1990s Bob Mackie Red Beaded and Sequin Dress
This fabulous Bob Mackie dress was designed by the heralded designer and costumier. Known for his high-octane, spotlight-stealing designs, he dressed entertainment icons across the globe, including Cher, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton and Diana Ross. True to Mackie’s trademark style, this mesmerising gown was designed to highlight and flatter the feminine form. This is an extremely detailed example and is fully embellished with rows of ruby red sequins and bugle beads. These dresses were extremely costly in their day and always hand beaded by the most skilled artisans onto signature black silk mesh. Circa early 1990s but this was one of Mackie's best designs and we have seen versions of this dress go back to the early 1980s.
The dress has a strapless cut which is elongated and raised up over the décolletage to echo and emphasise the curves of the bust. Lined with black silk, the bust is intricately boned to further shape the silhouette. The gown’s silhouette is fitted and highly feminine, with the sequins placed to follow the shape of the waist and hips. The skirt has a dramatic slit at the front, adding to the sultry feel of the design. This gown is lined throughout with black silk.
In truly excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note to the beadwork or silk and appears unaltered. Tagged a vintage US 4, this is fairly true to size with very slight stretch and equates to a UK 8. Our model (5ft 4in / 164cm) is a UK 8-10 or US 4-6 and this was a tight fit on the hip for her although she reported feeling fabulous!
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in (76 cm)
HIP - 36 in (91 cm)
LENGTH - 50 in (127 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website - please let us know a week in advance.
We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.
We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.
You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage pieces and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
Do you have parking?
We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get there by public transport?
Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line
Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal