Known as the ‘Sultan of Sequins’, Bob Mackie was behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic looks, from the Oscars to unforgettable creations worn by generations of stars.
American fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie has died aged 87, according to an announcement shared on his official social media accounts on Monday. Considered one of the most influential figures in American television and entertainment costume design, his name was associated for decades with artists including Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Madonna. He also helped create the famous dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang to John F. Kennedy and, decades later, continued dressing a new generation of stars including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Sabrina Carpenter.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of sadness and tributes from the designer’s fans and across the fashion industry. Although the cause of death has not been disclosed, the statement published on his social media accounts celebrated both his extraordinary professional career and the passion for design that defined his life.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Mr Bob Mackie passed away today. He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a fashion and costume designer, which was all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever and continue to bring beauty to this world,” the statement said.
The ‘Sultan of Sequins’ Who Conquered Hollywood
Born in California in 1939, Mackie built a career around an exuberant and instantly recognisable aesthetic. Evening gowns, sequins, feathers and elaborate embellishments became some of his signatures, eventually earning him the nickname the ‘Sultan of Sequins’. Throughout his career, he won Emmy and Tony Awards, received Oscar nominations and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
His journey into Hollywood began after he left art school. After being discovered by designer Edith Head, he began working as a sketch artist at Paramount Studios in 1961, taking his first steps in an industry that would eventually establish him as one of its most celebrated costume designers.
From the Oscars to a New Generation of Stars
One of the major turning points in his career came with The Carol Burnett Show. Mackie designed around 17,000 outfits for Carol Burnett during his time on the hugely popular television programme. Soon afterwards, his work on The Sonny and Cher Show further increased his profile and marked the beginning of a close professional relationship with Cher.
Mackie was responsible for some of the singer’s most memorable looks. Among them was the so-called ‘revenge dress’ worn at the 1986 Oscars, consisting of an extremely low-waisted skirt, a tiny top partially covered by a sheer mesh panel and an enormous black feathered headdress.
He also played a role in creating Marilyn Monroe’s famous ‘naked dress’, worn by the actress when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Decades later, Kim Kardashian brought the historic garment back into the spotlight when she wore it to the Met Gala.
Mackie was also one of the pioneers of the so-called ‘naked dress’, using sheer fabrics and strategically positioned embellishments to create the illusion of exposed skin. Cher wore one of the most memorable examples at the 1974 Met Gala, with a striking look decorated with white feathers.
His influence continued long after that era. The designer worked with new generations of performers and dressed stars including Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, maintaining his presence within the industry until his final years.
In his personal life, Mackie was married to actress Lulu Porter from 1960 to 1963. They had a son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., who died aged 33 from AIDS-related complications. Mackie later had a relationship with fellow costume designer Ray Aghayan, who died in 2011. The designer was also a grandfather and great-grandfather.
