Bob Mackie died on September 14 at the age of 87. The American designer spent decades embellishing some of the biggest names in pop and show business with sequins, feathers, sheer fabrics, and rhinestones, from Cher and Diana Ross to Madonna and Elton John.
Among his most enduring images is Madonna’s white sequined dress, adorned with pearls, that she wore at the 1991 Oscars to perform “Sooner or Later,” a look inspired by Marilyn Monroe. He also crafted some of Elton John’s most extravagant ensembles in the 1970s, including the famous Los Angeles Dodgers uniform that was entirely covered in sequins.
Earlier still, at just 23, Mackie contributed to the design of the mega-iconic dress Marilyn Monroe wore in 1962 for singing “Happy Birthday” to John F. Kennedy. Mackie drew up the sketch for Jean Louis, who was tasked with making it. In 2022, Kim Kardashian wore the dress to the Met Gala, much to Mackie’s dismay, who stated that “no one else should wear that dress.”
Mackie was especially closely linked with Cher, for whom he created some of her most memorable—and today even viral—looks, including the nearly nude dress she wore at the 1986 Oscars. His career earned him nineEmmys, a Tony, and three Oscar nominations.
His influence remains very much alive in contemporary pop culture. Sabrina Carpenter drew on one of his 1991 designs—the same one Madonna wore—for the 2024 VMAs, and later wore other pieces from his repertoire. Mackie also dressed Miley Cyrus for her triumphant rendition of “Flowers” at the Grammys.
Mackie liked to say that a woman who wears his clothes “is not afraid to draw attention.” There is no better way to put it.
