After a decades-long career, Bob Mackie is getting the documentary treatment. The famed designer and costumier is the subject of the forthcoming documentary “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” spotlighting Mackie’s iconic designs, his contributions to stage and screen and his collaborations with celebrities like Cher, Carol Burnett and more.
Ahead of its Paley Center for Media world premiere in May, learn more about the “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” documentary, including its premiere date, plot and director.
What is “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” about?
Cher, at left, and Bob Mackie at the 1974 Met Gala.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
“Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” traces the life of the fashion icon on screen and off, highlighting Mackie’s global impact on TV, film, Broadway and concert stages and within fashion and popular culture. The film will feature contributions from Mackie’s most famous collaborators, including Carol Burnett, Cher, Mitzi Gaynor, RuPaul Charles, Bernadette Peters, Pink and Miley Cyrus.
The documentary will also highlight Mackie’s rise to prominence and his various accolades, including his nine Emmy Award wins, Tony Award wins and three Oscar nominations, among other career milestones.
When does it premiere?
(L-R): Law Roach, Bob Mackie and Janet Mandell. Bob Mackie and friends celebrate the “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion Celebration,” hosted by Janet Mandell, in West Hollywood.
RICH ROYAL
“Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” will be available for on-demand streaming on Jan. 10, 2025 on Amazon, Google, iTunes and Fandango. The designer has been on the promotional circuit for months ahead of the release date, with stars, designers and stylists showing their support along the way, including a screening on May 13 at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles. Following the premiere, there was a Q&A with Mackie and special guests Cher, RuPaul Charles and Carol Burnett. On Nov. 19, Janet Mandell hosted a celebratory luncheon at her Los Angeles showroom, where Mackie was joined by Law Roach, Cameron Silver, Jared Ellner and more. Most recently, Mackie held a conversation about the film, moderated by Barbara Paris Gifford, at the Museum of Arts and Design on Dec. 7 in New York City, where Anna Sui and Barbara Tober were among the guests.
Who directs “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion”?
Bob Mackie and Carol Burnett in 1969.
Max B. Miller/Fotos International/Getty Images
“Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” is directed by Matthew Miele. Miele has directed such fashion and New York-oriented documentaries as 2013’s “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s,” 2016’s “Crazy About Tiffany’s” and 2018’s “Always at The Carlyle.”
See the trailer below.
