Legendary fashion designer to the stars Bob Mackie discusses some of the world’s most spectacular divas in The Dress and the Diva – a new podcast created by Arts Centre Melbourne.
Hosted by broadcaster Jacinta Parsons, the six-episode podcast includes performers and designers featured in DIVA, an acclaimed international exhibition developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), at the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) until 26 April 2026.
Alongside Bob Mackie are interviews with the powerhouse of Australian pop, Marcia Hines, pre-eminent Australian soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, rabble-rousing comedian and cabaret star Reuben Kaye, Eurovision couturier, Gwendolynne Burkin and glamorous, kamikaze cabaret star Meow Meow. These legendary artists and designers discuss their lives, career, costumes and what it really means to be a diva.
The podcast complements the DIVA exhibition, an exhibition exclusive to Melbourne, which features more than 250 objects including 60 spectacular costumes, jewellery, photography, art and music drawn from the V&A’s Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne’s own Australian Performing Arts Collection and loaned items from across the world.
One of the world’s most influential and singular designers working in Hollywood and fashion Bob Mackie is affectionately known as the “Sultan of Sequins” for his extravagant creations worn by artists and celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Elton John, Tina Turner, Ru Paul and many more.
More than 60 years into his career, divas including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Zendaya and Miley Cyrus continue to find inspiration in his archive. Mackie’s designs for Tina Turner, Bette Midler and Cher are a centrepiece of DIVA.
“A diva is that superstar that your eyes can’t leave… ever – you just can’t leave her – you are just like ‘look how beautiful she is!” said Bob Mackie. “My whole life I wanted to a be a costume designer. I just thought it was the most glamourous job on the (film) screen when they were giving out the credits.”
“(Cher) just loved getting dressed up… she just thought ‘this is so much fun’ and every week she had something different on and every song she sang she looked different from the time before.”
On display until 26 April 2026, DIVA showcases the creativity, ambition and resilience of many of the world’s best-known divas, from 19th century opera goddesses and silent movie stars to Golden Age Hollywood legends and today’s global megastars and pop icons.
The exhibition features a megawatt roll call of legendary names including Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Dame Nellie Melba, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bjork, Billie Eilish and more.
To listen to The Dress and the Diva podcast, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Cher, Elton John and Diana Ross at Rock Awards Santa Monica Civic Auditorium 1975; Various Locations; Mark Sullivan 70’s Rock Archive – photo by Mark Sullivan / Hulton Archive via Getty Images