Wearing a Bob Mackie garment, as described by “Charlie’s Angels” star Cheryl Ladd, was a “serene experience.”
“There are some bones and things holding it up and underneath there are weights to keep it down.” Ladd described to The Times in 1985. On the inner waistband, she said, are “before dinner, during dinner and after dinner hooks.” Ladd, one of the numerous pop culture icons who stunned in Mackie’s gowns and ensembles since he began his career in the 1960s, spoke to the consideration and character that were hallmarks of the prolific costume designer’s creations.
Flowing plissé wings he created for Tina Turner accentuated the pop star’s dynamic stage presence and energy. Classy evening gowns and out-of-the-box costumes fashioned for “The Carol Burnett” show mirrored the versatility and comedy of its namesake, who would become a longtime collaborator. A leather jacket paired with a revealing mesh bodysuit — then considered controversial — reaffirmed Cher’s status as a timeless risk-taker and trendsetter. The memorable costumes, codified in fashion history halls, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and their influence on modern fashion are the unmistakable legacy of Mackie, who died at age 87.
The prolific costume designer and Southern California native died Monday, according to a tribute posted to his official Instagram page. He died in Palm Springs from pneumonia, his publicist confirmed to the Associated Press.
“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,” the statement said. “His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Internationally renowned as the King of Camp, Mackie was best known for his elaborate, sparkling and fringed creations worn by superstars including Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. He began his career in television and film in the 1960s and, over his decades-long career, collected nine Emmy Awards, three Academy Award nominations — including a nod for Barbra Streisand’s “Funny Lady” — and a Tony Award. He crafted garments for “The Carol Burnett Show” for its entire run of 11 seasons and worked closely with Cher for memorable looks across “The Cher Show,” her music videos and concert tours.
“There are fashion designers who don’t do costumes and there are costume designers who don’t do fashion. Bob did it all,” Burnett said in a tribute shared to Instagram. “There was no one like him.”
Mackie, born Robert Gordon Mackie on March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, first broke through in the mid ‘60s when entertainer Mitzi Gaynor, seeking a fashion refresh, commissioned the designer to create costumes for her. That led to his “Carol Burnett Show” tenure and collaborations with Cher.
“Bob has gone up to heaven. Knowing him, he’s bringing Sequins,Beads, & his sketch pad,” Cher posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Good nite sweet Prince.”
“He leaves an enormous and enduring legacy across every facet of entertainment,” said a tribute post on Gaynor’s official Facebook page. “Bravo, Bob, and thank you.”
His career also included theatrical work, designing for Broadway productions “On the Town” with Bernadette Peters, “Minnelli On Minnelli” with Liza Minnelli and “Moon Over Buffalo” and “Putting It Together” with Burnett. He also created gowns worn by Diana Ross and the Supremes and looks worn by Joan Rivers, Madonna and Elton John. Mackie also sketched the infamous white gown Marilyn Monroe wore when she performed her breathy rendition of “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy at a 1962 fundraiser.
Mackie attended Pasadena City College to study advertising and illustration, then studied costume design at Chouinard Art Institute. He worked under costume designer Edith Head before his time on “The Carol Burnett Show.” In addition to his glitzy looks for celebrities and public figures of all realms, Mackie also tried his hand at retail in the ‘80s, launching lines of lingerie, fine jewelry and fragrances. He also created Barbie dolls for toy giant Mattel.
He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 2002 and the subject of the 2024 documentary “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion.”
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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
