Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie dies aged 87

What the report says

Bob Mackie, the American fashion and costume designer whose glittering, theatrical looks shaped the image of many pop and screen stars, has died aged 87, BBC World News reported. Known as the “Sultan of Sequins,” he became closely associated with bold stagewear and red-carpet spectacle over a career that spanned decades.

According to the BBC, Mackie designed costumes for Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Elton John, among others. He won a Tony Award and nine Emmys and was nominated for three Oscars. His work was especially influential in Cher’s career, including the famous 1986 Oscars outfit that became known as a “revenge” look. The article also noted his designs for Elton John’s decorated Dodgers baseball costume and more recent outfits worn by performers such as Sabrina Carpenter and Miley Cyrus.

The BBC said a statement on Mackie’s Instagram account announced his death on Monday and described him as someone who devoted his life to fashion and costume design. Born in California in 1939, he began as a sketch artist and later became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable costume creators.

His death matters because Mackie helped define the visual language of modern pop performance, especially through costumes that turned clothing into part of the show. The BBC’s report places him among the most influential designers in entertainment history.