Costume designer Bob Mackie has dressed many of the world’s most famous entertainers, including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Pink, Tina Turner, and Zendaya. He’s also the subject of the star-studded documentary film Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion (unrated; 2024, 105 min.), which chronicles his extraordinary six-decade career.
On Monday, April 28, the documentary will screen at 4 p.m. in the Palm Theatre, followed by Mackie receiving the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking. Mackie joins the ranks of fellow King Vidor Award winners Josh Brolin, Heather Graham, Pam Grier, Peter Bogdanovich, Jeff Bridges, Ann-Margret, Morgan Freeman, Eva Marie Saint, Peter Fonda, and others.
After the screening and award ceremony, Hotel San Luis Obispo will host a reception and Q-and-A with Mackie and Design Director Joe McFate.
“Bob Mackie is a true icon in the entertainment world, and we’re thrilled to not only honor his legacy, but also to spend time with him and celebrate his extraordinary contributions to art, fashion, and film. His visionary designs have not only defined eras but have also inspired generations of creatives across the globe,” SLOIFF Executive Director Skye McLennan said. Δ
This article appears in Apr 24 – May 4, 2025.