Legendary Costume Designer Bob Mackie Has Died
The “Sultan of Sequins” and designer for Cher, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, and more was 87.
Costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie, known for his iconic creations for artists like Cher and Elton John, has died at age 87.
A statement posted to his social media accounts on September 14 confirmed the news, with no cause of death revealed. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the statement read. “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.”
Mackie and Cher at the 1985 Met Gala
The California-raised Mackie, referred to as the “Sultan of Sequins” and the “Guru of Glitter,” began his career working for French haute couturier Jean Louis and created the original sketch for the nude-toned sequined dress Marilyn Monroe wore while serenading John F. Kennedy at his 1962 birthday celebration. Mackie would go on to perfect the “nude illusion” look for his client Mitzi Gaynor, a dress construction and look worn by entertainers to this day.
Mackie and Joan Collins in 1989
He was mentored by legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head while working at Paramount Studios and later created all of the costumes—an estimated 17,000—for The Carol Burnett Show. One of those looks ended up in the Smithsonian as a tribute to his contribution to American comedy.
Cher and Mackie at the 1974 Met Gala
Mackie created boundary-pushing looks for artists like Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, RuPaul, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and most famously Cher—including the outrageous outfit she wore to the 1986 Oscars. The all-black ensemble featured a massive showgirl-inspired plumed headdress and a black beaded two-piece, and was worn as a sartorial middle finger to the Academy for snubbing her as a serious actor.
Tina Turner in the “Wing Dress” Mackie designer for her in 1977
Mackie and Cher worked together for many years following, including for her 2008-11 Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. He won his first and only Tony for his work on The Cher Show in 2019, and over his lifetime won nine Primetime Emmys and earned three Academy Award nominations for his designs.
Mackie’s influence has lived on in fashion, with a new generation of pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus pulling from his extensive archive for showstopping moments.
Mackie was married to singer LuLu Porter from 1960 to 1963, and together they shared one son. Following his divorce, Mackie’s longtime life partner was costume designer Ray Aghayan; the two remained together until Aghayan’s death in 2011.
