Bob Mackie with Bette Midler, Elton John, Cher and Flip Wilson in 1975. Picture: Larry Bessel/Los Angeles Times Photographic Collection, UCLA Library, CC BY 4.0
Cher and Elton John have led the tributes to the legendary costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie who has died in the US at the age of 87.
Paying tribute to her long-time friend and collaborator, Cher posted: “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven, knowing him he’s bringing sequins, beads and his sketch pad. Good night sweet prince.”
On Instagram accompanied by a series of photographs, Elton John added: “I’m so sad to hear of Bob Mackie’s passing.
“Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special. His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood.
“Bob had extraordinary vision and the workmanship was unreal. I don’t think I ever wore a Bob Mackie outfit and had anything fall off – not a sequin or a rhinestone or anything. His clothes were made so beautifully. He loved glamour like I love glamour, but more than anything, we shared the same sense of humour and had so much fun together.
“In a sea of ego, he seemed to have none. One of the most courteous, incredible people I ever had the pleasure of working with.
“Thank you, Bob ❤️”
Often referred to as the ‘Sultan of Sequins’, the man behind some of the most flamboyant gowns to ever grace the stage, screen and the red carpet, had his first taste of the entertainment world while working as a sketch artist for Oscar-winning French designer Jean Louis when he drew the original sketch of the dress Marilyn Monroe famously wore at President John F Kennedy’s birthday celebration in 1962.
While working at Paramount Studios, Hollywood Golden Age’s superstar costumier Edith Head hired Mackie to work on two films and his experience working with her laid the foundation for his glittering career.
In 1966, Mitzi Gaynor became the first star to hire Mackie to design the costumes for an entire stage show for her spectacular show at the Riviera in Las Vegas. The partnership would last for 50 years covering TV specials and live stage shows and winning the designer two of his 10 Emmy Awards.
Mackie’s partnership with Cher hit the headlines across the world when she arrived at the 58th Academy Awards in 1986 wearing a barely-there exotic ensemble that included a gigantic feathered Mohawk head-dress.
From designing her eye-catching costumes for The Sonny and Cher Show, through her various concert tours, her Las Vegas residencies and his Tony Award-winning work on the hit jukebox musical The Cher Show, Mackie’s name became synonymous with the distinctive style of the Oscar-winning star.
Another famous partnership was with Carol Burnett – Mackie created every single costume for her hit comedy show The Carol Burnett Show during its entire 11-season run. In an interview the comedienne said: “There are fashion designers, but they can’t do costumes. And then there are costume designers that don’t do fashion. But Bob does it all. He’s the whole ball of wax.”
From Doris Day, Diahann Carroll and Carol Channing through to Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand, Mackie dressed some of the world’s most famous women.
Recent beneficiaries of Mackie’s talent include pop stars Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Pink.
Posting images of his distinctive sketches for her recent tour, Pink stated: “Gutted to learn that one of my heroes has passed on. Bob Mackie, the one and only, the legend. I was so lucky to be dressed by him for so long. He was loving, wickedly funny and an absolute genius.
“He was one of one… There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels.”
Carpenter also shared a tribute on Instagram which featured photographs of the chart-topper in his creations, writing: ‘Terribly devastated, I feel so lucky to have met Bob. His one-of-a-kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world, and they will continue to always. Mackie girl forever.”
Cyrus, who wore one of his designs to perform her hit single ‘Flowers’ at the Grammys in 2024, when the song was named record of the year, shared a photograph of herself on stage at the awards with the simple message: “You completed me… I love you.”
Mackie’s death was announced in a statement on his Instagram account on Monday, it said: “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.”
Angela Thomas
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