Legendary fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie passed away at the age of 87. Often referred to as the “Sultan of Sequins”, Mackie defined the visual glamour of the 20th century. From his 1970s variety show designs to modern red carpet and stage elegance, he blurred the lines between couture and costume, crafting a visual legacy that will remain indelible in the fashion world.

Mackie transformed television and stage fashion completely during the 1970s and 80s, defined by cut-out dresses, sequin embellishments, feather boas, and dramatic headpieces. With unabashed charm and alluring glamour, he defined the ultimate showgirl style of the late 20th century.

His decades-long collaboration with Cher produced numerous iconic pop-culture moments. One of his most recognisable and memorable designs was for the 1974 Met Gala when he styled Cher in the iconic “Naked Dress”. Another legendary television glam moment came through his iconic Starlett curtain dress on The Carol Burnett Show.

Mackie’s classic showgirl vibrancy witnessed a modern renaissance through red carpet appearances and stage revivals. Zendaya wore an archival Bob Mackie gown from his Fall 1988 collection in 2022. In another instant, she paid homage to Cher in a Bob Mackie Couture from the Fall 2001 “Foreign Intrigue” collection.

On stage, Miley Cyrus wore the famous fringed cut-out dress by Mackie for her performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. Sabrina Carpenter also revived the iconic Mackie signature for her Met Gala performance earlier this year with a sun yellow, gold, and bronze beaded-strip dress. 

Another iconic moment came when Ariana Grande wore the multi-colour silk-crepe chevron-striped halter-neck gown originally designed for Carol Burnett in 1973 for her Saturday Night Live appearance.

By ignoring timid and sophisticated fashion standards for unapologetic drama and joyful self-expression, Mackie leaves an enduring legacy in the entertainment history.