# Death of costume designer Bob Mackie

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-costume-designer-bob-mackie
> Updated: 2026-09-16T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 129. Developments: 2.

Legendary Hollywood costume designer Bob Mackie has died at the age of 87. He passed away in a hospital in Palm Springs, California, due to pneumonia.

Known as the ‘Sultan of Sequins,’ Mackie had a career spanning over six decades, defining the visual identities of iconic performers such as Cher, Elton John, Madonna, and Tina Turner. His accolades included nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and three Oscar nominations. His notable work included designs for ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ and the famous rhinestone dress sketched for Marilyn Monroe.

In addition to his work with celebrities, Mackie had a significant impact on the Barbie brand. Starting in the late 1980s, he designed more than 50 different dolls for Mattel, including the 1990 limited-edition ‘Gold’ Barbie, helping to bring runway-inspired aesthetics and increased diversity to the doll line.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Bob Mackie, iconic fashion designer and Barbie collaborator, dies at 87

Renowned fashion designer and costume architect Bob Mackie has died at 87, leaving a legacy of iconic designs for celebrities like Cher and Elton John, as well as over 50 Barbie dolls for Mattel.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bob-mackie-iconic-fashion-designer-and-barbie-collaborator-dies-at-87

### 2026-09-14: Bob Mackie, legendary Hollywood costume designer, dies at 87

Legendary Hollywood fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, known as the ‘Sultan of Sequins,’ has died at age 87 in Palm Springs, California, following a prolific career dressing icons like Cher and Elton John

125 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bob-mackie-legendary-hollywood-costume-designer-dies-at-87

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