The fashion world is in mourning today after the sad news of the passing of fashion designer to the stars, Bob Mackie, who died at 87.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” a statement on his social media accounts read. “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.”
His publicist confirmed that Bob passed away from pneumonia in Palm Springs, California.
Born in California in 1939, Bob began his career in Hollywood, working as an assistant to designers including Jean Louis and Edith Head. One of his earliest major milestones was sketching the famous crystal gown Marilyn Monroe wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
He became one of television’s most celebrated costume designers, particularly through The Carol Burnett Show, where he created everything from glamorous gowns to the famous curtain dress from the “Went With the Wind!” sketch (a play on Gone with the Wind). He went on to dress some of the biggest stars in entertainment, including Cher (his frequent collaborator), Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Elton John and Dolly Parton.
His decades-long creative partnership with Cher became perhaps his most famous work. Bob designed many of her most daring looks, including her sheer 1970s Met Gala dress, her iconic 1986 Oscars outfit and the barely-there costume from her “If I Could Turn Back Time” video. His theatrical, body-conscious designs helped establish the idea of the celebrity as a fashion spectacle. Read about it in our interview with Cher.
“You have just one shot on TV,” Bob explained of his design philosophy in that interview. “Fifty million people are watching, and the outfit better look good. TV is strange. It’s like an X-ray.”
Across his illustrious career, Bob Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award for The Cher Show and was nominated for three Academy Awards for fashion and design. In 2002, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He also designed for Broadway, created his own fashion line and had a hugely successful collaboration with Mattel, designing collectable Barbie dolls. His influence has continued through younger stars including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter and Zendaya.
Continue on for some of his most iconic looks.
Cher in the iconic “naked dress”
Cher 1988 Oscars
Cher, Oscars
Carol Burneyy in the ‘Went With The Wind” Dress
The Flame Dress
This design has been worn by Tina Turner, Cher and many more.
Tina Turner, “Winged Dress”
Elton John in the bedazzled Dodgers uniform
Zendaya in vintage Bob Mackie gown
Diana Ross
Miley Cyrus
