$5,120
A metallic red and gold brocade, halter top dress accented with punched stones in red, orange, purple, citrine, green and iridescent. The dress features whimsical breakaway flaps at chest held in place with velcro which reveal nude panels beneath with beading over the bust. The dress was created as part of a costume worn by Midler during her September of 1979 through January of 1980 tour Bette! Divine Madness where it was paired with elaborate and colorfull bird feather ‘wings’ and tail feathers. Midler opened the show in this ensemble singing “Big Noise from Winnetka.” Midler also wore the dress, during her interview with U.K. talk show host Parkinson on the BBC in 1979. "One of my most successful entrances ever. I will never forget the sound that went up when the audience saw this outrageous costume designed by the extraordinary Bob Mackie. I loved all our collaborations. He was so inventive, and so much fun. We spent most of our time at the fittings laughing, and his whole team, from fitters to beaders, were so wonderful to me. I cried when he closed Elizabeth Courtney's doors." - Bette PROVENANCE Lot 71, "The Collection of Bette Midler," Julien's Auctions, November 12, 2011, Beverly Hills, California Categories: Bette Midler
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2013-12-06
