Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending launch of “The Art of Bob Mackie,” a debut of a series of fashion and costume illustrations by the legendary designer Bob Mackie. 

The first series of reproductions consist of 46 illustrations, which are availabine in two sizes 14 x 17 ($69 and 21 x25 $179) and are sold  matted and framed.

Bob Mackie is known for creating elaborate and glamorous designs for “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,” Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Tina Turner, Pink, Madonna, Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, and a host of others, including Barbie.

His impeccable creations have earned him nine Emmy Awards and he is the only costume designer to be inducted in to the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

We can now have Bob Mackie a part of our every day lives in the form of art. So get ready to add a touch of high fashion and glamour to your homes, studios, and offices.

Here are a few of my favorite prints from the collection with a description

Clowns “Goofy character clowns have always been one of my continuously favorite subjects of a long design career.”

• Left ColumnDown: Homer Hookstratton, William Tell’s Daughter “Tilly Tell,” Stanley Starstruck
• Right Column Down: Mistress Grandolini, Admiral Crookshank, Mortimer the First Mate

Pink Showgirls“These Showgirl costume sketches were inspired by Florenz Ziegfeld’s famous Follies: “Glorifying the American Girl” Pink Showgirl No.2 (There are 3 in this series)

Cocktail Hour (Top) “The actual gowns in these two fashion drawings are from my 2001 “Foreign Intrigue” Couture Collection”

Belle of the Ball (Bottom) “This elegant lady in her elaborate ball gown comes in two different color versions”

Puttin on the Ritz “The depression era’s fascination with elegant “Rich Folks” having a high time inspired these illustrations.”

Urban Safari “This trio of Safari inspired goddesses were designed as background atmosphere for less than visually exciting musicians.”

Once we viewed the entire collection, we were able to choose a print and I chose Urban Safari. I have been looking for artwork to decorate my bedroom with, and this print is PERFECT.

There were other great pictures Ya Gotta Have a Gimmick, Carmen and Her Troupe, Kitty Kat Klub, and Drawing Comedy.

What I love most about Bob Mackie’s work is his incredible attention to detail. His style of design is pure art. Most new age designers have great sketches that transform into art on the runways or on a human canvas. Bob Mackie does that and more. There aren’t many designers out there with this type of pure talent. He is definitley in a class of his own.

For more information on the collection visit www.bobmackie.comor visit the Bob Mackie Facebook Fan Page

Special thanks to the event sponsors Pop Chips and Izze Sparkling Juice