Bob Mackie, the celebrated American fashion and costume designer known for his sequined creations and glamorous celebrity costumes, died on September 14, 2026, in Palm Springs, California. He was 87.
Mackie died at 10:40 a.m. from pneumonia, according to his representative. His death was announced through a statement posted on his official social media accounts.
Known as the “Sultan of Sequins,” Mackie built a career spanning more than five decades. His designs became closely associated with performers including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Elton John and Dolly Parton. His work later reached new generations of performers, including Miley Cyrus and Sabrina Carpenter.
His partnership with Cher became one of the defining collaborations of his career. Mackie created many of her most recognizable stage and red-carpet looks, helping establish a visual language built around elaborate construction, sparkling embellishment and theatrical presentation.
Mackie also made an enduring mark on television. He designed costumes for The Carol Burnett Show throughout its 11-season run and became closely associated with the program’s comedy and visual identity. His famous costumes included Carol Burnett’s curtain dress from the show’s celebrated Gone With the Wind parody.
His achievements were recognized across the entertainment industry. The Television Academy records nine Emmy wins from 32 nominations, while his career also included a Tony Award and three Academy Award nominations. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Mackie’s influence extended into popular culture through his work for film, television, live performance and Barbie. His designs remain part of major fashion and entertainment collections.
His death marks the end of a career that helped define the visual style of several generations of performers. His sketches, costumes and collaborations continue to form an important part of American entertainment and fashion history.