Bob Mackie, The Master Of Sequins, Rhinestnes

Rest in Peace Bob Mackie. 

Mackie was born March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, to Charles Robert Mackie and Mildred Agnes (née Smith) Mackie. His father worked at Bank of America. He has an older sister. He was best known for his dressing of numerous entertainment personalities for television, movies, concerts, and live stage shows. 

Mackie was the costume designer for all of the performers on The Carol Burnett Show during its entire eleven-year run, and the creator of memorable ensembles for Cher and Elton John. He is referred to alternatively as the "Sultan of Sequins", the "Rajah of Rhinestones" or the "Guru of Glitter" for his sparkling and imaginative designs. 

Mackie once said, "A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed." Mattel partnered with him to produce outfits for collectable Barbie dolls, and he introduced cultural diversity to their features and outfits to reflect the heritage of real-life women. 

Over his lifetime, Mackie received nine Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and three nominations for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work. He was nominated for the Oscar for costumes in Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Funny Lady (1975 and Pennies From Heaven (1981) and Emmys for The Carol Burnett Show, Mama's Family, The Sonny and Cher Show, Cher, Mrs. Santa Claus, Gypsy, Fresno and many others, Mackie received one honorary award and 9 competitive awards from 32 nominations

In April 2023, Mackie was accepted  the inaugural Giving Us Life-time Achievement Award by RuPaul at the RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 finale Some of his other famous clients included Dolly Parton, Raquel Welch, Ann-Margeret, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Farrah Fawcett, Doris Day and Oprah Winfrey among others. On March 14, 1960, Mackie married LuLu Porter (née Marianne Wolford), a singer and actress, and later an acting teacher. The couple divorced in 1963. They had a son, Robert Gordon Mackie, Jr. (known as "Robin"). Robin, a makeup artist, died in 1993 at the age of 33 of an AIDS-related illness due to drug use, predeceasing his parents. 

As featured in the 2024 documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, Bob and Lulu had remained very close throughout the years and later discovered that they share a granddaughter (through their son) with whom they enjoy a close relationship. They also have  two great grandchildren. 

Beginning in 1963, Mackie's significant other was costume designer Ray Aghayan, whom Mackie worked with as an assistant. The two worked together through the 1970s, as well as having separate clients. They remained together until Aghayan's death in 2011. Mackie created all of the costumes, including evening gowns, character outfits and dance clothing for guests during the run of The Carol Burnett Show, including the famous curtain dress from the "Went with the Wind!" sketch (spoofing Gone With the Wind) which was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. 

he announcement of Mackie's death says he died of natural causes at 87 years old.

Fascinating 'Evolution Of Fashion' 1905 - 2025

Evolution of fashion … credits in clip.🎥 pic.twitter.com/gS3xeFUVNE

— Sherri Unfiltered™ (@FFT1776) May 31, 2026

We'll Just Leave This Here For Now . . .

 

Klum Art Grammys: She Could Barely Walk!

Is the statement, “I look ridiculous?” https://t.co/R6LvgF7NYg

— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 2, 2026

Oh, The Endless Joys Of The Heavenly Henley!

I still remember the moment—years ago now—when I wandered through Sears (a name that has since slipped into American retail history) and made a small, impulsive purchase that turned out to be anything but small. 

I spotted a striped, cotton Henley shirt on a rack, liked the color, liked the price, and figured, Why not? What I didn’t realize at that moment was that I was about to begin a long and loyal relationship with one of the most quietly perfect garments ever designed.

The moment I pulled that shirt on, I understood its magic. It was soft—unexpectedly so. The fabric had an ease to it, a give, a comfort that felt instantly familiar. It fit me exactly the way a shirt should fit: not stiff, not fussy, not trying too hard. Just right. I still have that Henley, and many others that followed. Each one reaffirmed something I hadn’t fully appreciated before: this is a shirt that earns its place.

What makes the Henley endure? Part of its charm is its history. Originally designed as a men’s undershirt in 19th-century England, it eventually became the uniform of the rowers of Henley-on-Thames—hence the name. Its buttoned placket gave rowers ventilation and mobility, and its collarless design kept things simple. It was functional, unpretentious, and dependable. Over a century later, nothing about that description has changed.

And that’s one of the great strengths of the Henley: longevity. It hasn’t needed dramatic reinvention. It’s not a garment that goes in and out of style on the whims of fashion editors. Instead, it has stayed popular because it works. It looks good when you're dressed up a notch; it looks good when you're dressed down. A Henley can be layered under a jacket, tossed on with jeans, or worn on its own. It holds its shape. It flatters most body types. It can be worn tucked in or untucked. It makes no demands on the wearer—yet it always seems to elevate the look.

