Ariana Grande channels 1970s on SNL: wears Carol Burnett’s iconic dress

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• A vintage Bob Mackie gown becomes Grande’s SNL promo centerpiece
• From Carol Burnett’s 1973 monologue to Ariana’s modern moment
  • Why the choice matters
• Bob Mackie’s archive: a go-to for modern celebrities
• Iconic garments and auction highlights
  • Historic ties beyond television
• How the look amplifies Grande’s promotional campaign
• Ariana Grande’s SNL résumé and recent appearances

Ariana Grande tapped into classic television glamour to tease her next Saturday Night Live spot, stepping out in a true piece of showbiz history. The singer chose a vivid 1970s creation by Bob Mackie — a dress once worn by Carol Burnett — and the choice instantly linked Grande to a long line of stage and screen icons.

A vintage Bob Mackie gown becomes Grande’s SNL promo centerpiece

The outfit is a halter-neck gown in yellow, brown and saffron chevrons, paired with a matching shawl. Stylist Law Roach tracked the ensemble down at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills. The piece had a recent sale price of $3,840 at the Bold Luxury: Bob Mackie, Stage Glamour & The Couture Edit auction. The look is both a fashion statement and a nod to television history.

From Carol Burnett’s 1973 monologue to Ariana’s modern moment

Carol Burnett originally wore the gown during an opening monologue on her variety show in 1973. By choosing that dress, Grande reached back to a moment when television and couture intersected nightly. The connection underlines how costumes can carry cultural memory across decades.

Why the choice matters

• The dress frames Grande as part of a lineage of entertainers who use fashion to shape public image.
• It reflects a current trend where contemporary stars revive archival pieces for red carpet and publicity moments.
• The gamble pays off: vintage items lend instant storytelling to a promotional look.

Bob Mackie’s archive: a go-to for modern celebrities

Mackie’s designs have become staples for stars seeking dramatic, show-ready attire. Over his career, he supplied thousands of costumes for The Carol Burnett Show alone. His creations show up in celebrity wardrobes and on big promotional stages regularly. High-profile names have leaned on Mackie’s archive for headline-making moments.

• Miley Cyrus has worn Mackie pieces for red carpet appearances.
• Zendaya has tapped his archive for glam-forward looks.
• Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift have used Mackie’s designs during major promotional runs.

Iconic garments and auction highlights

The most expensive Mackie lot at the same auction was a 1978 sequined costume tied to Cher. That outfit fetched $57,600 and is notable because Cher is the musical guest on this weekend’s SNL episode. The auction underscored how Mackie’s work still commands significant interest and value.

Historic ties beyond television

Bob Mackie also had a hand in one of pop culture’s most famous dresses. As an assistant to Jean Louis, he contributed to Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown. The garment resurfaced in public conversation when Kim Kardashian referenced it at the 2022 Met Gala, illustrating how Mackie’s world intersects with modern celebrity moments.

How the look amplifies Grande’s promotional campaign

Grande is currently promoting Wicked: For Good, the two-part film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. She reprises Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. Wearing a Mackie original adds theatrical flair to a campaign centered on musical spectacle and classic Hollywood influences. The vintage choice amplifies the film’s blend of old-school showbiz and modern blockbuster energy.

Ariana Grande’s SNL résumé and recent appearances

This engagement marks another stop on Grande’s frequent SNL circuit. Her history with the show includes roles as host and musical guest across multiple years. Recent appearances include:

1. Musical guest in 2014.
2. Dual role as host and musical guest in 2016.
3. Musical guest in March 2024.
4. Host in October 2024.

This upcoming slot will be her fifth overall billing on the live sketch show. The timing, with Cher appearing as musical guest the same night, creates an added layer of vintage-meets-now theatricality.