Bob Mackie, legendary designer who dressed Cher and Diana Ross, dies at 87
Legendary fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, whose sequined gowns for Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and other stars dazzled red carpets for decades, has sewn his final stitch.
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Mackie died Monday at 87, according to a post on his Instagram account.
“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 post read. “His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Known as the “sultan of sequins,” Mackie dressed some of Hollywood’s biggest names over more than 50 years. His creations for celebrities like Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand stunned both performers and fans alike.
Born in the Los Angeles suburb of Monterey Park, Mackie started out as a costume design sketch artist in 1961 before being tapped to create a new look for actress, singer and dancer Mitzi Gaynor in 1966, according to a short biography on his website.
“This was a marriage made in heaven with dance, glamour and comedy all in one package,” the biography read.
His first independent creations caught Burnett’s attention. Her producer hired him to design the complete wardrobe for “The Carol Burnett Show,” a post he held for 11 seasons.
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A star was born.
In 1999 he won an Emmy for “Cher: Live in Concert from Las Vegas” and another in 2003 for “Cher: The Farewell Tour,” according to the biography on his website.
In 1982, Mackie launched a ready-to-wear collection and a line of collectable Barbie dolls, which featured red carpet-ready dresses complete with headdresses, dramatic long trains and his signature sequins glow.
Mackie won nine Emmy Awards and three Oscar nods over the course of his illustrious career. He was nominated for 30 Emmys.
“Women who wear Mackie dare to be noticed, and many of the entertainment industries biggest and brightest stars are still clamoring to be dressed by him,” the posted biography reads. “With his choice of vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and intricate detail, Bob Mackie’s work continues to exude timeless glamour.”
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