Famed Hollywood fashion designer Bob Mackie, celebrated for crafting iconic looks for stars like Cher, Marilyn Monroe, and Diana Ross, has died at the age of 87.
Mackie's team announced his passing on Monday morning via Instagram. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today," the statement read. "He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world."
Mackie's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on fashion and entertainment. He was instrumental in the design of Marilyn Monroe's iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress in 1962, contributing to the preliminary sketch for the skin-tight, "naked" gown requested by Monroe for the event. The dress was originally designed by Jean Louis.
He was perhaps most widely recognized for his elaborate, showgirl-inspired designs for singer Cher, with whom he shared a long and fruitful creative partnership. Their collaborations produced some of the most memorable and daring outfits in music history, including a famously risqué gown Cher wore to the Oscars in 1986.
Mackie, a Los Angeles native, also lent his creative talents to a host of other prominent figures, including Carol Burnett, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Ann-Margret, and Bette Midler.
One of Mackie's early significant roles was as the costume designer for "The Carol Burnett Show," a position he held from 1967 to 1978, during which he created over 450 outfits. It was on this show that he first met Cher, leading to his role as costume designer for her program "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," which debuted in 1971.
Mackie's prolific career earned him 32 Emmy nominations and three Academy Award nominations for his costume work in films such as "Lady Sings the Blues," "Funny Lady," and "Pennies From Heaven."
