Bob Mackie, the renowned fashion designer known for his iconic Hollywood style, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. His death in Palm Springs, California, was due to pneumonia, as confirmed by his publicist, Jenelle Hamilton.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,stated a social media post.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.
From an early age, Mackie was inspired by the glamour of Hollywood musicals. Growing up in Monterey Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, he dreamed up elaborate costumes for his family. He studied advertising, illustration, and costume design at Pasadena City College and Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.
In 1966, Mackie designed a new look for Mitzi Gaynor. This opportunity led to his work with Carol Burnett on The Carol Burnett Show. He created many memorable outfits, including the green curtain dress, known as Starlet O’Hara, in a parody of Gone With the Wind. The show aired on August 20, 1976, and cemented his impact in television fashion.
Mackie’s collaboration with Cher started after her guest appearance on Burnett’s show. He designed her standout costumes for The Sonny and Cher Show and red carpet appearances, including her daring looks for the Academy Awards. One of his most famous designs is the sheer beaded gown Cher wore to the 1974 Met Gala, which featured in Time magazine.
Known as the Designer to the Stars, Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and received Oscar nominations for various projects. His work with celebrities included designing for Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, and even creating memorable pieces for Marilyn Monroe’s iconic performances.
Mackie’s influence continues today, seen in the styles of modern celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Zendaya. His archival designs remain popular, with stars like Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift showcasing his work on significant occasions.
His philosophy was simple: You don’t try to change anybody, you just try to make them look better than ever, Mackie told The Associated Press in 2018.
Beyond Hollywood, Mackie’s designs graced Broadway shows, including the costumes for On the Town, Moon Over Buffalo, and The Cher Show, which earned him a Tony Award. In the retail world, he achieved success with a ready-to-wear line launched in the 1980s and a collaboration with QVC.
Bob Mackie’s personal life saw him married to Lulu Porter, with whom he had a son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., who passed away at 35. His longtime partner, costume designer Ray Aghayan, died in 2011. Mackie is survived by his granddaughters Alyssa, Kyla, and Keira Townsend, along with Lulu Porter.