From Cosmopolitan · Samantha Olson · · 2m
Bob Mackie, the man who made Cher sparkle
The designer behind Cher's most famous looks died at 87, and the stars he dressed said goodbye in their own words.
In brief
The designer behind Cher's most famous looks died at 87, and the stars he dressed said goodbye in their own words. Mackie crossed the line between fashion and costume that almost nobody else could cross, and he did it for six decades without the ego. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
A costume legend is gone
Bob Mackie died on Monday, September 14, at 87. His social channels announced it, ending a run that had already lost Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and Gloria Steinem.
He only ever wanted this
The family statement said he lived his 87 years fully, doing the one job he ever dreamed of. His sketches and gowns outlive him.
“His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever”
Cher says good night
Mackie's longtime muse and friend posted first. She pictured him arriving in heaven with his tools, still working.
“Knowing him, he's bringing Sequins,Beads,& his sketch pad. Good nite sweet Prince.”
Sabrina Carpenter, Mackie girl
Carpenter has worn his pieces, including Madonna's 1991 Oscars gown. She said his work gave her confidence, not just clothes.
“Mackie girl forever”
Elton John on the no-ego genius
They shared a love of glamour and the same humour. What struck Elton most was how rare that combination was in his world.
“In a sea of ego, he seemed to have none.”
Carol Burnett names the gift
The comedian wore Mackie for years on television. She pointed at the thing that made him singular: he worked both sides of a divide most designers never cross.
“There was no one like him.”
Drag royalty says thank you
Michelle Visage, Bianca Del Rio and Shea Coulee all posted. Bianca shared a signed sketch. For that world, Mackie basically wrote the vocabulary of glamour.
“Thank you for all the glamour.”
The stylists and designers follow
Law Roach called him his fashion father. Coco Rocha said his clothes had wit and fantasy. Harris Reed kept it to two words: true visionary.
“There are designers whose work defines a moment, and then there are those rare few whose imagination teaches fashion something for generations.”
One in a million
Kathy Lennon of The Lennon Sisters remembered his showroom and how welcoming he was there. Warmth, it turns out, is what almost everyone mentioned first.
“He is one in a million.”
What it means
Mackie crossed the line between fashion and costume that almost nobody else could cross, and he did it for six decades without the ego.
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