Legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie discusses divas on new podcast

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.

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.

About Bob Mackie

Bob Mackie’s designs for Tina Turner, Bette Midler and Cher are a centrepiece of DIVA. One of the world’s most influential and singular designers working in Hollywood and fashion he 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.

About DIVA

On display until 26 April 2026, the DIVA exhibition 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.

For more information, to watch the podcast or to buy your tickets to the exhibition, please click the Arts Centre Melbourne logo above.