Bette Midler

“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

PHOTO: BOB SCOTT

70 BOB MACKIE FOR BETTE MIDLER DESIGN SKETCH

A marker and ink on paper design sketch signed in marker, “Bob Mackie” and annotated “Bette Midler” mounted to board. The sketch shows the whimsical bird costume worn by Midler during her September of 1979 through January of 1980 tour Bette! Divine Madness . 17 by 9 inches $500-700

71 BETTE MIDLER PERFORMANCE COSTUME BY BOB MACKIE

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. $2,000-3,000

72 BETTE MIDLER NARAS CERTIFICATE

A framed certificate from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences presented to Bette Midler in recognition of participation as an artist in the cate- gory of Best Recording for Children on the Grammy award-winning “In Harmony / A Sesame Street Record” by various artists in the award year 1980. 20 1/4 by 16 1/4 inches $100-150

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