Bob Mackie, the "Sultan of Sequins" Behind Cher's Most Iconic Looks, Dies at 87

The legendary costume and fashion designer whose glittering creations defined red-carpet glamour for more than five decades has died in California.

Bob Mackie, the visionary designer whose sequined, feathered and often theatrical costumes became synonymous with Hollywood showmanship, has died at age 87. His death was confirmed Monday in a statement posted to his official Instagram account and corroborated by multiple major news outlets.nbcnews+2

Mackie passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, at a hospital in Palm Springs, California, according to his longtime design director, Joe McFate, who confirmed the news to The New York Times. The cause of death was not disclosed in the initial announcement.nbcnews+1

Born Robert Gordon Mackie on March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, he became one of the most influential costume designers in American entertainment history. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he dressed a roster of stars that included Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, RuPaul and Beyoncé.nbcnews+5

Mackie's breakthrough came in television. In 1967, Carol Burnett selected him to design the complete wardrobe for her variety show, a role he held for all 11 seasons. During that time, he created an average of 60 costumes per week for the show's cast and guest stars, helping to shape some of television's most memorable comedic characters. Burnett often credited Mackie's designs with helping her discover her characters, including the hapless secretary Mrs. Wiggins and the curtain-rod gown worn in the show's famous "Went With the Wind" parody.nbcnews+1

His partnership with Cher became the stuff of legend. Mackie designed countless stage and red-carpet looks for the singer, including the feathered Mohawk headdress and bejeweled loincloth she wore to the 1986 Academy Awards—an outfit that remains one of the most talked-about in Oscars history. He won two Emmys for Cher's concert specials, including "Cher: Live in Concert from Las Vegas" (1999) and "Cher: The Farewell Tour" (2003).nbcnews+3

Beyond television and concerts, Mackie earned three Academy Award nominations for his film work on "Lady Sings the Blues," "Funny Lady" and "Pennies From Heaven." He also won a Tony Award in 2019 for his costume designs in the Broadway musical "The Cher Show." In total, he received 32 Emmy nominations and won nine, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2002.krcgtv+1

In 1982, Mackie expanded into ready-to-wear fashion and launched a line of collectible Barbie dolls featuring his signature sequined gowns, dramatic trains and elaborate headpieces. His aesthetic—marked by vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics and intricate beadwork—came to define maximalist showbiz glamour for generations of performers and fans.nbcnews+1

In the Instagram statement announcing his death, Mackie's team wrote that 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 added: "His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world."nbcnews+1

Mackie's death marks the end of an era in entertainment fashion. His creations not only dressed stars but helped define their public personas and some of the most iconic moments in television, film and concert history. Tributes from celebrities and fashion figures are expected in the coming days.abcnews+1

KEY FACTS:
● Bob Mackie died on Monday, September 14, 2026, at age 87 in Palm Springs, California.nbcnews+1
● He was known as the "Sultan of Sequins" and designed iconic looks for Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and many others over a 50-plus-year career.nbcnews+2
● His accolades include 9 Emmy wins from 32 nominations, 3 Oscar nominations, and a Tony Award for "The Cher Show."krcgtv+1