Bob Mackie, the legendary designer behind iconic looks for Cher and Marilyn Monroe, dies at 87, leaving a dazzling legacy and a surprising clash with Kim Kardashian.

Few designers could turn a costume into a cultural moment. Bob Mackie did it repeatedly, creating glamorous, daring and unforgettable looks for Hollywood’s biggest stars. From Cher and Carol Burnett to Marilyn Monroe, his designs became part of entertainment history.

Mackie died Monday, September 14, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 87. His publicist said he died from pneumonia. A statement shared on his social media accounts said he had “lived his 87 years to the fullest” while fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion and costume designer.

His sketches became some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable looks

Known as the “Designer to the Stars,” Mackie built his career around fantasy, sparkle and showmanship. He won nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award and received three Oscar nominations, including one for Barbra Streisand’s Funny Lady. He designed for Madonna, Diana Ross, Sharon Stone, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pink, while his work with Cher and Carol Burnett became especially memorable.

One of his early designs that is highly remembered is that which he designed for the sparkly dress that Marilyn Monroe wore for her famous song "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Mackie was only 21 years old at that time and had been designing under Jean Louis.

His approach was simple despite the extravagant results. “You don’t try to change anybody, you just try to make them look better than ever,” Mackie told The Associated Press in 2018.

Why are Bob Mackie’s designs still everywhere?

Mackie’s influence has hardly faded. His archive designs have been worn by celebrities like Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya, who wore a gown designed by Mackie while celebrating Cher during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Swift also opted for a Mackie original when she needed an outfit that would inspire the look on the cover of her 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Beyond celebrities, Mackie designed several other Barbie dolls for Mattel, among which was the unique Lady Dracula Cher. He also launched a ready-to-wear line in 1982 and became an early partner of online retailer QVC.

His opinion on Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress never changed

Mackie strongly criticized Kim Kardashian wearing Monroe’s historic dress at the 2022 Met Gala. He called it a “big mistake” and argued that Monroe was uniquely suited to the gown. “Nobody else should be seen in that dress,” Mackie said, reflecting his belief that some fashion pieces belong to the moments and people who made them legendary.

A 2024 documentary, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, explored his remarkable career. That same year, a Mackie dress worn by Cher in 1975 sold for $101,600, far above its original estimate.

As Business Fortune observes, Mackie’s work was never about practicality. As he once put it, “It’s all about looking good and living your fantasies.” That idea may explain why, decades later, his designs still command attention.

FAQs

Who was Bob Mackie?

Bob Mackie was an American fashion and costume designer known for creating glamorous and theatrical outfits for Hollywood stars.

When and how did Bob Mackie die?

Mackie died on September 14 at age 87 in Palm Springs, California. His publicist said the cause was pneumonia.

What was Bob Mackie best known for?

He was best known for designing iconic stage, television and red-carpet looks for celebrities including Cher, Carol Burnett, Madonna and Diana Ross.

Did Bob Mackie design Marilyn Monroe’s famous JFK dress?

Mackie sketched the original design when he was 21 and working as an assistant to costume designer Jean Louis, who created the finished gown.

Are Bob Mackie’s designs still worn today?

Yes. Celebrities including Zendaya, Miley Cyrus and Anya Taylor-Joy have worn his archival designs, while Taylor Swift also drew on his work for her 2025 album cover.