I am listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label. Was very happy to have a follower send me links to the 1972 Sonny and Cher album included here that dated this one and shows Cher wearing a simialar one! 

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a royal purple color that is a touch deeper and more vibrant in person then how it photoed here. I love the easy silhouette of the dress and how the front of the bodice has an elaborate and beautiful macrame detailing. This has been entirely done by hand and then hand applied to the dress. The front detailing is made an off white rope that is knotted into a thick braid and applied around the V neckline. It then falls from the base of the V into a dramatic cascade of long fringe knotted with wood beads. The  longest of the fringes go almost to the hem. This elaborate applique gives the simple cut of the dress an instant dose of high glamour. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. This one is unlabeled and has some small flaws but is in overall great condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. The macrame was hand made as a separate piece and then hand applied. The stitching is easily seen on the back of the fabric. The color is a touch more vibrant in person. Unlabeled. My cleaners managed to lighten the one spot on the side of the dress and then there are some small areas of color change to the purple. The last three photos show these areas. Sold as is and as final sale.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3326

Reference Photo: Cher in Bob Mackie, 1972 (from the Sonny & Cher 'Regreso' Album)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.