Bob Mackie, legendary designer who dressed Cher and Diana Ross, dies at 87
Bob Mackie and Cher attend the Costume Institute's gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1985. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images fileShareAdd to GoogleBy Alicia Victoria LozanoLegendary fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, whose sequined gowns for Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and other stars dazzled red carpets for decades, has sewn his final stitch.
Mackie died Monday at 87, according to a post on his Instagram account.
“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 post read. “His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Known as the “sultan of sequins,” Mackie dressed some of Hollywood’s biggest names over more than 50 years. His creations for celebrities like Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand stunned both performers and fans alike.
Bob Mackie poses with two of his iconic designs worn by Cher.Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP fileBorn in the Los Angeles suburb of Monterey Park, Mackie started out as a costume design sketch artist in 1961 before being tapped to create a new look for actress, singer and dancer Mitzki Gaynor in 1966, according to a short biography on his website.
“This was a marriage made in heaven with dance, glamour and comedy all in one package,” the biography read.
His first independent project caught Burnett’s attention. Her producer hired him to design the complete wardrobe for The Carol Burnett show, a post he held for 11 seasons.
Bob Mackie and Joan Collins in Los Angeles in 1989.Vinnie Zuffante / Getty Images fileIn 1999 he won an Emmy for “Cher: Live in Concert from Las Vegas” and another in 2003 for “Cher: The Farewell Tour,” according to his biography.
In 1982, Mackie launched a ready-to-wear collection and a line of collectable Barbie dolls, which featured red-carpet ready dresses complete with head dresses, dramatic long trains and his signature sequins glow.
Mackie won nine Emmy Awards over the course of his illustrious career and three Oscar nods. He was nominated for 30 Emmys.
“Women who wear Mackie dare to be noticed, and many of the entertainment industries biggest and brightest stars are still clamoring to be dressed by him,” his autobiography read. “With his choice of vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and intricate detail, Bob Mackie’s work continues to exude timeless glamour.”
Bob Mackie designs worn by Cher and Tina Turner.Sarah Morris / Getty Images fileThis is a developing story. Please check back for updates.ShareAdd to GoogleAlicia Victoria LozanoAlicia Victoria Lozano is a California-based reporter for NBC News focusing on climate change, wildfires and the changing politics of drug laws.
