“Rajah of Rhinestones” and “Sultan of Sequins” were the two titles given to the legendary nine-time Emmy-winning and three-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Bob Mackie, and they couldn’t have been more fitting. Recognized for being behind some of the most sequined and sparkling outfits in Hollywood, Mackie — who died Monday (Sept. 14) at age 87 — has left an unforgettable mark on pop culture with his timeless work.
Mackie’s career as a costume designer spanned more than half a century. He began designing in 1961, earning his breakout gig through his work as a costume designer on the The Carol Burnett Show. From Cher’s elaborate, head-turning “nude illusion gown” and feathered headpiece at the 1974 Met Gala to Sabrina Carpenter’s iconic three-set archival Mackie look at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards and its afterparty, the designer has a number of dazzling pieces that have been seen on plenty of music’s biggest stars and inspired the work of countless others.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” read the statement shared to Mackie’s social media about his death. “He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
In honor of Mackie’s iconic outfits, Billboard has compiled photos of music artists who have worn some of his intricate and beautifully designed ensembles below.
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Beyoncé
Image Credit: Tony Esparza/CBS via Getty Images Beyoncé performs Creedence Clearwater’s “Proud Mary” at the 28th Annual Kennedy Center Honors on December 4th, 2005 in Washington, D.C.
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Diana Ross and Bob Mackie
Image Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage Diana Ross and Bob Mackie during The 20th Annual CFDA American Fashion Awards at Avery Fisher Hall – Lincoln Center on June 14, 2001 in New York, New York.
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Elton John
Image Credit: TV Times via Getty Images English pop/rock musician Elton John performing his song ‘Crocodile Rock’ on the set of The Muppet Show at Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, circa October 1977.
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Miley Cyrus
Image Credit: Christopher Polk Miley Cyrus performs onstage at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
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Sabrina Carpenter
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores Sabrina Carpenter winner of the Best Album Award for “Short n’ Sweet” at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 held at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in New York, New York.
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Cher and Bob Mackie
Image Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Cher and Bob Mackie on November 20th, 1974.
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