When legendary costume designer Bob Mackie steps aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 this October, he’ll bring with him more than six decades of showbiz sparkle – and an auction of original sketches that capture the essence of his theatrical vision.
The seven-night transatlantic crossing, departing New York on October 31, represents a rare fusion of fashion history and ocean travel. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on hand-drawn illustrations from Mackie’s archive, including sketches that showcase his signature approach to evening wear: bold, embellished, and unapologetically dramatic.
A floating exhibition of iconic costumes
The voyage doubles as a preview for Julien’s Auctions’ upcoming Bold Luxury sale, with rotating exhibits featuring pieces worn by entertainment royalty. Among the highlights: a nude-illusion costume created for Cher’s 1978 television special, a flame-motif bodysuit worn by Tina Turner in 1977, and a custom lamé gown Carol Burnett wore for her show’s opening monologue in 1972.
These aren’t museum pieces behind velvet ropes – they’re intimate glimpses into Mackie’s creative process, displayed in the elegant surroundings of what is essentially a floating grand hotel.
Beyond the auction block
The experience extends well beyond viewing and bidding. Mackie will participate in a Q&A session alongside Darren Julien and Martin Nolan, the co-founders of Julien’s Auctions, offering insights into the intersection of celebrity culture and collectible fashion. Guests will also attend a special screening of the designer’s new documentary, with an introduction by Mackie himself.
The voyage coincides with broader fashion programming aboard Queen Mary 2. Designer Christian Siriano will stage his first runway show at sea, while supermodel Coco Rocha debuts her Model Camp in a maritime setting – creating what Cunard is calling Transatlantic Fashion Week.
The appeal for collectors and enthusiasts
For those who appreciate both luxury cruising and fashion history, this crossing offers something genuinely distinctive. The intimate scale of the experience – limited to those aboard a single sailing – creates the kind of exclusivity that’s increasingly rare in today’s cruise industry.
The transatlantic route itself, following the wake of Paris Fashion Week, adds a narrative thread to the journey. It’s a crossing with context, connecting European runways to American shores while celebrating a designer whose work has defined red-carpet glamour for generations.
The Queen Mary 2 arrives in Southampton, England, on November 7, giving passengers a week to immerse themselves in Mackie’s world while enjoying Cunard’s signature white-glove service and refined onboard atmosphere.
For those seeking a cruise experience that goes beyond destination ports and onboard amenities, this sailing offers a compelling proposition: a journey where the entertainment, art, and cultural programming become as significant as the passage itself.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
