Bob Mackie, legendary designer, has died aged 87.
Renowned for dressing Cher, Diana Ross, and Madonna among many other entertainment greats, he was also known in the industry for his kindness. His career encompassed TV and movie costumes, concert tours and Barbie dolls, even sketching the Jean Louis dress that Marilyn Monroe wore when she sang “Happy Birthday” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Cher shared the following message on social media:
"My dear Bob has gone to heaven. Knowing him, he is probably taking his sequins, beads, and sketch pad with him. Good night sweet prince. Love, me."
RELATED Sketchbook: Bob Mackie, Costume Designer (2007)
Below are some words from the Costume Designers Guild 892 summing up his extraordinary career.
"The Costume Designers Guild is deeply saddened by the passing of costume designer and CDG member Bob Mackie. A true original whose kindness, generosity, and unmistakable imagination left an indelible mark on our community. Mackie inspired generations of costume designers and brought joy to audiences around the world.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Mackie created some of the most unforgettable costumes in entertainment, bringing his distinctive sense of glamour, humor, color, and imagination to television, film, theater, concerts, and live performance.
After beginning his career as an illustrator for designers including Edith Head and Jean Louis, Mackie went on to design the costumes for The Carol Burnett Show throughout its eleven-year run. He also became synonymous with the iconic looks worn by Cher, from her television appearances to her concert tours, while creating memorable costumes for performers including Mitzi Gaynor, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and many more.
His theatrical work included Lorelei, On the Town, Platinum, Moon Over Buffalo, Putting It Together, and The Cher Show, for which he received a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award. Bob has won countless accolades, numerous Emmys, the TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement, and was one of the first recipients of the Costume Designers Guild Award for Achievement in Costume Design.
Bob Mackie’s designs celebrated individuality, transformed performers into unforgettable characters, and helped define the visual language of American entertainment. His influence will continue to inspire generations of costume designers and artists.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues, and the many people whose lives and imaginations were touched by his extraordinary work."