Bob Mackie, the costume designer behind Cher's most iconic looks, dies at 87

Bob Mackie, one of the great costume designers and fashion icons, has died. He was 87 years old. 

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The news was shared on his Instagram, revealing that he died of pneumonia. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today," reads the statement. 

"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."

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Mackie's career lasted over six decades, dressing some of the most famous stars in Hollywood, from Marilyn Monroe to Cher to Taylor Swift. He was known for his over-the-top designs, like the rhinestone-encrusted dress Monroe wore to perform "Happy Birthday" for President John F. Kennedy in 1962 or the feathered headdress Cher wore at the 1986 Oscars.

While Mackie was a haute couture and ready-to-wear designer, he was primarily known for crafting one-of-a-kind looks for celebrities, oftentimes making pop culture history. 

A look back at Mackie's career 

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Mackie was discovered by Edith Head, a legendary designer, and got his first job in 1961, sketching for Paramount Studios. His career blew up fast, working with personalities like Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, and more. He had a long partnership with Burnett, designing thousands of looks for "The Carol Burnett Show."

Cher has reflected on the first time they met. “I see this guy over my shoulder walking in the door and he’s beautiful. I turned around and there’s this tall, kind of Adonis-looking guy with curly blonde hair and a suntan,” she said at a 2024 event celebrating the release of the documentary "Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion." 

“And I went, ‘Oh my God, you’re so much younger than I thought you’d be.’ He said, ‘You’re so much thinner than I thought you’d be.’ And it was kind of like that from then on.”

In recent years, he's continued to work with contemporary stars, including Miley Cyrus' Grammy look for her 2024 performance, Zendaya, and more. He won nine Emmys and a Tony Award.

Cher shared a tribute earlier today. “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven. Knowing him, he’s bringing Sequins, Beads, & his sketch pad. Good nite sweet Prince," she wrote on X. 

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