Bob Mackie, a renowned costume designer who created iconic looks for stars like Cher and Diana Ross, died at age 87. Known as the "Sultan of Sequins" and "Rajah of Rhinestones," Mackie designed glamorous outfits for numerous celebrities including Dolly Parton, Beyoncé, Madonna, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Sabrina Carpenter. His work spanned decades, from designing costumes for The Carol Burnett Show in the late 1960s to Cher’s Las Vegas residency through 2011, as well as creating Barbie dolls’ outfits starting in 1990.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-14,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion designer known as the "Sultan of Sequins," died at age 87 on Monday from pneumonia in Palm Springs, California. Known for dressing stars like Cher, Diana Ross, and Elton John, Mackie's imaginative designs defined Hollywood glamour for decades. He won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and was nominated for three Oscars. His nickname “Guru of Glitter” reflected his mastery with sequins and rhinestones in creating visually stunning costumes that became iconic on red carpets and stages worldwide.
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The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today.
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Mackie → read → news
“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.
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he → live → dream
“His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
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genius → live → world
Ross was among those paying tribute, posting a picture on Instagram with Mackie wearing a purple dress, and writing: “So, so sorry to hear this news.”
Mackie, who was given the nicknames “Sultan Of Sequins”, “Rajah Of Rhinestones” and “Guru Of Glitter” for his imaginative designs, also dressed stars such as Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Madonna, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Tina Turner, Sir Elton John and Sabrina Carpenter.
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who → pay → Parton
Sir Elton said in a post on Instagram accompanied by a picture of Mackie taking his measurements: “I’m so sad to hear of @bobmackie’s passing.
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I → say → passing
“Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special.
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I → put → that
His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood.
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he → go → Hollywood
“Bob had extraordinary vision, and the workmanship was unreal.
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workmanship → have → vision
I don’t think I ever wore a Bob Mackie outfit and had anything fall off – not a sequin or a rhinestone or anything.
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anything → think → outfit
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“His clothes were made so beautifully.
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clothes → read → ?
He loved glamour like I love glamour, but more than anything, we shared the same sense of humour and had so much fun together.
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we → love → fun
“In a sea of ego, he seemed to have none.
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he → seem → none
One of the most courteous, incredible people I ever had the pleasure of working with.
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I → have → pleasure
“Thank you, Bob.”
Carpenter added in a post on her Instagram story: “Terribly devastated, I feel so lucky to have met Bob.
“
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I → thank → Bob
His one of a kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world, and they will continue to always.
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they → inspire → world
Pink posted: “Gutted to learn that one of my heroes has passed on.
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one → post → heroes
I was so lucky to be dressed by him for so long.
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I → dress → him
He was loving, wickedly funny and an absolute genius.
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He will be dearly missed and my heart goes out to Joe, and his entire family and all of his loved ones.
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heart → miss → ones
There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels.”
With Cher, he created designs for The Sonny And Cher show, and dressed her in black stretch pants, a bejewelled loincloth, knee-high boots, a black chain-link top, and a huge feathered mohawk headdress that was one and a half times taller than her head for the 1986 Oscars.
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that → be → Oscars
He also designed outfits for a number of Cher tours, The Cher Show in 2019, and for her Las Vegas residency from 2008 to 2011.
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He → design → 2011
In the late 1980s, Mackie was approached by Mattel to design clothes for Barbie dolls, with his first limited edition doll, which had a gold outfit with a sequined skirt, feather boa, and long ponytail, being released in 1990.
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which → approach → 1990
