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Here’s the method Bob Mackie used to design Carol Burnett’s iconic costumes
Carol Burnett and Cher had something in common besides their star power.
Carol Burnett was known for being one of the comedy queens who helped reshape comedy. She had a unique brand of humor that was often displayed on The Carol Burnett Show, the Emmy-winning CBS variety series that ran from 1967 to 1978.
But outside of comedy, she had another passion: fashion. This was also on display on her show, as some of the costumes she wore were often ridiculous, yes, but a work of art nonetheless.
Some of these famous outfits included the Curtain Dress from the Gone With the Wind parody, a cleaning lady character who wore a ragged skirt, headscarf and work apron, becoming a signature look, and a Cleopatra headdress.
These were all designed by Bob Mackie, who also spent time designing for Cher on The Sonny and Cher Show. Working with two incredible women must have been a lot of pressure for Mackie, who designed dozens of costumes per week.
"When I am designing for people, I take into consideration their personalities," Mackie said in a 1972 interview with The Idaho Statesman. "I try to enhance what exists."
For Cher, he said, "she wanted to be glamorous." According to the interview, Cher persuaded Mackie to do her clothes for the CBS summer series, and he settled on a 1930s-type look.
"It's really a 1930s look because she's kind of a throwback," Mackie said. "Her body, her posture, her way of performing goes back."
Mackie became one of Hollywood’s top designers because of work with TV stars and music icons. Diana Ross, Elton John, Barbra Streisand and Tina Turner were just a few of his many clients.
As far as Carol Burnett goes, Mackie captured her personality and her silliness perfectly.
"Carol was insecure about fashion at first," Mackie said. "Now she has grown up. She's a rather graceful woman. She's not clothes-crazy. Clothes don’t dominate her life."
According to the interview, Mackie said Carol was best shown off in things that had comfortable elegance, something with pockets or no fallaway front — every girl’s dream. She wore his clothing on and off screen.
"Designing for Carol is like designing women's hostess clothes," Mackie said.
On The Carol Burnett Show, he had just a few days to conceive the costumes and get them made, which kept him busy. His designs are part of history, along with Burnett herself. What's your favorite costume from The Carol Burnett Show?
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