On Monday, Sept. 14, iconic fashion designer and American style idol Bob Mackie passed away in Palm Springs, California at age 87. Known as the “Designer to the Stars” and the “Sultan of Sequins,” Bob Mackie’s life was nothing short of glamorous. Mackie designed for countless celebrities, notably idols like Cher, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Elton John and Marilyn Monroe—his artistry was impossible to ignore. Mackie’s work will live on in fashion and pop culture history for eternity to come, and his story is one that deserves to be commemorated.
Bob Mackie began his career not as a fashion designer, but instead as a sketch artist for Paramount Studios in the early 1960s. After working on movies like “Donovan’s Reef” and “A New Kind of Love,” Mackie changed career paths, and began working for designer Jean Louis. One of Mackie’s first assignments would later grow to become one of his most popular ones; Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” gown. The gown, which Monroe wore to John F. Kennedy’s 1962 birthday charity event at Madison Square Garden, quickly captivated the country with its naked illusion. After dressing Monroe for the prestigious event, Mackie’s career in the fashion industry took off, being approached by Diana Ross, the Supremes, and the Temptations in the late 1960s.
Throughout the 1970s, Bob Mackie’s designs were impossible to ignore in the world of pop culture. He designed the entire wardrobe for “The Carol Burnett Show” and several outfits for “The Cher Show.” Cher and Mackie quickly became close friends through their work together, and Cher contacted Mackie for special event costuming. Along with Carol Burnett and Cher, Mackie also worked closely with rock icon Elton John, designing his showstopping Los Angeles Dodgers sequined jumpsuit. Mackie’s designs shaped the identities of some of the most famous celebrities in his time. He was the first to dress Cher in two-piece, extravagant sequined looks which would later become one of her most recognizable fashion staples, much like what he did for Tina Turner and her flame-pattern stage dresses. Later into his career, Bob Mackie designed for stars like Madonna and Beyonce, with looks inspired by his former clients such as Cher and Marilyn Monroe. Madonna’s Marilyn-inspired outfit from 1991 immediately became one of her most jaw dropping looks, featuring a floor length white gown covered in feathers and glitter.
Bob Mackie’s impact on the world of fashion is impossible to deny, and his designs are still extremely relevant to this day. In 2022, Kim Kardashian caused a major scandal across media platforms when she retailored Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” nude gown to wear to the Met Gala. The design was considered so iconic that it was untouchable. Outside of this controversy, Mackie’s looks are constantly being replicated and re-worn. In 2018, Harry Styles wore a sequined Los Angeles Dodgers jumpsuit, directly inspired by Mackie’s design for Elton John in 1975. In 2024, Zendaya stepped onto the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame red carpet in a gold, two-piece, sequined set which was undoubtedly a tribute to Cher.
Throughout his life, Bob Mackie won nine Emmys, one Tony, and three Oscar nominations for his stunning costume designs. Mackie will always be remembered in the world of Hollywood and fashion as a pioneer in his field. When it comes to abstract, innovative looks, the fashion industry will always have Mackie to thank for his genius and expertise. Rest in peace to Hollywood’s “Sultan of Sequins,” Bob Mackie.