Iconic fashion designer Bob Mackie, who has died aged 87, spent his career styling the biggest stars in his signature bedazzled, feathered and beaded couture.
From old Hollywood’s Marilyn Monroe to adorning singer Sabrina Carpenter in a pearly dress reminiscent of the 90s, Mackie’s ensembles felt new and exciting – even when they recalled a bygone age.
Here are some of his greatest designs.
Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesAt 21 years old, Mackie was credited with sketching the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr President” to John F Kennedy in 1962Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesElton John pictured with Mackie in 1975, displaying a sketch of a sequinned baseball uniform that the singer would go on to perform in at Dodger StadiumGetty ImagesCher poses in his bugle-beaded dress in 1978, the early stages of a partnership between her and Mackie that would last decadesGetty ImagesSpanish singer Charo in a glittery sequin dress in Los Angeles, 1980Redferns/Getty ImagesTina Turner in 1982 performing in London wearing a Bob Mackie disco-inspired dress, alongside a back-up dancerRon Galella Collection via Getty ImagesCher attends the 1985 Met Gala with Mackie, wearing a long-sleeved gilded bodysuit, giving the impression of sparkling leaves wrapping around her torsoBettmann Archive/Getty ImagesIn 1986, Cher wears Mackie’s black diamond-cut lattice and feather headdress ensemble, at the Oscars alongside actor Don AmecheRon Galella Collection via Getty ImagesMadonna wears a jewel-studded strapless gown at the Academy Awards, 1991, accented by a snowy fur stole draped around her armsWireImage/Getty ImagesDiana Ross wears a sapphire sparkly dress, fur-coat at the American Fashion Awards in 2001, arm-in-arm with MackieCBS via Getty ImagesBeyoncé performed at the Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2005 wearing Mackie’s iconic flame dressVijat Mohindra/NBC via Getty ImagesMiley Cyrus lit up the stage wearing a vintage Bob Mackie minidress for her 2023 New Years TV specialGetty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of FameZendaya wearing a shimmering dress criss-crossed with rhinestones, gold and white-bugle beads at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame red carpet, 2024Getty ImagesSabrina Carpenter at the MTV Awards in 2024, wearing a pearl and crystal-embellished dress reminiscent of Madonna’s 1990 snowy outfitGetty Images for The Recording AcademyWearing shimmering silver, Cyrus paid tribute to Bob Mackie at the Grammy Awards in 2024Penske Media via Getty ImagesSultan of Sequins, Rajah of Rhinestones, Guru of Glitter: Mackie’s designs are remembered as timeless, daring and sparkly
Easy WordPress Websites Builder: Versatile Demos for Blogs, News, eCommerce and More – One-Click Import, No Coding! 1000+ Ready-made Templates for Stunning Newspaper, Magazine, Blog, and Publishing Websites.
Search the Archives
Access over the years of investigative journalism and breaking reports
Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Mirrorpix via Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Redferns/Getty Images
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
WireImage/Getty Images
CBS via Getty Images
Vijat Mohindra/NBC via Getty Images
Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Getty Images
Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Penske Media via Getty Images
