Bob Mackie’s most iconic celebrity looks over the years, from Cher to Carol Burnett

Few fashion designers understood the power of a showstopping look like Bob Mackie, who died on Monday, September 14, 2026 at the age of 87.

From Cher and Diana Ross to Tina Turner and Beyoncé, stars turned to Mackie for glamorous, daring designs that became pop culture icons, typically covered from top to toe in sequins, beadwork and rhinestones.

Here, take a look back at the many celebrities who’ve made his unforgettable looks shine over the years.

Cher, 1978 Getty Images


Tina Turner posing in a gold winged costume.
Tina Turner, 1977 Getty Images


Carol Burnett in a dress made from a velvet curtain with a curtain rod as a collar, descending a staircase.
Carol Burnett, 1976 Getty Images


Cindy Birdsong, Diana Ross, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes in matching sequined peach dresses.
The Supremes, 1969 Getty Images


Miley Cyrus performs onstage in a sparkling, silver and multicolored fringe outfit.
Miley Cyrus, 2024 Getty Images for The Recording Academy


Diana Ross and Bob Mackie on the red carpet.
Diana Ross, 2001 WireImage


Madonna in a white fur stole and Michael Jackson in a white embellished jacket and a gold belt.
Madonna, 1991 Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images


Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Sabrina Carpenter, 2024 Getty Images


Elton John performing at Dodger Stadium in a sequined Dodgers uniform and large glasses.
Elton John, 1975 WireImage


Cher in a black midriff-baring outfit and spiked headpiece backstage at the Academy Awards.
Cher, 1986 Bettmann Archive


Full-length portrait of Cher in a golden sequined gown with a bare midriff.
Cher, 1972 Courtesy Everett Collection


Dolly Parton performing in a Bob Mackie "butterfly dress."
Dolly Parton, 1979 Nancy Barr Brandon/MediaPunch/Shutterstock


RuPaul in a dazzling sequined costume with large wings at the VH1 Fashion and Music Awards.
RuPaul, 1995 Getty Images


Beyoncé performing "Proud Mary" in a sequined dress.
Beyoncé, 2005 CBS via Getty Images


Carol Burnett in a Bob Mackie costume on The Carol Burnett Show.
Carol Burnett, 1966 Courtesy Everett Collection


Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice in "Funny Lady" wearing a beaded and sequined costume with sheer sleeves, against a lit backdrop.
Barbra Streisand, 1975 Courtesy Everett Collection


Taylor Swift in an elaborate, jeweled showgirl costume with feathers.
Taylor Swift, 2025 taylorswift Instagram


Cher holding her Academy Award for Best Actress while wearing a sheer, beaded gown by Bob Mackie.
Cher, 1988 Getty Images


Zendaya in a color-blocked teal gown and diamond necklace poses on a red carpet at the TIME 100 Gala.
Zendaya, 2022 Getty Images for TIME


Diana Ross wearing a black and white Bob Mackie gown and large feathered hat.
Diana Ross, 1970 Courtesy Everett Collection


Cher, Bob Mackie, and Paulette Betts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala.
Cher, 1974 Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images


Model Iman on a Bob Mackie runway in a sequined dress and cap.
Iman, 1983 Penske Media via Getty Images


Sabrina Carpenter wearing a gold fringed Bob Mackie dress with sheer diamond cutouts.
Sabrina Carpenter, 2026 bobmackie/instagram


Linda Gray wearing a Bob Mackie sequined gown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala.
Linda Gray, 1983 Penske Media via Getty Images


Bob Mackie and Cher at the 1985 Met Gala.
Cher, 1985 Getty Images

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *