Image: Bob Mackie / @bobmackie, Instagram
Legendary gay fashion designer Bob Mackie, known for dressing stars such as Cher, Diana Ross, Madonna, and Elton John, has died at the age of 87. According to his publicist, Mackie died of complications relating to pneumonia at his home in Palm Springs, California.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” read the announcement made on Mackie’s official Instagram page. “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.”
Bob Mackie Honoured By Dear Collaborators
Cher, Mackie’s longstanding muse, took to X to honour the late Hollywood designer, who crafted, among many of her ensembles, the pop-star’s famous 1974 Met Gala sheer jeweled gown.
“My dear Bob has gone up to heaven,” wrote Cher. “Knowing him, he’s bringing Sequins, Beads ,& his sketch pad. Good nite sweet Prince.” Cher closes the post with “luv”, from “Dyslexic”.
Across his legendary career spanning over 60 years, Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and was nominated for three Oscars. During that time, the so-called “Sultan of Sequins” designed sparkling ensembles for women “not afraid to be noticed”, among them Miley Cirus, Zendaya, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, and Sabrina Carpenter.
The latter, who not long ago graced the red carpet in “The Swamp Dress” from Bob Mackie’s 1986 Spring collection, took to Instagram to honour the designer.
“His one of a kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world,” wrote Sabrina, “and they will continue to always x Mackie girl forever.”
As for LBGTQ+ people, Mackie will be fondly remembered as a “patron saint of drag queens,” having served as the very first guest judge on the premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2009, and later receiving the show’s inaugural Giving Us Life-Time Achievement Award at the Season 15 finale.
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