Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie, who crafted looks for Hollywood icons such as Cher, Tina Turner and Carol Burnett, has passed away aged 87.
The news was announced on Monday via an official statement released on social media which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. 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.”
Renowned for his rhinestone-encrusted gowns, theatrical silhouettes and showgirl-inspired glamour, the American designer enjoyed a lengthy career spanning television, film, theatre and fashion.
Some of his most famous designs include Cher’s feathered, semi-sheer gown worn to the 1986 Academy Awards, Tina Turner’s firebird dress, Elton John’s bedazzled LA Dodgers jumpsuit and Ann-Margaret’s one-shouldered bejewelled gown, reworn by Sabrina Carpenter in October of last year.
The California native started his career working under costume designer Edith Head, who received a record-breaking 35 Academy Award nominations for her work in Hollywood.
Drawing inspiration from the dress codes of dancers and strippers as a young designer, Mackie fashioned his soon-to-be signature glitzy aesthetic, looking to sequins, embellishments, sheer panels and fringed fabrics to help do so.
© Getty ImagesSpeaking to H! Fashion back in October 2025, the ever-playful Mackie said of his design process: “Tune into the performer and you’ll see every little thing they do. You try to help them along. Say if they are in a straight play, you see how they sit, how they walk and how they do the love scene. You know what you have to involve – and you make the audience say ‘Oh yeah, that’s her. That’s the girl that I came to see.’”
Upon hearing the news of Mackie’s passing, fellow fashion pioneers such as Harris Reed, Jared Ellner and Munroe Bergdorf were quick to pay their respects to the talent, sharing heartfelt tributes online.
Bob Mackie’s most iconic looks:
© Getty ImagesMadonna
Madonna stepped out in a Bob Mackie creation in 1991 for the MTV Music Awards.
© Getty Images for The Recording AMiley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus performed her hit song Flowers at the 2024 Grammys sporting a dazzling, fringed Bob Mackie number.
© GettySabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter wore Ann-Margaret’s famed one-shouldered bejewelled gown by the designer at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
© @bobmackieCher
Cher in one of her favourite Bob Mackie creations for The Sonny & Cher Show.
© Getty ImagesThe Supremes
The Supremes wearing matching sequinned peach dresses by Bob Mackie c.1965.
© FilmMagicAlexa Demie
Alexa Demie graced the Los Angeles premiere of HBO’s Euphoria Season 3 in an archival Bob Mackie gown once worn by Hollywood legend Bette Midler in the 1991 issue of Vanity Fair.
© Getty Images for The Rock and RoZendaya
With a helping hand from her stylist Law Roach, Zendaya attended the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony sporting a striking gold creation by the esteemed designer.
© Getty ImagesCarol Burnett
Carol Burnett and Cher dazzled during the latter’s eponymous show in 1975 wearing theatrical Bob Mackie pieces.
© GettyCher (again)
The American creative joined superstar Cher to attend the 1985 Met Gala. The singer wore a stunning gold-black gown with mesh detailing and a raised neckline.
© WireImageDiana Ross
Diana Ross was joined by the creator of her lavish purple gown on the red carpet during The 20th Annual CFDA American Fashion Awards.
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