Bob Mackie Shines Bright at Sedona Film Festival

The Sedona International Film Festival is gearing up for an exciting opening on Saturday, February 22, featuring the renowned costume designer Bob Mackie. The highlight of the event will be the premiere of a documentary titled “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” chronicling his illustrious career.

Mackie, a luminary in costume design since 1961, shared how filmmaker Matthew Miele approached him with the idea for the documentary. “It never occurred to me to do that. I was always backstage,” Mackie reflected. After presenting a sizzle reel at a previous festival, the film is now complete and has toured the country.

The documentary opens with Mackie teaching costume design to his great-granddaughters, illustrating the intergenerational impact of his work. Mackie’s accolades are impressive: three Academy Award nominations, a Tony Award, and nine Emmy Awards among 32 nominations. His costumes are even part of collections at prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Mackie has always seen his work as more than just crafting costumes. “I love creating a character,” he insists. “Good work is just fun.” The film features testimonials from icons like Pink, Miley Cyrus, and Cher, emphasizing Mackie’s innovative use of sheer fabrics that often leave little to the imagination.

Reflecting on his early days, Mackie recalled his work with Marilyn Monroe. He crafted the famous see-through dress for her performance of “Happy Birthday,” which became a defining moment in fashion history. This aesthetic became a signature style throughout his career, influencing many performers who followed.

As part of the festival, Mackie will also introduce his friend Vicki Lawrence, who will perform her solo show following the documentary screening. Mackie praised Lawrence’s evolution as a performer, noting their long-standing friendship that began with her debut on “The Carol Burnett Show.” His work for the show has left a lasting legacy, shaping the costumes of over 16,000 outfits in 11 years.

The latter half of “Naked Illusion” features the creation of a new costume for Cher, reigniting memories of their collaboration from almost five decades ago. “Cher was like that. She loves performing,” Mackie noted, emphasizing the importance of passion in his collaborations.

His design process remains innovative and personalized. Mackie studies his clients’ performances to ensure that each costume reflects their unique artistry. “You can’t just dress people the same way everywhere you go,” he explained, underscoring the need for tailored designs that resonate with the audience.

At 85, Mackie’s enthusiasm for costume design remains unwavering. He continues to create for a new generation of performers, including stars like Miley Cyrus and Zendaya, who are keen to borrow from his past creations. “It’s interesting how beautifully trained those children were,” he remarked, noting their versatility and commitment to their craft.

The documentary also touches lightly on his early collaboration with the legendary designer Edith Head, hinting at the rich history that informs his work today. Mackie’s passion for visuals and audience engagement drives him. “I love being in the audience when they respond to something unexpected,” he shared.

As festival attendees gather to celebrate his work, Mackie expresses gratitude for the appreciation shown to him, particularly from aspiring designers. “It’s so much fun to see these young kids,” he said, observing the excitement among the next generation of costume designers.

As for those who still mistake him for a teenager? “Never anymore,” Mackie laughed, alluding to the passage of time but also to a career well-lived and celebrated.