Book Review: The Art of Bob Mackie

Whoopi in whiteface, “Went with the Wind” and Marilyn’s’nude illusion’ dress

Priced at $50 (the e-book at $17), Simon & Schuster’s large, 304-page book, The Art of Bob Mackie, with fore and afterwords by Carol Burnett and Cher, is the first complete, authorized collection of fashion designer Bob Mackie’s sketches, drawings and photographs. Everything is contained in a fabulous, full-color biographical volume. This is like a coffee table history of some of the best of Seventies pop culture.

The book is exquisite. Every page is a treasure. Relish these neat, concise histories in modern American culture — from the May 19, 1962 appearance of Marilyn Monroe unveiling her nude illusion dress before 15,000 people at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Madison Square Garden to Cher’s outrageous threads and gowns — and meticulous photo captions (The Art of Bob Mackie’s photo editor is Matt Tunia). Observe the wonder and beauty of fashion that accentuates the body.

You will learn about Robert Gordon Mackie as an artist; his beginnings in Southern California, a child of divor…