Bob Mackie, Legendary Fashion and Costume Designer, Dies at 87
The iconic designer was world-renowned for his collaborations with Cher, Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli, and countless other Hollywood stars
Legendary fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie died on Monday, his team confirmed on Instagram. Mackie, who shot to fame as the “Sultan of Sequins” for his award-winning collaborations with Cher, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Carol Burnett, Tina Turner, and countless other Hollywood icons, was 87.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” a statement posted on his official Instagram account said. “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.”
Mackie, also known as “The Guru of Glitter,” was first hired as a sketch artist at Paramount Studios, where he linked up with celebrated costume designer Edith Head. In 1962, at just 23 years old, Mackie was working for French designer Jean Louis when he was tasked with drawing the original sketch for Marilyn Monroe’s infamous skin-tight dress that she wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. He later got into television, where he met designer Ray Aghayan, who would become his longtime life partner. Together they designed for The Judy Garland Show, which earned him recognition and led to The Carol Burnett Show, where he met Cher.
His work with Burnett and Cher led to later collaborations with Madonna, Pink, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross & The Supremes, RuPaul, Barbara Streisand, and more. Recently, he even had a memorable cameo appearance as himself on HBO’s Hacks. Just as his work touched all corners of the entertainment industry, so did his impact, as tributes from all over the world poured in as news of his death spread.
On Instagram, actress Fran Drescher shared a photo of herself in a Mackie creation, alongside a touching tribute to the designer. “The world today lost a wonderful, talented person with the passing of Bob Mackie,” she wrote. “Best known for his fabulous costume designs for Carol Burnett and Cher. But I had the honor of wearing a few of his creations too! We’ll miss you dear Bob. May you RIP.”
Bravo’s Andy Cohen simply wrote, “Icon,” with a heart. Supermodel Coco Rocha shared her own memories with Mackie, writing, “I had the enormous privilege of not only wearing Bob’s extraordinary creations, but working alongside him and getting to know the wonderful man behind all that glamour. There are designers whose work defines a moment, and then there are those rare few whose imagination helps define generations. Bob was one of them. His clothes had wit, drama, fantasy, and joy, and as I wrote this from in the middle of NYFW right now, I can tell you fashion needs more of all four in 2026!!!”