Bob Mackie, costume designer for Cher and Diana Ross, dies aged 87Mackie was remembered for his ‘genius and extraordinary designs’ in a statement on his personal Instagram account.He was known for designing outfits for a number of celebrities, picking up nine Emmy awards across his decades-long career for his costume design on a range of variety and concert shows (Alamy/PA)Lauren Del Fabbro2 minutes ago
American costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie, who dressed celebrities including Cher and Diana Ross, has died aged 87.
Mackie was known for designing outfits for a number of celebrities, picking up nine Emmy awards across his decades-long career for his costume design on a range of variety and concert shows.
His death was announced in a statement on his personal Instagram account on Monday afternoon which remembered him for his “genius and extraordinary designs”.
The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart 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 is all he ever wanted to do.
“His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
In a post on X Cher said: “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven, knowing him he’s bringing sequins, beads and his sketch pad.
“Good night sweet prince.”
Ross was also among those paying tribute, posting a picture on Instagram with Mackie wearing a purple dress, and writing: “So, so sorry to hear this news.”
Mackie, who was given the nicknames “Sultan Of Sequins”, “Rajah Of Rhinestones” and “Guru Of Glitter” for his imaginative designs, also dressed stars such as Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Madonna, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Tina Turner, Sir Elton John and Sabrina Carpenter.
Sir Elton said in a post on Instagram accompanied by a picture of Mackie taking his measurements: “I’m so sad to hear of @bobmackie’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.
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“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.”
Carpenter added in a post on her Instagram story: “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.”
Pink posted: “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. He will be dearly missed and my heart goes out to Joe, and his entire family and all of his loved ones. There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels.”
With Cher, he created designs for The Sonny And Cher show, and dressed her in black stretch pants, a bejewelled loincloth, knee-high boots, a black chain-link top, and a huge feathered mohawk headdress that was one and a half times taller than her head for the 1986 Oscars.
He also designed outfits for a number of Cher tours, The Cher Show in 2019, and for her Las Vegas residency from 2008 to 2011.
In the late 1980s, Mackie was approached by Mattel to design clothes for Barbie dolls, with his first limited edition doll, which had a gold outfit with a sequined skirt, feather boa, and long ponytail, being released in 1990.
He was also the costume designer for The Carol Burnett Show during its entire 11-year run from 1967 to 1978.
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