Then there’s practicality. Men appreciate things that don’t overcomplicate life, and the Henley fits squarely into that camp. It breathes when it’s warm, insulates when it’s cool, and feels good against the skin year-round. The lack of a collar avoids that feeling of constriction, the buttons add a touch of structure, and the silhouette skews masculine without being showy. It’s the rare piece of clothing that feels as comfortable as a T-shirt but looks like you put some thought into your appearance.

Versatility is another reason the Henley remains a staple. It can be rugged or refined. It suits younger men and older men equally well. It works in solid colors, patterns, long sleeves, short sleeves—there’s no single “right” form. I have long sleeve thermal Henleys that are warm and cozy in winter and short sleeve, wonderfully breathable sumer Henleys. This freedom allows a guy to slip into a Henley any season and feel like himself, not a version of himself curated by trend-watchers.

Maybe that’s why that long-ago purchase at Sears became more than just a shirt. It introduced me to a garment that delivers exactly what men quietly value: comfort, durability, ease, and a touch of understated style. The Henley doesn’t need hype. It doesn’t need reinvention. It simply delivers, year after year, wear after wear.

In a world of disposable fashion and fleeting trends, the Henley stands firm—a shirt that has earned its enduring popularity through simple, consistent excellence. And sometimes, the best things we own start with a small, impulsive choice on an ordinary day.

Remembering The Inimitable Diane Keaton

How sad that we must now mark the passing of Diane Keaton (born Diane Hall, January 5, 1946), whose death at the age of 79 has just been announced. 

Diane Keaton’s life was a constellation of bold choices, heartfelt performances, and singular artistry. From her earliest days in Los Angeles, she carried within her a restless spirit and a deep empathy — qualities that would come to define her career and the people she touched. 

Though she was best known as a movie star and irrepressible style icon, Keaton’s journey actually began in the theater. She appeared in the original 1968 Broadway production of Hair, and soon afterward earned acclaim for her work on stage — including a Tony nomination in Play It Again, Sam. Her elegant blend of intelligence, vulnerability, and wit made her a magnetic presence not only on the stage but on and off the screen.

Her cinematic debut came in Lovers and Other Strangers (1970), but it was her role as Kay Adams–Corleone in The Godfather (1972) that placed her squarely on Hollywood’s map. Who can forget Diane in that magisterial saga? She reprised that role in The Godfather Part II and later Part III, anchoring one of cinema’s most revered contributions with poise and strength. 

Defining a Voice — Annie Hall and Beyond

Still, perhaps no collaboration shaped Keaton's public persona more than her work with Woody Allen. In Annie Hall (1977), she brought to life a character whose style and sensibility (from glasses to menswear) felt both intimate and revolutionary. The film was a true landmark and Diane's performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, and cemented her legacy as a leading light in modern cinema. 

On the same year, she struck a darker note with her performance in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, an audacious turn that showed she would never be limited to one mode or genre. Critics widely praised her in that film for its emotional scale and daring. 

Over the decades, Keaton was equally at home in comedic, romantic, and dramatic fare — in films like The First Wives Club, Father of the Bride, the rollicking Something’s Gotta Give, Marvin’s Room, Manhattan Murder Mystery (a personal favorite of ours) And So It Goes, and more.

Behind the Camera & Wider Passions

Keaton was more than a performer. She directed and helmed projects of her own, including the documentary Heaven (1987) and Hanging Up (2000), exploring both spiritual themes and the complexities of family life.  She was also an avid photographer, collector of images, and a voice of introspection and wonder in her essays and memoirs.

She adopted two children — Dexter (in 1996) and Duke (in 2001) — embracing motherhood later in life with humility and fierce devotion. 

Keaton never married. She often spoke of welcoming solitude not as a lack, but as a space for freedom, creativity, and self-discovery. 

Honors & Legacy

Over more than five decades in the public eye, Diane Keaton’s artistry was recognized with an Academy Award, a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, and nominations for Emmy and Tony awards.  She was honored with a Film Society of Lincoln Center Gala Tribute (2007) and the AFI Life Achievement Award (2017). 

Her influence reaches far beyond awards. She inspired generations with her courage to be singular, her daring sense of style, her refusal to settle for easy stereotypes, her willingness to be tender, funny, broken, fierce — all in the same breath.

A Final Word

Diane Keaton’s passing leaves a profound void in film, in culture, and in the hearts of countless admirers. But her light remains — in the images she captured, the performances she gave, the risks she undertook, and the people she touched. 

She once said:“Without acting I would have been a misfit.”
That line, spoken in recent years, feels as much a testament as a prophecy — for to many of us, she was never a misfit. She was a beacon.

