Bob Mackie, a celebrated costume and fashion designer, has passed away at 87. Known for his signature sequined and elaborate creations, Mackie earned industry recognition including a Tony Award, nine Emmy Awards, and three Oscar nominations throughout his distinguished career.
Mackie’s work became synonymous with transformative stage fashion. He gained particular prominence through his decades-long collaboration with Cher, creating her landmark 1986 Oscar appearance featuring a plumed mohawk headdress and bare midriff—a costume that became legendary for its boldness. The designer also created Elton John’s bedazzled Dodgers baseball outfit worn during performances at Dodger Stadium in 1975. His other notable clients included Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Pink, among numerous performers across multiple decades.
Born Robert Gordon Mackie in Monterey Park, California, in 1939, he began his professional career as a sketch artist for established designer Jean Louis. An early significant assignment involved sketching Marilyn Monroe’s dress for her 1962 performance of “Happy Birthday Mr President.” Mackie continued actively designing until recent years, with credits including costumes for Sabrina Carpenter at the MTV Video Music Awards and Miley Cyrus at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Mackie was in a long-term relationship with Iranian fashion designer Ray Aghayan from 1963 until Aghayan’s death in 2011. He was previously married to singer and actress Lulu Porter from 1960 to 1963, and they had a son, Robin, who died in his early thirties. In interviews near the end of his life, Mackie expressed enthusiasm for continuing his design work and indicated no intention to retire from the profession he had devoted his career to pursuing.
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