Cher was seen for the first time since the death of her friend, fashion designer Bob Mackie, as she traveled to New York City on Monday. The 80-year-old singer was spotted at an airport in Palm Springs, California, with author and acupuncturist Dr. Janet Zand, hours after Mackie passed away at age 87 from pneumonia.
Cher shared a heartfelt tribute to Mackie on X earlier that day, writing, "My dear Bob has gone up to heaven. Knowing him, he’s bringing Sequins, Beads, & his sketch pad. Good nite sweet Prince." The singer wore an all-black outfit with white sneakers and sunglasses as she was assisted with her luggage.
Mackie, a celebrated costume designer, was known for his work with Cher throughout her career, beginning with "The Sonny And Cher Show." He was also responsible for some of her most iconic red carpet looks, including a daring 1986 Oscars gown that featured a feathered Mohawk headdress and a jeweled loincloth.
Mackie's career spanned decades, and he was a 32-time Emmy nominee and a three-time Oscar nominee. He designed costumes for "The Carol Burnett Show," where he first met Cher, and for numerous theatrical productions, including shows starring Carol Channing and Bernadette Peters. His influence can also be seen in the styles of contemporary celebrities like Bella Hadid and Zendaya.
Mackie, who was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2002, emphasized the importance of visual impact in performance. "A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed," he once said. "You want the audience to be surprised when they walk out."
Mackie also had retail success, launching a ready-to-wear line in the 1980s and partnering with QVC. He was married to showgirl Lulu Porter from 1960 to 1963, and their son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., died in 1995. His longtime partner, costume designer Ray Aghayan, died in 2011.