Bob Mackie, the celebrated fashion and costume designer who created unforgettable looks for Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 87.
His death was announced on his official Instagram account on Monday, September 14.
The announcement said Mackie had fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion and costume designer. His work, it added, would continue to inspire audiences around the world.
Bob Mackie Dies After More Than 50 Years in Fashion
Mackie built a career that lasted more than five decades.
Known as the “sultan of sequins,” he became famous for extravagant costumes covered in sequins, feathers, beads and other eye-catching details.
His designs helped shape the public image of some of the biggest entertainment stars of his generation.
Among his most famous clients were Cher, Diana Ross and Tina Turner.
He also created memorable outfits for Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Carol Burnett.
Mackie Began His Career as a Costume Sketch Artist
Mackie’s journey into Hollywood fashion began in 1961.
Born in Monterey Park, California, he started working as a sketch artist for costume designers.
However, his career changed significantly five years later when actress, singer and dancer Mitzi Gaynor asked him to create a new look for her.
That opportunity helped Mackie establish himself as a designer with a distinctive creative vision.
The Carol Burnett Show Made Mackie a Star
Mackie’s breakthrough continued when he joined The Carol Burnett Show.
After seeing some of his early designs, the show’s producer hired him to create costumes for the program.
Mackie eventually worked on the series for 11 seasons.
His colorful and theatrical creations became an important part of the show’s visual identity.
He also developed a close creative relationship with Burnett, producing some of the most recognizable costumes in television comedy.
Bob Mackie Dies With a Legacy of Iconic Designs
Mackie’s influence extended well beyond television.
He became particularly associated with Cher, whose bold stage outfits helped turn Mackie’s designs into pop-culture landmarks.
He also designed costumes for Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli.
His approach combined glamour, humor and theatricality.
As a result, Mackie’s work often became as memorable as the performances themselves.
Mackie Earned Multiple Emmy Awards
Mackie’s talent earned major recognition throughout his career.
He won an Emmy for his costume work on Cher: Live in Concert from Las Vegas in 1999.
He later won another Emmy for Cher: The Farewell Tour in 2003.
Those awards reflected his lasting contribution to television and live entertainment.
Hollywood Remembers a Fashion Legend
The news that Bob Mackie dies at 87 marks the end of an extraordinary career.
For generations of performers, Mackie’s costumes helped create unforgettable stage and screen identities.
His designs stood out because they were never afraid to be bold.
Even as fashion trends changed, Mackie remained committed to glamour, creativity and theatrical spectacle.
His sequined creations became part of Hollywood history.
Bob Mackie’s Designs Will Live On
Mackie’s influence reaches far beyond the celebrities he dressed.
He helped establish costume design as an essential part of entertainment, showing how clothing can strengthen a character, performance or public image.
His career also demonstrated the power of combining traditional fashion techniques with show-business spectacle.
Although Bob Mackie dies after more than five decades in the industry, his designs will continue to appear in photographs, performances, exhibitions and popular culture.
For Hollywood and the fashion world, his legacy will remain impossible to overlook.
