{"product_id":"vintage-1980s-bob-mackie-for-neiman-marcus-black-silver-beaded-open-back-dress-approx-l","title":"Vintage 1980s Bob Mackie for Neiman Marcus Black Silver Beaded Open Back Dress – Approx. L","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional example of vintage\u003cstrong\u003e Bob Mackie evening wear\u003c\/strong\u003e, this dramatic \u003cstrong\u003ecirca 1980s\u003c\/strong\u003e cocktail dress combines Mackie's unmistakable theatrical glamour with an extraordinarily sophisticated black-and-silver palette. Made in the USA and retailed through Neiman Marcus, the dress features a sleek black body dramatically contrasted by elaborate silver bugle-bead embellishment cascading across its spectacular open back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the front, the silhouette is deceptively restrained: a sculptural bateau neckline, pronounced padded shoulders, long sleeves and a beautifully draped, body-skimming knee-length silhouette. Silver bugle-bead embroidery traces the neckline before descending into multiple graduated swag-like strands across the bodice, creating the effect of built-in jewelry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse transforms the dress completely. A dramatically plunging open back is framed by densely hand-worked silver-tone bugle beads extending vertically from the shoulders and falling into a series of increasingly deep suspended loops. The result is almost architectural as part evening dress, part jeweled sculpture and quintessentially Bob Mackie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interplay between the minimal black fabric and highly dimensional metallic embellishment allows the beadwork to move and catch the light as the wearer walks. The exaggerated shoulder construction creates Mackie's characteristic powerful 1980s silhouette while balancing the sensuality of the dramatically exposed back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong sleeves finish with concealed zipper cuffs, another elevated construction detail that allows for a narrow, tailored sleeve opening while making the garment easier to put on and remove. A concealed center-back zipper sits beneath the open-back construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterior labels include Bob Mackie, Neiman Marcus, a vintage ILGWU union label, Made in U.S.A., and dry-clean-only labeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable Bob Mackie pieces preserved in museum collections from the 1980s combine silk crepe, extensive bugle-bead embellishment and Neiman Marcus labeling, making this dress an especially compelling example of Mackie's American evening wear from the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob Mackie\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetailer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeiman Marcus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEra \/ Date\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCirca 1980s; likely mid-to-late 1980s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage Bob Mackie eveningwear \/ Neiman Marcus retail collection. Specific season or collection is undocumented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in U.S.A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack \/ Silver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCocktail dress \/ evening dress \/ open-back dress \/ embellished dress\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDramatic bateau neckline\u003cbr\u003eStructured padded shoulders\u003cbr\u003eLong sleeves\u003cbr\u003eConcealed zipper cuffs\u003cbr\u003eFitted-to-draped sheath silhouette\u003cbr\u003eKnee-length hem\u003cbr\u003eExtremely deep open back\u003cbr\u003eMultiple graduated draped beadwork swags\u003cbr\u003eDense silver-tone bugle-bead embroidery\u003cbr\u003eBeaded neckline\u003cbr\u003eConcealed center-back zipper\u003cbr\u003eBob Mackie designer label\u003cbr\u003eNeiman Marcus retailer label\u003cbr\u003eVintage ILGWU union label\u003cbr\u003eMade in U.S.A.\u003cbr\u003eDry clean only\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Fit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarked size: Size label not observed\u003cbr\u003eEstimated modern fit: Approximately US Large \/ roughly US 10–12\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dress is photographed on a US 4\/6 mannequin and was clipped substantially to fit the mannequin. It is considerably larger than the form shown and should not be assumed to fit as closely as represented in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the garment was clipped for photography, these should be considered preliminary approximate measurements:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 16–16.5\"\u003cbr\u003eBust: approximately 38–40\"\u003cbr\u003eWaist: approximately 32–34\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: approximately 40–42\"\u003cbr\u003eSleeve length: approximately 23–24\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to hem: approximately 40–42\"\u003cbr\u003eBack opening depth: approximately 19–21\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease compare measurements with a similar garment that fits well. Vintage sizing differs considerably from contemporary sizing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black fabric presents beautifully with little to no visible signs of wear consistent with the garment's age and previous use. Some areas of the extensive silver bugle-bead embellishment are loose, with minor irregularities to the beadwork consistent with age, construction and the considerable weight of the embellishment. This is most apparent upon close inspection and does not detract significantly from the overall presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the age and intricacy of the beadwork, gentle handling is recommended. Please review all photographs closely as they form part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy It Is Special\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob Mackie's work is defined by the relationship between clothing, movement and spectacle, and this dress captures that philosophy particularly well. From the front it reads as an elegant black cocktail dress; from behind, the extraordinary open-back construction and cascading metallic beadwork reveal an entirely different garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a striking collectible example of American evening wear and an especially strong choice for a collector of Bob Mackie, 1980s fashion, American designer fashion or highly embellished vintage evening wear.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Refined Concierge Consignment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49783073964184,"sku":null,"price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/8763\/2536\/files\/vintage-1980s-bob-mackie-black-silver-beaded-dress-front.jpg?v=1788292896","url":"https:\/\/refined-consign.com\/products\/vintage-1980s-bob-mackie-for-neiman-marcus-black-silver-beaded-open-back-dress-approx-l","provider":"Refined Concierge Consignment","version":"1.0","type":"link"}