Famed designer Bob Mackie, known for glamorous, rhinestone-studded stage gowns worn by Cher, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and many others, has died at 87. This retrospective highlights how his daring, sequin-heavy creations helped shape pop culture across decades, making his name synonymous with show-stopping celebrity fashion.
Cher’s 1986 Oscars gown—a bedazzled black ensemble with a towering headdress by Bob Mackie—was a deliberate public salvo after her Mask nomination snub, epitomizing their long collaboration and Mackie’s theatrical fashion legacy with stars like Tina Turner and Diana Ross; Mackie died at 87.
Renowned costume designer Bob Mackie, famed for glittering, bedazzled, and feathered couture worn by stars from Marilyn Monroe to Cher and Beyoncé, has died at 87, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped Hollywood fashion across decades.
Bob Mackie, the legendary American costume designer known as the 'Sultan of Sequins' who dressed Cher, Elton John and many others, has died at 87. A Tony Award winner with nine Emmys and three Oscar nominations, Mackie's glittering career defined Hollywood fashion—from Cher's 1986 Oscars Mohawk look to Elton John's iconic stage outfits—and he continued designing into recent years.
Bob Mackie, the flamboyant costume designer known as the 'Sultan of Sequins' who dressed Cher, Carol Burnett and many others, died at 87. A nine-time Emmy winner and three-time Oscar-nominated designer, he helped craft iconic looks from The Carol Burnett Show to Cher’s Las Vegas performances, including the 1986 Academy Awards ensemble; his collaborations with Ray Aghayan and his impact on fashion and showmanship leave a lasting legacy.
Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion and costume designer known for dressing Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and many Hollywood stars in dazzling sequined gowns, died at 87. Born in Monterey Park, California, he began as a sketch artist in 1961, created the wardrobe for The Carol Burnett Show for 11 seasons, won nine Emmys, earned three Oscar nominations, and launched a ready‑to‑wear line and Barbie dolls in 1982, leaving a lasting legacy of bold, glamorous design.
Bob Mackie, the flamboyant costume and fashion designer known for creating show-stopping looks for Cher, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett and other divas, has died at 87. He earned three Oscar nominations, more than 30 Emmy nominations with nine wins, and was the Television Academy Hall of Fame’s first costume designer inductee in 2002. Mackie’s career spanned film, television and stage, shaping iconic outfits from Cher’s midriff-baring stage looks to Broadway and pop-culture moments that continued to influence fashion and design, even after his passing.
Bob Mackie, the flamboyant costume designer whose glittering gowns and beaded ensembles defined stars from Cher to Carol Burnett (and even Barbie), died at 87 in Palm Springs, leaving a lasting legacy in show-stopping fashion and performance.
Ann-Margret, 85, is opening her personal archives for Julien’s Auctions, selling memorabilia from her iconic career and Bob Mackie costumes, including a 1997 Harley‑Davidson Sportster Hugger she rode for over 20 years; the sale launches June 23, 2026 and highlights her love of speed and freedom as a lifelong source of youth and vitality.
To mark Cher turning 80, The Looker revisits her most daring red-carpet moments—from the 1974 Met Gala sheer Bob Mackie gown (also on Time’s cover) to the 1986 and 1988 Oscars, the 'If I Could Turn Back Time' video aboard a Navy ship, and the 2010 VMAs bodysuit—showcasing a boundary-pushing style that helped define her enduring pop-icon status.
Taylor Swift's upcoming album 'The Life of a Showgirl' is set for release on October 3, accompanied by a special theater event featuring behind-the-scenes content, with her wearing a showgirl-inspired headpiece designed by Bob Mackie, highlighting her elaborate style and promotional efforts.
Miley Cyrus stunned at the Grammy Awards with multiple outfit changes, including a custom-made Maison Margiela dress and a hand-beaded silk chiffon dress from Bob Mackie's 2002 collection. The dress was fitted on Dolly Parton's birthday and required minimal alterations. This isn't the first time Cyrus has worn Bob Mackie, and she has previously shown admiration for his work. Bob Mackie, known for designing iconic outfits for celebrities, is teaming up with Carol Burnett and has a documentary about his life set to be released later this year.
Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion designer, is credited with transforming Barbie into a feminist icon and creating a more sophisticated expression for the doll. Mackie, known for his extravagant costumes worn by celebrities like Cher and Diana Ross, has designed 47 different dolls for Mattel, including limited edition and celebrity-inspired Barbies. His maximalist aesthetic and attention to detail have made Barbie a global superstar, and his contributions have helped Barbie evolve into a multidimensional woman. Mackie's designs for Barbie often feature intricate beadwork and embroidery, and he was the first designer to create a complete doll, including the fashion, hair, and face. Barbie's popularity owes much to Mackie's contributions, and his work has helped make Barbie a cultural icon.