Bob Mackie, the renowned costume designer known for dressing stars like Cher and Diana Ross, died at age 87. His innovative designs earned him nicknames such as "Sultan of Sequins." Cher paid tribute to Mackie on X, saying he is now in heaven with sequins and a sketchpad. Elton John also mourned the loss, praising Mackie's visionary work and impeccable craftsmanship, noting that his outfits never fell apart during performances.
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, renowned fashion designer known for dressing stars like Cher, Diana Ross, and Elton John, died at the age of 87 on September 14, 2026, in Palm Springs, California, due to pneumonia. Known by nicknames such as "Sultan Of Sequins," "Rajah Of Rhinestones," and "Guru Of Glitter," Mackie's career spanned five decades, earning him nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. He was also nominated for three Academy Awards, including one for Barbra Streisand’s 1975 film "Funny Lady."
Mackie designed iconic outfits for numerous high-profile events, such as Cher's appearance at the 1974 Met Gala in a sheer beaded gown with white feathered sleeves and skirt. He also created memorable costumes for The Carol Burnett Show, including a famous "curtain dress" that now resides in the Smithsonian’s American History Museum.
Stars like Cher, Elton John, and Diana Ross paid tribute to Mackie on social media, acknowledging his significant impact on their careers and fashion history. His designs were not just glamorous but often humorous and theatrical, setting trends and turning heads at prestigious events throughout the decades. Mackie's legacy continues through his influence on contemporary designers and the enduring popularity of his creations in museums and collections worldwide.
Written for “Bob Mackie Dies Age 87” on 2026-09-15,
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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
In a post on X Cher said: “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven, knowing him he’s bringing sequins, beads and his sketch pad.
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he → say → sequins
“Good night sweet prince.”
Ross was also among those paying tribute, posting a picture on Instagram with Mackie wearing a purple dress, and writing: “So, so sorry to hear this news.”
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Mackie → pay → 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 → give → 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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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
Read More
“His clothes were made so beautifully.
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clothes → read → More
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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One of the most courteous, incredible people I ever had the pleasure of working with.
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Carpenter added in a post on her Instagram story: “Terribly devastated, I feel so lucky to have met Bob.
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“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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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
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 → create → 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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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
The Aporia
