Mark Kennedy, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Bob Mackie, the fashion designer whose visually provocative Hollywood style defined glamour for the 1970s, died Monday at the age of 87. Mackie was known for dressing stars such as Carol Burnett and Cher.
A statement on his social media accounts noted, "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, often referred to as the "Designer to the Stars," won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and was nominated for three Oscars, including one for Barbra Streisand's "Funny Lady," where she wore a sheer batwing gown. He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Hall of Fame in 2002.
His clientele included Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone, Diana Ross, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. He designed the iconic sheer, beaded gown worn by Marilyn Monroe during her performance of "Happy Birthday" for President John F. Kennedy.
Mackie's influence is evident in contemporary fashion, with his archival pieces worn by celebrities such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya. Taylor Swift also sought out Mackie's designs for her 2025 album cover.
Known for his use of sequins and embellishments, Mackie's motto was, "You don't try to change anybody, you just try to make them look better than ever," as he stated in a 2018 interview.
Tributes poured in from fellow designers and actors. Kristin Chenoweth referred to him as a "legend," while Isaac Mizrahi expressed that he was "heartbroken." Alyssa Milano called him "one of the best that ever was."
Mackie's Broadway contributions included dressing casts for productions such as "On the Town" in 1971 and "Moon Over Buffalo" in 1995. He also created costumes for various performances, including those of Carol Burnett and Debbie Reynolds.
Born in Southern California, Mackie was inspired by Hollywood glamour from a young age. He studied advertising and illustration at Pasadena City College and later pursued costume design at LA's Chouinard Art Institute.
His career began working for costume designer Edith Head, leading to his role on "The Carol Burnett Show," where he collaborated closely with Burnett on memorable characters.
Mackie's work on "The Sonny and Cher Show" further solidified his reputation, particularly with Cher's iconic red carpet looks, including a famous sheer beaded gown at the 1974 Met Gala.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Mackie launched a ready-to-wear line and partnered with QVC. He later expressed disappointment with the direction of modern fashion, stating, "I was so bored watching The Met Ball — everyone exposing everything."
Mackie also designed numerous Barbie dolls for Mattel, aiming to create diverse representations. He received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Mackie was married to showgirl Lulu Porter from 1960 until 1963. His son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., passed away from AIDS at age 35, and his longtime partner, costume designer Ray Aghayan, died in 2011.
Mackie's designs were characterized by fantasy rather than practicality. He believed in the power of clothing to create an illusion, stating, "It's all about looking good and living your fantasies."
In 2017, Cher wore two of Mackie's designs at the Billboard Music Awards, showcasing his lasting impact on fashion. Mackie expressed concern over the lack of creativity in contemporary fashion, saying, "Nothing is very interesting anymore."
Mark Kennedy, Associated Press
SOURCE: PBS NewsHour PUBLISHED: 2026-09-14 17:54:16