Legendary Hollywood Costume and Fashion Designer Bob Mackie Dies at 87
Legendary American fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie has died at 87. Known for his iconic work with Cher, Broadway, and Hollywood stars, his career spanned over six decades.
American fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie has passed away at the age of 87. His death was announced on his official Instagram account, with a statement noting that Mackie fulfilled his dream of becoming a fashion and costume designer--"everything he ever wanted to do."
A Legendary Career in Hollywood
Mackie was considered one of Hollywood's most prominent costume designers. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he worked with some of the most famous women in the world, including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, and Bette Midler.
His name became especially synonymous with Cher, whom he began working with in the early 1970s. He created a series of iconic outfits for her over the years, including daring sheer dresses featuring feathers, sequins, and elaborate embellishments. One of the most famous was the dress she wore to the Met Gala in 1974, and he subsequently designed costumes for her concert tours and television specials.
Awards and Lasting Influence
Alongside his work with Cher, Mackie gained widespread recognition for his contributions to "The Carol Burnett Show," where he was responsible for the comedian and actress's dazzling wardrobe. He also worked extensively on Broadway, and his designs for the 2018 musical "The Cher Show" earned him a Tony Award.
"He was one of those rare designers whose imagination helped define entire generations," model Coco Rocha wrote in her tribute, highlighting the wit, drama, fantasy, and joy that characterized his work.
Throughout his career, Mackie won nine Emmy Awards out of 32 nominations and received three Academy Award nominations. In 2002, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in recognition of his long-standing contributions to television and entertainment. Even in recent years, archival pieces of his designs were worn by modern superstars like Miley Cyrus and Zendaya, cementing his timeless legacy.
