What do Ariana Grande and comedy legend Carol Burnett have in common? Turns out – fashion. Specifically, ’70s fashion. For her SNL promo, Grande didn’t just nod to TV history; she stepped straight into it. The singer/actress slipped into Burnett’s original 1973 Bob Mackie masterpiece: a sunburst chevron gown with a halter neckline and matching shawl, bringing a whole lot of vintage sunshine our way.
On Burnett, the dress was part of an era-defining partnership between entertainer and designer. For Grande, it’s the relationship with her stylist, Law Roach. It lands as a love letter to variety-show pizazz and the enduring pull of archival fashion – especially those of Mackie, whose past looks have been making the rounds lately.
What makes this particular revival stand out is its contemporary feel. Grande’s sleek topkot and soft glam let the tri-color Mackie do the talking, reminding us that the most current thing you can wear is a great story. Perfect casting? We think so.
