Bob Mackie died this September 14 at the age of 87. The American designer spent decades adding sequins, feathers, sheers and rhinestones to some of the biggest names in pop and entertainment, from Cher and Diana Ross to Madonna and Elton John.
Among her most memorable images is the white sequin and pearl dress that Madonna wore to the 1991 Oscars to perform ‘Sooner or Later’, inspired by Marilyn Monroe. He also designed some of Elton John’s most over-the-top looks in the ’70s, including his famous Los Angeles Dodgers uniform completely covered in sequins.
Before, at just 23 years old, Mackie participated in the design of the mega-iconic dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in 1962 to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to John F. Kennedy. Mackie made the sketch for Jean Louis, who was in charge of putting it together. In 2022, Kim Kardashian wore it to the Met Gala, much to the displeasure of Mackie himself, who declared that “no one else should wear that dress.”
Mackie was especially linked to Cher, for whom he created some of her most memorable and, to this day, even viral looks, such as the almost naked dress at the 1986 Oscars. Her career earned her nine Emmys, a Tony and three Oscar nominations.
His influence was still very present in current pop. Sabrina Carpenter turned to one of her 1991 designs, the same one Madonna had worn, for the 2024 VMAs, and then wore other of her designs. Mackie also dressed Miley Cyrus for her triumphant performance of ‘Flowers’ at the Grammys.
Mackie said that a woman who wears her clothes “isn’t afraid to attract attention.” Better explained, impossible.
