September 14, 2026 / 2:02 PM EDT / CBS/AP
Bob Mackie, a legendary fashion designer known for his iconic Hollywood glamour style, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. His publicist, Jenelle Hamilton, confirmed that he died from pneumonia in Palm Springs, California. A social media post announced, “With a heavy heart, we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream as a Fashion and Costume Designer, which was all he ever wanted. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Born in Monterey Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, Mackie was inspired by Hollywood glamour from an early age. Influenced by Technicolor musicals, he designed elaborate costumes for his mother and sister and actively participated in costume and set design in his high school plays. He pursued advertising and illustration at Pasadena City College and later studied costume design at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.
In 1966, Mackie was asked to create a new look for Mitzi Gaynor, as noted in his biography. His successful designs led to collaboration with Carol Burnett on “The Carol Burnett Show,” where he crafted memorable costumes like the green curtain dress from “Gone With the Wind.” His work also extended to “The Sonny and Cher Show,” where he designed many distinctive outfits for Cher, including her celebrated Academy Awards beaded gowns.
One of Mackie’s most notable designs was a sheer beaded gown worn by Cher at the 1974 Met Gala. The dress captured wide attention and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Mackie shared his process during an interview in October 2025, emphasizing the importance of observing performers to create suitable designs.
As “Designer to the Stars,” Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and received three Oscar nominations. His influence remains evident with contemporary artists like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya wearing his archival pieces. Taylor Swift featured Mackie’s designs on her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl.” Mackie once said, “You don’t try to change anybody, you just try to make them look better than they ever have.”
His Broadway contributions include work on “On the Town” and “Moon Over Buffalo.” He dressed numerous stars for various productions, winning a Tony Award for “The Cher Show.” Mackie achieved some retail success, launching a ready-to-wear line and working with QVC.
Bob Mackie was married to Lulu Porter from 1960 to 1963. They had a son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., who died of AIDS at age 35. Mackie’s partner of many years, costume designer Ray Aghayan, passed away in 2011. Bob Mackie is survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, and granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend, along with Porter.
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