A Trip To The Barber, 1950s Style . . .

 

At Met Gala, Diana Ross, 81 Stole The Show!

First Monday in May at The Met, New York.

 

Men's Fashion Now, Properly Explained!

 

At Milan Fashion Week, ARMANI explains to the world a very simple concept:

“Men don’t wear skirts, they wear dark suits on white shirts with the cuff slightly slips out of the jacket and they wear a tie.

Then there are the jokes of those with skirts and lipstick, but men dress like this. ”

Alla settimana della moda di Milano, ARMANI spiega al mondo un concetto molto semplice:

“Gli uomini non mettono le gonne, vestono completi scuri su camicie bianche il cui polsino esce leggermente dalla giacca e mettono la cravatta.

Poi ci sono le cafonate di quelli con gonne e rossetto, ma gli uomini vestono così.” 

Yes, Once Upon A Time This WAS The Norm!

 

Lagerfeld At The Met . . . Positively Dazzling!

Karl Lagerfeld felt that fashion should be functional and wearable. The great designer for the House of Chanel boldly declared: "Fashion does not belong in a museum!"

But if you go to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art now through July 16 you will find many of Lagerfeld's finest creations on view in just a such a setting. And the exhibition ("A Line of Beauty") is nothing short of dazzling. Every single creation started in the mind of Lagerfeld and took shape in his original drawings. 

The exacting detail of Lagerfeld's designs will take your breath away. Lagerfeld celebrated women in clothes that accented the shoulder and the line from the there to the waist. He called this line (literally translated in French) "the fall to the liver." To call attention to this "fall" Lagerfeld placed the waist of his creations either higher or lower than you would expect it to appear. 

His designs were influenced by uniforms, military clothing, history, the monarchy, pageantry, costumes, romance, Chanel herself and his own sense of whimsy. Here are some photos we took presenting highlights of the extraordinary collection on view. 

All photos copyright 2023, Dan Cirucci.

Dan's Instant Book Review: All The Beauty . . .

Forget about the Met Gala.

That's just Anna Wintour and all her sick, exhibitionist friends celebrating their incessant vulgarity. 

For what's inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and what this domed treasure trove is really all about read Patrick Bringley's delightful little book, All The Beauty In the World. Bringley spent years as a guard in The Met, becoming familiar with every room, every corner, every quirk and curiosity of one of the world's greatest and largest museums. All The Beauty is Bringley's story but it's also the story of The Met, its origins, its employees, its visitors and its benefactors. The book is remarkably concise, gently contemplative and richly thought provoking.You'll learn things about The Met that will intrigue you whether you're a regular visitor or planning to visit for the first time.

And yes, he'll tell you all about that grand staircase that serves as the stage setting for the gaudy annual gala. But you'll get the real story of the people who ascend and descend the steps  (more than seven million of them) day in and day out every year. 

Highly recommended!

Once Upon A Time, This Really Happened!

 

Italian American Heritage Month: Angela Bambace

Angela Bambace

In 1955, Angela Bambace (1889-1975) achieved a remarkable breakthrough.  She became the first Italian immigrant woman to hold a leadership position in the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU) as vice president. At that time the ILGWU was one of the most powerful labor groups in the country as many garments were still "made in America" often on sewing machine assembly lines in converted factories sometimes referred to as "sweat shops",

Bambace’s family had moved from Italy to the United States, settling in East Harlem, where Bambace’s mother worked in the garment industry. After completing high school in 1917, Angela and her sister Maria joined their mother at a shirtwaist factory operating sewing machines. There the young women were exposed to the exploitative and dangerous working conditions for women workers of the garment industry. This is how the ILGWU was born.

When the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Association (ACWA) began the fight to unionize the shop, Angela and Maria participated in walk-outs, strikes, and other forms of protest, marking the beginning of their long lives as labor activists.

Bambace’s organizing expanded into the network of New York City garment worker organizers and she quickly became known as a fierce champion of labor rights. She would go on to unionizing garment workers in Baltimore, serve as the district manager for the states of Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia, and become vice president of the ILGWU. Bambace died of cancer at the age of 86 in 1975.

H/T: Kathryn Anastasi

Jill Biden In Puerto Rico: Who's Dressing Her?

 Take a look at thE getup that Jill Biden chose for this week's visit to storm damaged Puerto Rico.

OMG! Who's dressing this woman? This is a veritable nightmare!

Sadly, Not Much Of An Exaggeration Here

 

Oh, Absolutely! No Doubt About It . . .

 

So THIS Was The Reason For The Raid . . .

 

She Can Walk Into A Room . . .

And INSTANTLY match the drapes and upholstery!

Now THIS Is The Opposite Of Style!