Bob Mackie, whose legendary designs have created showstopping looks for some of entertainment’s biggest stars, including Cher, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, and even Barbie, has died on Monday, September 14. He was 87.
The news was announced on Instagram in a statement that read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Known as the “Sultan of Sequins” for his eye-catching, sparkly creations, Mackie earned three Oscar nominations for his costume designs for Lady Sings the Blues, Funny Lady, and Pennies From Heaven, while amassing more than 30 Emmy nominations and nine wins. In 2002, Mackie made history as the first costume designer inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Born March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, Mackie got his start working as an assistant to legendary costume designer Edith Head. One of his earliest assignments was drawing the original sketch for the famous dress Marilyn Monroe wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. In 1966, Mitzi Gaynor hired Mackie to design the costumes for her new stage show at the Riviera in Las Vegas, beginning a decades-long collaboration. By 1969, his list of famous clients was growing, with Mackie designing costumes for Diana Ross, the Supremes, and the Temptations.
In 1967, Mackie would join The Carol Burnett Show a move that would change the path of his career.
Mackie’s most famous partnership has undoubtedly been with Cher, a collaboration that has lasted nearly six decades. The two first met in 1967 on The Carol Burnett Show, and Mackie would go on to help transform Cher from a ’60s hippie-chic star into one of fashion’s biggest icons. He designed hundreds of looks for her, including her revealing feathered ensemble at the 1974 Met Gala and the unforgettable black outfit with a towering feathered headdress she wore to the 1986 Academy Awards.
Some of Mackie’s best-known creations have become almost as famous as the stars who wore them. Among them were Elton John‘s Donald Duck costume and his sequined Los Angeles Dodgers uniform; Carol Burnett’s famous curtain dress from The Carol Burnett Show‘s “Went With the Wind!” sketch; and Madonna’s silver gown for the 1991 Academy Awards. His designs even made their way into the toy aisle when in 1990, the first limited-edition Bob Mackie Barbie debuted.
Tributes from his fans, friends, and the people he fashioned began pouring in, with his muse, Cher, sharing her heartbreak on X (formerly Twitter): “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven. Knowing him, he’s bringing sequins, beads, & his sketch pad. Good nite sweet, Prince. Luv Me.”
“Sadness doesn’t come close to how I feel. I loved him very much,” wrote Carol Burnett on Instagram. “As for his genius, there are fashion designers who don’t do costumes, and there are costume designers who don’t do fashion. Bob did it all. There was no one like him.”
Star of the stage and screen Kristin Chenoweth wrote: “I was lucky enough to have been given this gorgeous gown by the Legend Bob Mackie himself. And what a huge heart!! He will be missed. RIP BOB MACKIE.”
Kim Cattrall wrote: “Such a sad loss. You never felt sexier when wearing a @bobmackie gown. RIP xo.”
“Sending condolences to all who loved him. He was one of the best that ever was. And I’m proud to have a collection of his dresses,” wrote Alyssa Milano.
Model Coco Rocha posted: “Petition to celebrate Bob Mackie at the Met Gala in 2027, if this is happening. Who’s co-signing?!”