Head” and recently at the Camelot theatre before the “Naked Illusion”screening. He’s very down to earth, a gentleman and  looks much younger than his 85 years.

Outside the Annenberg Theatre before the show. The actress (Susan Claassen) who played Edith Head is friend of Mackie’s. He told me that Edith Head gave him his start in the business when he worked as her assistant.
This was at the Camelot theatre in Palm Springs.

Here are some of the more famous creations he designed:

  • Cher’s 1974 Met Gala dress: A sheer, sequin-covered, feathered dress that was so shocking it was banned from some newsstands. Cher later wore it on the cover of Time magazine. 
  • Cher’s 1986 Academy Awards dress: A sequined caged top and a towering headpiece. When she came out and announced “I wanted to dress like a serious actress.”
  • Marilyn Monroe’s nude gown: The dress she wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. 
  • Elton John as Donald Duck: Mackie dressed Elton John as Donald Duck, complete with a tail and webbed feet. 
  • Costumes for The Carol Burnett Show: Mackie designed up to 70 costumes for Carol Burnett and her guests each week.   
  • See TRAILER below: