Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie dies aged 87

September 14, 2026

Renowned costume designer Bob Mackie has passed away at age 87, leaving behind a legendary career creating glamorous outfits for entertainment icons. Throughout his decades-long career, the designer known as the "Sultan of Sequins" earned numerous accolades including a Tony Award, nine Emmys, and three Oscar nominations for his spectacular work. Mackie's designs shaped the public images of superstars like Cher, Elton John, Tina Turner, and Dolly Parton, with his creations ranging from Cher's controversial 1986 Oscars "revenge" outfit to Elton John's bedazzled Dodgers uniform.

Who is affected

Bob Mackie (deceased)
Cher (longtime collaborator who wore his iconic designs)
Sir Elton John (wore Mackie's costumes throughout his career)
Pink (wore his designs during her Funhouse tour)
Sabrina Carpenter and Miley Cyrus (recent clients)
Tina Turner and Dolly Parton (past clients)
His son Robin (predeceased him)
Fans and admirers of his costume design work
The fashion and entertainment industries broadly

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article beyond the announcement of his death on his Instagram account.

Why it matters

Bob Mackie's death marks the loss of one of Hollywood's most legendary and influential costume designers who fundamentally shaped how major entertainers presented themselves publicly. His designs became cultural touchstones—such as Cher's barrier-breaking 1986 Oscars outfit—that pushed boundaries and redefined glamour in entertainment. His five-decade career influenced multiple generations of performers and demonstrated how costume design could elevate performance into art, earning him recognition as a creative genius whose work will continue to inspire future designers and entertainers.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC