Bob Mackie, the renowned costume and fashion designer whose work defined iconic looks for stars such as Cher, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, and Elton John, passed away on September 14 at the age of 87. Following his death, close collaborators and longtime colleagues reflected on his enduring legacy and personal impact.
Jenelle Hamilton, Mackie’s publicist for over a decade, and Joe McFate, his design director for 26 years, shared memories of working alongside the legendary designer and discussed how they hope his creative contributions will be honored moving forward.
Hamilton’s connection to Mackie began through an unexpected opportunity in 2012, sparked by a New York Times op-ed debate about the value of public relations. After defending PR in a public forum, she was contacted by Mackie’s team and soon started working on a project that developed into a full-time role. Initially based in New York, Hamilton eventually relocated to Los Angeles to be closer to Mackie and McFate.
McFate, also originally from New York, first met Mackie in 2000 while involved in Off-Broadway productions. He recalled a daunting early assignment transporting and altering dozens of costume pieces overnight to prove his capabilities, an effort that led to Mackie inviting him to move to Los Angeles for a more permanent role. Over the years, McFate worked closely with Mackie on major projects, including the 2018 Broadway production of “The Cher Show,” celebrated for its award-winning wardrobe inspired by Cher’s decades-long collaboration with Mackie. McFate highlighted the show’s pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago, where the designer received a standing ovation for the costumes, underscoring his integral role in the production’s success. Mackie later earned a Tony Award for his work on the show.
Both Hamilton and McFate recalled Mackie’s dedication to creativity and his ability to breathe life into every project. A particularly personal memory for Hamilton involved Mackie designing her 2025 wedding dress, a task he embraced despite being retired. The gown drew inspiration from Cher’s 1975 wedding dress and was described by Hamilton as the final creation of Mackie’s career, crafted with deep care and passion.
As public interest in Mackie’s work has surged since his passing—including revived discussions online and among fashion professionals about celebrating his legacy at future high-profile events—Hamilton and McFate expressed openness to curating exhibitions that properly reflect his influence. They noted, however, that organizing a retrospective, such as a potential theme for the 2027 Met Gala, would require adequate time to do justice to Mackie’s vast body of work.
“We know that’s what Bob would have wanted,” Hamilton said, emphasizing the importance of honoring the designer’s vision in any posthumous tributes.
Mackie leaves behind a prolific legacy marked by landmark contributions to costume design and fashion, rooted in both artistic innovation and meaningful personal connections within the entertainment industry.