The fashion world is mourning the loss of Bob Mackie, the celebrated designer behind some of the most dazzling costumes worn by iconic stars like Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Elton John. Mackie, affectionately known as the “Sultan of Sequins,” passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance in costume design.
A Storied Career in Fashion
Throughout his illustrious career, Mackie garnered numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, nine Emmy Awards, and three Oscar nominations. His Instagram account confirmed his passing with a heartfelt statement, acknowledging his dedication to his craft and his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion and costume designer.
“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,” the statement read. “His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Influence on Cher and Other Stars
Mackie’s collaboration with Cher was particularly significant, creating outfits that became cultural touchstones. One of his most famous designs for Cher was the “revenge” outfit she wore to the Oscars in 1986. This bold ensemble featured a plumed mohawk headdress and a bare midriff, setting a new standard for red carpet fashion.
In a 2010 interview with the BBC, Mackie reflected on Cher’s unique presence in the entertainment industry, noting that she “looked like no-one else.” His designs helped her break boundaries, such as being the first woman to show her belly button on US television.
Iconic Designs for Music Legends
Beyond Cher, Mackie was instrumental in crafting memorable costumes for other music legends. For Elton John, he designed the unforgettable Dodgers baseball outfit, which the singer wore during his 1975 performances at Dodger Stadium.
Elton John paid tribute to Mackie on Instagram, writing, “Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special. His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood.”
Singer Pink also expressed her admiration for Mackie, sharing images of the costumes she wore during her Funhouse tour in 2009 and praising him as “loving, wickedly funny, and an absolute genius.”
A Lasting Legacy
Bob Mackie continued to create exquisite designs until recently, with Sabrina Carpenter and Miley Cyrus donning his creations at major events like the MTV Video Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, respectively.
Born in Monterey Park, California, in 1939, Mackie began his career as a sketch artist for Jean Louis, a prominent French-American costume designer. One of his early projects was sketching the iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Despite personal challenges, including the loss of his son Robin to an AIDS-related illness, Mackie remained a towering figure in fashion. He once remarked to The Guardian in 2018, “I think I’m the oldest living designer in Hollywood,” and expressed his desire to continue his work without retirement.
