Bob Mackie, the award-winning celebrity fashion and costume designer whose elaborate creations became synonymous with stars including Cher, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton, died Monday, Sept. 14. He was 87.
A representative for Mackie announced his death Monday in a statement on Instagram.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. 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," the statement read. "His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world."
Bob Mackie's New York connection
Although Mackie spent much of his career on the West Coast, his company, Bob Mackie Design Group, maintains a Manhattan
office at 230 Park Ave. in New York City. Mackie also had longstanding ties to New York's fashion and theater industries, including presenting collections at New York Fashion Week and designing costumes for numerous Broadway productions.
Bob Mackie's career and famous designs
Mackie was known for his elaborate sequined and beaded dresses and costumes, which he designed for some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Liza Minnelli.
He also designed limited-edition collectible Barbie dolls beginning in 1990.
Born and raised in Monterey Park, California, Mackie studied fashion design at the Chouinard Art Institute but left before graduating. In 1960, he was hired to design costumes for Paramount movies in Hollywood and soon became known for his intricate, beaded designs.
Mackie sketched the original design for Marilyn Monroe's famous dress, which she wore when she famously sang "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
By 1966, Mackie was designing costumes for entertainer Mitzi Gaynor in Las Vegas. His work gained exposure to a wider American audience through Gaynor's variety show, for which Mackie won two Emmy Awards for outstanding costume design for a music or variety show in 1976 and 1977.
He also designed the costumes and gowns worn by characters and guests on "The Carol Burnett Show" from 1967 to 1978.
Mackie later designed for Diana Ross and the Supremes, Elton John and Cher, earning him nicknames including the "Sultan of Sequins" and the "Rajah of Rhinestones."
Bob Mackie's awards
Mackie won nine competitive Emmy Awards, one honorary Emmy and one Tony Award. He was nominated for three Academy Awards between 1972 and 1983.
Bob Mackie's family
Mackie was married to actress and singer LuLu Porter from 1960 to 1963. Their only child, Robert Jr., known as Robin, died of an AIDS-related illness in 1993.
Mackie is survived by his granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Bob Mackie dies at 87: Celebrity designer had notable New York connections
