Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie, celebrated for his dazzling and often daring creations for stars like Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Elton John, has died at the age of 87. His death was announced Monday on his Instagram account.
Mackie, often dubbed the "Sultan of Sequins," was a recipient of a Tony Award and nine Emmy Awards, and received three Oscar nominations during his prolific career. His designs were instrumental in shaping the visual identities of many of the world's biggest entertainers.
He had a particularly significant impact on Cher's career. Mackie designed her iconic Mohawk outfit for the 1986 Oscars, which became known as her "revenge" outfit as she was not nominated for an award that year. The showgirl-inspired ensemble featured a dramatic plumed headdress and a midriff-baring top, a daring look for its time that has since become a fixture in fashion history. Cher recounted in the 2024 documentary "Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion" that she dressed that night as a form of revenge for not being nominated for her role in "Mask."
Mackie told the BBC in 2010 that Cher stood out because she "looked like no-one else in the entertainment business at the time." He noted that audiences were captivated by her ability to wear anything he designed.
Beyond Cher, Mackie was the creative force behind many of Sir Elton John's flamboyant costumes, including the bedazzled Dodgers baseball outfit he wore for his 1975 performances at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. "Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special," Sir John wrote on Instagram. "His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood."
Singer Pink also frequently wore Mackie's designs. Sharing images of outfits from her 2009 Funhouse tour, she reflected, "I was so lucky to be dressed by him for so long. He was loving, wickedly funny and an absolute genius." She added, "There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels."
Mackie remained active in design until recently. Sabrina Carpenter wore one of his creations at the MTV Video Music Awards last year, and Miley Cyrus donned a glittering Mackie design for her performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she won for her song "Flowers."
His influence extended to numerous film and television projects, including designing costumes for "The Carol Burnett Show," "On the Town," and "Lady Sings the Blues."
"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," the statement on his Instagram account said. "His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world."