Bob Mackie poses with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award during Winners Walk during the CFDA Fashion Awards at the Brooklyn Museum of Art on June 03, 2019 in New York City. (Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion designer known for dressing some of the biggest stars, died Monday. He was 87 years old.
Bob Mackie, fashion designer, dies
What they're saying:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today," a statement on his social media accounts read. "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."
Mackie died in Palm Springs, California, from pneumonia, his publicist also confirmed.
Bob Mackie’s legacy
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Dubbed the "Designer to the Stars," Mackie won nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award and was nominated for three Oscars, including one for his work on Barbra Streisand’s "Funny Lady." He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 2002.
Mackie designed gowns for Madonna, Streisand, Sharon Stone, Diana Ross and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as well as concert costumes for Pink. His work often combined glamour, humor and theatrical flair, making him one of the most recognizable costume designers of his generation.
One of his most famous creations was a sheer, beaded gown worn by Marilyn Monroe when she delivered a breathy, seductive rendition of "Happy Birthday" at a 1962 fundraiser for President John F. Kennedy and the Democratic National Committee.
Mackie had sketched the gown, which became one of the most iconic outfits in American entertainment history.
The designer’s influence continued long after the original stars wore his creations. His archival pieces have been worn by contemporary celebrities including Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya, who wore a Mackie gown while honoring Cher at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
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When Taylor Swift wanted to evoke the look of a showgirl for the cover of her 2025 album "The Life of a Showgirl," she also turned to Mackie originals.
Mackie’s work also extended to the world of toys. He created dozens of Barbie dolls for Mattel, experimenting with different face sculpts, body types and storylines. He is credited as the first designer to create a complete Barbie doll.
Among his creations was Lady Dracula Cher, a doll inspired by the singer with little baby fangs and packaging designed to resemble a coffin.
Mackie was married to showgirl Lulu Porter from 1960 until 1963; their son, makeup artist Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., died from AIDS at age 35. Costume designer Ray Aghayan, his longtime partner, died in 2011.
He is survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, his great-granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend and his former wife, Lulu Porter.
The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. FOX News, The Associated Press contributed.