Legendary Costume Designer Bob Mackie Dies at 87
9 sources across 6 countries
Who reported this
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- Reuters
- CNN
- Associated Press
- Der Spiegel
- South China Morning Post
- The Indian Express
- Aftenposten
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Bob Mackie, the renowned costume designer known for dressing Hollywood icons, has died at the age of 87. A statement shared on his social media accounts on Monday announced his passing, noting that he lived his life to the fullest while fulfilling his dream of being a fashion and costume designer. Some reports specify that he died in Palm Springs, California, from pneumonia. Throughout his career, Mackie earned nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and three Oscar nominations. He was also inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2002.
Often called the Sultan of Sequins, the Rajah of Rhinestones, or the Guru of Glitter, Mackie was famous for his visually provocative and extravagant style. He is most notably recognized for his long collaboration with Cher, for whom he created iconic looks such as the 1975 Met Gala naked dress and the 1986 Oscar revenge outfit featuring a plumed mohawk. His client list spanned generations of entertainers, including Tina Turner, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, and Carol Burnett. Early in his career, while working as a sketch artist for Jean Louis, he designed the sheer, beaded gown worn by Marilyn Monroe for President John F. Kennedy's 1962 birthday celebration.
Mackie's influence extended into the modern era as his archival pieces were worn by contemporary stars such as Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, and Miley Cyrus. Taylor Swift also wore one of his original costumes for the artwork of her album, The Life of a Showgirl. While he was celebrated for his glamour, he also incorporated comedy into his work, such as the curtain rod dress for Carol Burnett and the Donald Duck costume for Elton John.
Personal details shared across reports indicate that Mackie was a Southern California native who studied at Pasadena City College and the Chouinard Art Institute. He was in a relationship with Iranian fashion designer Ray Aghayan from 1963 until Aghayan's death in 2011.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- These outlets highlighted the provocative nature of his designs and included details about his professional tensions with clients.
- Centre
- These outlets focused on a comprehensive overview of his career milestones, awards, and the specific celebrities he dressed.
- Centre-right
- These outlets emphasized his role in defining 1970s Hollywood glamour and his influence on modern fashion icons.
Sources
- Centre-right Aftenposten: Iconic star designer has died
- Centre Associated Press: Bob Mackie, designer to the stars who dressed Cher and Marilyn and defined '70s glamour, dies at 87 - AP News
- Centre BBC News: From Marilyn Monroe to Sabrina Carpenter - Bob Mackie's designs in pictures
- Centre BBC News: Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie who designed for Cher and Dolly Parton dies aged 87
- Centre-left CNN: Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, who made stars sparkle, dies at 87
- Centre-left Der Spiegel: Fashion designer Bob Mackie is dead: He designed outfits for Cher, Tina Turner and Marilyn Monroe
- Centre Reuters: Bob Mackie, fashion designer for the stars, dies at 87 - reuters.com
- Centre-right South China Morning Post: Famed ‘Designer to the Stars’ Bob Mackie dead at 87
- Centre-left The Guardian: Bob Mackie, costume designer to stars daring to be noticed, dies aged 87
- Centre The Indian Express: Bob Mackie, designer to the stars who dressed Cher and Marilyn and defined ’70s glamour, dies at 87
100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.