See 10 of Bob Mackie’s Most Iconic Designs, from Cher’s Ab-Baring Oscars Gown to Elton John’s Bedazzled Baseball Uniform

Bob Mackie, the legendary costume designer known for his iconic creations, passed away from pneumonia on September 14, 2026, at the age of 87. Over a career that spanned several decades, Mackie became a household name by designing unforgettable outfits for some of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry, including Cher, Tina Turner, and Carol Burnett. His glamorous and often extravagant designs captured the essence of the performers he dressed, making them memorable fixtures on stage and screen.

One of Mackie’s early works that would go on to become legendary was Marilyn Monroe’s captivating “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown. This iconic nude dress was created during his tenure with designer Jean Louis. Mackie reminisced about the experience in an interview, admitting he was unaware of the significance of the gown at the time of its creation. “[Jean Louis] wouldn’t tell me what it was for,” he recalls. “He just said, ‘It’s for Marilyn.’” Little did he know, the sheer allure of the dress would become synonymous with an unforgettable moment in American history.

Mackie’s collaboration with Cher produced some remarkable fashion highlights, not least the sheer “naked dress” she wore to the 1974 Met Gala. This daring creation featured feather accents and was a bold statement piece that garnered significant attention. The designer later revealed that Cher selected the ensemble herself, solidifying their dynamic partnership that would yield numerous striking designs over the years.

Among his most memorable creations is Carol Burnett’s whimsical curtain dress from a 1976 sketch on The Carol Burnett Show. This costume, which famously included a brass curtain rod and a valence hat, parodied the epic film Gone With the Wind and showcased Mackie’s ability to blend humour and fashion. Throughout the show’s run, Mackie created more than 17,000 designs, but this particular costume remains one of his most beloved.

Mackie’s designs for Tina Turner also left a remarkable mark on fashion history. The gold-and-silver bodysuit he designed for Turner in 1977 featured striking pleated wings and a dynamic rear fringe, transforming the singer’s performances during her residency at Caesar’s Palace. He would later design another show-stopping outfit for Turner in 1978, a fiery bodysuit adorned with sequins and an elaborate feathered headdress that would go down in history.

Not only did Mackie work with female icons, but he also made a significant impact on male fashion with his breathtaking designs for Elton John. In 1975, he created a stunning bedazzled uniform for the singer’s performance at Dodger Stadium. Their collaboration has continued over the years, with Mackie recreating the iconic look for John’s farewell tour in 2022. This enduring partnership has shown the versatility and timelessness of Mackie’s work.

In the realm of memorable red-carpet moments, Mackie’s designs often featured prominently. One such moment was Cher’s jaw-dropping gown at the 1986 Academy Awards, which drew mixed reactions from critics. The dress, featuring a daring midriff cut and adorned with jewels, was intended as a fun expression rather than a conventional act of fashion. Mackie revealed that he had actually advised Cher against wearing the gown due to its polarising nature.

Madonna, another illustrious figure in need of a standout outfit, turned to Mackie for a sparkly, silver-beaded gown inspired by Marilyn Monroe for the 1991 Oscars. The dress made headlines as much for its design as for Madonna’s choice of date—Michael Jackson—ensuring the look was widely publicised. This gown became a part of fashion lore, proving that Mackie’s creations were frequently at the centre of pop culture discussions.

Mackie’s influence reached well into the 21st century as well. At the 2010 Grammy Awards, he crafted a dazzling bodysuit for Pink that ensured her extraordinary performance of “Glitter in the Air” would remain etched in the memories of those in attendance. Later, at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Miley Cyrus donned a vintage Mackie creation, originally designed for a Broadway-themed collection, during her performance of “Flowers.” The moment was just as memorable as her proclamation of winning her first Grammy, demonstrating the designer’s enduring legacy.

Bob Mackie’s unique flair for costume design and his ability to capture the essence of the performers he dressed has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and entertainment. His creations will continue to be celebrated not just for their aesthetic brilliance but for the unforgettable moments they helped create, reflecting the glamour and aspiration of generations of performers and their audiences.