Bob Mackie, a pivotal figure in American fashion, passed away on Monday at 87 years old.
He was renowned for designing the wardrobes of icons like Cher, Tina Turner, and Diana Ross, and for creating some truly memorable gowns that sparkled with glamour. Mackie’s style was all about sequins and glitz, emphasizing an extravagance that feels somewhat absent in modern fashion.
To celebrate his remarkable contributions, let’s take a look at some of Mackie’s most memorable creations.
1. Cher at the 1974 Met Gala
NEW YORK CITY – NOVEMBER 20: Photographer Richard Avedon with Cher at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala Exhibition “Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design” on November 20, 1974. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection)
2. Costumes from The Cher Show, 1975-1976
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 16: Cher from her solo music and variety show after the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Episode aired February 16, 1975. (Photo by CBS)
LOS ANGELES – APRIL 27: Cher with Tina Turner and Kate Smith from her music and variety show. Episode aired April 27, 1975. (Photo by CBS)
3. Tina Turner’s “Flame Dress,” circa 1977
4. Madonna at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards, circa 1991
Madonna and Michael Jackson at Spagos, West Hollywood, California (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection)
Michael Jackson with Madonna (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection)
5. Miley Cyrus at the 2024 Grammys
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 4: Miley Cyrus performs at The 66th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Miley Cyrus performs at the 66th GRAMMY Awards. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Miley Cyrus performs onstage at the 66th GRAMMY Awards. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
6. Diana Ross circa 1970 for Everything Is Everything album cover
Motown
7. Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown (sketched by Bob Mackie)
Marilyn Monroe at a reception in New York City, May 19, 1962. (Photo by GHI/Universal History Archive)
Marilyn Monroe sings “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden.
@BobMackie on Instagram
@BobMackie on Instagram
8. Cher at the Met Gala in 1985
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 9: Bob Mackie with Cher at The Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala Exhibition of “Costumes of Royal India.” (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection)
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 9: Bob Mackie with Cher at The Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection)
9. Cher at the 1986 Academy Awards
Cher at the Academy Awards with actor Don Ameche, who won Best Supporting Actor for ‘Cocoon’ on March 24, 1986. (Photo by Darlene Hammond)
Cher backstage at the Academy Awards. BPA 2 #1857.
10. Dolly Parton for the TV special “Dolly,” circa 1987
Dolly Parton on ‘Dolly,’ in 1987. (Photo by Jerry Fitzgerald)
Dolly Parton on ‘Dolly’ in 1987. (Photo by Jerry Fitzgerald)
