The world fashion and entertainment is mourning the loss of Bob Mackie, the legendary designer who designed created dazzling costumes for Hollywood stars for more than six decades.
Mackie died on September 14 in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 87, following complications from pneumonia.
The U.S. fashion designer, known as the “Sultan of Sequins” for his sparkling creations, won a Tony Award, nine Emmys and received three Oscar nominations during his career. His passing marks the end of an era in costume design, but his legacy will continue to sparkle across stages, screens and memories.
“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,” it added. “His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world,” a statement on his Instagram account.
He grew up with a passion for drawing and design. He studied at Pasadena City College and Chouinard Art Institute before entering the entertainment industry as a sketch artist. His work included assisting legendary designers Edith Head and Jean Louis.
He designed costumes for stars such as Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Elton John. He also designed the dress for Miley Cyrus who wore during her performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she won a Grammy that year for her break-up anthem, “Flowers” as it was her own version of a “revenge” dress.
Robert Gordon Mackie was born on March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California. In 1960, he married Hollywood singer and actress Lulu Porter, but they divorced three years later. They had a son together, Robert Gordon Jr. (Robin), who died in his early thirties from an AIDS-related illness.
He later shared a long-term relationship with Iranian fashion designer, Ray Aghayan until her death in 2011.
Mackie dressed several stars, including, Marilyn Monroe, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli.
