PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Bob Mackie, the fashion and costume designer whose creations dressed some of entertainment’s biggest stars, died Monday in Palm Springs, California. He was 87.
Mackie died from pneumonia, his publicist confirmed. A statement posted on his social media accounts announced his death and said he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion and costume designer.
Known as the “Designer to the Stars,” Mackie won nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. He also received three Academy Award nominations, including one for his work on Barbra Streisand’s Funny Lady, and entered the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2002.
Mackie designed for Madonna, Streisand, Sharon Stone, Diana Ross and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, while also creating concert costumes for Pink.
One of his best-known designs was the sheer, beaded gown Marilyn Monroe wore when she performed “Happy Birthday” at a 1962 fundraiser for President John F. Kennedy and the Democratic National Committee. Mackie sketched the gown, which later became one of the most recognized outfits in American entertainment.
His designs continued to appear on contemporary celebrities, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya. Taylor Swift also used Mackie originals for the visual concept of her 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Mackie also designed dozens of Barbie dolls for Mattel and received credit as the first designer to create a complete Barbie doll.
He is survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, great-granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend, and former wife Lulu Porter.
