Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie died on a Monday at the age of 87. His publicist, Jenelle Hamilton, confirmed to CBS News that Mackie died from pneumonia in Palm Springs, California.
Mackie was raised in Monterey Park, California, and studied at Pasadena City College and the Chouinard Art Institute. He began his career in television and film, notably collaborating with Mitzi Gaynor in 1966 before becoming the costume designer for "The Carol Burnett Show." His work for the program included creating wardrobes for characters such as Nora Desmond and a parody of Scarlett O'Hara named Starlet O'Hara.
The designer was known for his long-term collaboration with Cher, whom he met on Carol Burnett's show. He designed her beaded gowns for the Academy Awards and the sheer, feathered dress she wore to the 1974 Met Gala. Mackie also worked with performers including Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Madonna, and Pink. In 1962, he sketched the sheer, beaded gown worn by Marilyn Monroe during her performance for President John F. Kennedy.
During his career, Mackie received nine Emmy Awards, one Tony Award for "The Cher Show," and three Academy Award nominations. He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2002. Beyond costume design, he launched a ready-to-wear line in 1982 and sold products through the retail network QVC.
The scale of Mackie's influence is reflected in his industry recognition, which includes 13 major award nominations across theater, television, and film. His work transitioned from Hollywood costume design to the broader consumer market through his ready-to-wear lines and television shopping partnerships starting in the 1980s. This shift allowed his aesthetic, characterized by use of sequins and rhinestones, to reach households across the United States beyond the theater or cinema screen.
For the fashion and entertainment industries, Mackie’s death signifies the loss of a designer who helped define the "naked dress" trend and the aesthetic of variety television. His approach to design focused on tailoring garments to the specific movements and personas of performers rather than imposing a single style. While his publicist confirmed his death occurred on a Monday, no public funeral arrangements or memorial dates were immediately reported. Mackie is survived by his granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.