Legendary Costume Designer Bob Mackie Dies at 87

American fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie has died at the age of 87. His representative confirmed the death was caused by complications from pneumonia. The news was also shared on Mackie's official Instagram account, which stated that he lived his life fully, achieving his dream of becoming a fashion and costume designer.

Decades of collaboration with stars

Mackie became famous for bold, extravagant costumes featuring sequins, feathers, beads and daring silhouettes. He dressed stars including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and Bette Midler. His career breakthrough came designing costumes for actress and singer Mitzi Gaynor, and he later became lead costume designer for "The Carol Burnett Show," working on all 11 seasons of the series.

His collaboration with Cher was especially long-lasting. One of his most famous creations was the singer's black gown with an enormous feathered headdress, worn at the 1986 Academy Awards ceremony. Mackie once said that Cher's bold style significantly influenced the entire fashion industry.

Awards and legacy among younger stars

Mackie's work earned him nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award for the musical "The Cher Show," and three Academy Award nominations. In recent years, his archival designs have also been worn by younger pop stars, including Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya. Following news of his death, Carpenter wrote on social media that she felt grateful to have met him and that his work brought joy and confidence into her world. Mackie's career, spanning more than six decades, made him one of the most influential costume designers in Hollywood history.