Bob Mackie, the fashion and costume designer whose glittering, provocative creations defined the look of 1970s Hollywood and dressed iconic entertainers from Cher to Carol Burnett, died Monday at the age of 87, according to statements posted on his social media accounts.
The designer passed away without a publicly revealed cause of death, leaving behind a legacy that bridged haute couture, television variety shows, and Broadway spectacle. Known across the industry by moniker titles like the Sultan of Sequins
and the Guru of Glitter
, Mackie spent his life fulfilling a singular childhood ambition sparked by Technicolor movie musicals.
From Southern California Sketches to Hollywood Edith Head Beginnings
Born in Monterey Park, California, in 1939, Mackie grew up enamored with cinema and theatrical design. He studied advertising and illustration at Pasadena City College before refining his craft in costume design at Los Angeles’s Chouinard Art Institute. Early in his professional journey, he worked under prominent Hollywood costume designers Jean Louis and Edith Head.
At age 22 while working for Jean Louis, Mackie sketched the flesh-toned, rhinestone-encrusted gown that Marilyn Monroe wore to serenade President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden. That early collaboration established an enduring talent for garments that combined theatrical engineering with undeniable magnetism. Soon after, he secured the defining job of his early television career on The Carol Burnett Show.
Television Spectacle With Carol Burnett and Cher
For the entire 11-year run of The Carol Burnett Show, Mackie produced an average of 60 costumes a week. His work for Burnett balanced high-fashion fantasy with sharp comedic utility, famously dressing her in a campy ensemble made from green window curtains—complete with the curtain rod—for a Gone With the Wind
parody sketch featuring her character Starlet O’Hara.
His partnership with Cher, however, cemented his status as a cultural architect. Together, they pushed television and red-carpet boundaries, challenging network censors by exposing midriffs and introducing the world to iconic, bead-and-feather-heavy sheer gowns. Their collaboration yielded legendary moments, including Cher’s 1974 Met Gala appearance in a feathered and sequined sheer dress that landed on the cover of Time magazine.
“These are all big personality people. They’re not just up there dressed up. You’re always looking for that look, that gag that makes the act special. It’s all about making them look good and entertaining the audience visually as well.”
Bob Mackie, via Rolling Stone
Awards, Accolades, and Diverse Barbie Designs
Mackie’s extensive contributions to entertainment earned him rare institutional recognition across film, television, and theater. He won nine Emmy Awards from more than 30 nominations, earned three Academy Award nominations for costume design on films including Lady Sings the Blues
and Funny Lady
, and claimed a Tony Award in 2019 for his work on The Cher Show
jukebox musical.
Beyond live performance, his influence extended into commercial design. While working on limited-edition collectible Barbies for Mattel in the 1980s, he advocated for dolls representing diverse ethnicities and backgrounds, outfitting them in outfits that reflected their heritage. In 2002, he became the first costume designer inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored him with a lifetime achievement award in 2019.
Enduring Influence on Modern Pop Culture
Decades after his peak television era, Mackie’s archival creations remain a vital touchstone for contemporary superstars. Modern performers frequently source vintage pieces for high-profile red carpets and album covers. Zendaya wore a Mackie gown to honor Cher at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, while Taylor Swift enlisted Mackie originals to shape the showgirl aesthetic of her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl
.
Tributes from the fashion and entertainment communities poured in following the announcement. Sabrina Carpenter shared on Instagram that the designer’s creations brought happiness and confidence to her world, while designer Isaac Mizrahi posted a brief, heartfelt tribute writing, simply, heartbroken
.