Bob Mackie, the celebrated American fashion and costume designer known for his dazzling, sequin-laden creations, died Monday at the age of 87. Throughout his career, Mackie dressed some of the most prominent figures in entertainment, including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Sir Elton John, and especially Cher, with whom he maintained a long-standing creative partnership.
Born in California, Mackie first connected with Cher in 1967 during an appearance on The Carol Burnett Show. He subsequently became the costume designer for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, a collaboration that marked the beginning of many iconic moments. Among his most renowned designs is the bold, showgirl-style outfit Cher wore to the 1986 Academy Awards. This ensemble, featuring sequins, tassels, and a theatrical mohawk headdress, completing a revealing look that showcased Cher’s midriff, has been widely recognized as one of the most memorable Oscar dresses ever worn. Some have described the gown as a precursor to the idea of the “revenge dress,” preceding Princess Diana’s famous black dress by eight years.
Reflecting on that creation, Mackie once described it as intentionally extravagant and attention-grabbing rather than conventional fashion. “It’s a crazy get-up for attention,” he told The New Yorker, noting that it succeeded in sparking conversation and enduring cultural memory.
Mackie’s work with Cher continued to resonate, particularly with the gown he designed for her 1988 Oscar win for Moonstruck. The jewel-encrusted, near-naked dress remains a staple on lists of the most unforgettable red carpet moments.
In a statement honoring Mackie’s death, Cher, 80, paid tribute to her longtime friend, writing, “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven, knowing him he’s bringing sequins, beads and his sketch pad. Good night sweet prince.”
Mackie’s influence extended to a younger generation of performers as well. Zendaya, paying homage to Cher at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, wore a striking gold cut-away gown designed by Mackie, complemented by sleek, poker-straight hair. Sabrina Carpenter also drew from Mackie’s extensive archives, donning a white strapless gown at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards that had previously been worn by Madonna at the 1991 Oscars.
Other high-profile artists, including Beyonce, Pink, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift, have also showcased Mackie’s designs, with Swift featuring a vintage piece on the cover of her 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Mackie’s passing was confirmed by a statement on his Instagram page, which noted that he “lived his 87 years to the fullest,” fulfilling his lifelong ambition as a fashion and costume designer. The post emphasized that Mackie’s “genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Bob Mackie’s legacy endures as a defining force behind some of entertainment’s most iconic and flamboyant moments, celebrating glamour and theatricality through his unmistakable artistry.