Bob Mackie, designer to the stars who dressed Cher and Marilyn Monroe and defined '70s glamour, dies at 87
Dubbed the “Designer to the Stars", Bob Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award and was nominated for three Oscars, including one for Barbra Streisand’s Funny Lady, in which she wore a sheer batwing gown.
Bob Mackie, the renowned fashion designer who created iconic 1970s glamour looks for stars including Cher and Marilyn Monroe, passed away on September 14 at the age of 87. Mackie, known for his visually provocative designs and nickname the "Designer to the Stars," won nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, along with nominations for three Oscars.
Born in Southern California, Mackie's love for Hollywood glamour began in childhood, inspired by Technicolor musicals and variety shows. He studied advertising and illustration at Pasadena City College and costume design at LA's Chouinard Art Institute. After working with costume designer Edith Head, Mackie found his big break with Carol Burnett, collaborating on memorable characters and costumes.
His designs for Cher, such as her sheer batwing gown in Funny Lady and her naked dresses, defined the decade's glamour. Mackie's influence extended to contemporary fashion, with modern stars like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid drawing inspiration from his distinctive style. His pieces, including Barbie dolls for Mattel, remain popular today.
Despite evolving fashion trends, Mackie remained critical of overexposure in recent award shows, preferring a more tasteful aesthetic.
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