Designer Bob Mackie was visionary, generous, loyal and kind | Letter
Fashion world has lost a true legend
To the editor:
On Sept. 14, the fashion world has lost a true legend. Bob Mackie, the visionary designer behind some of the most iconic looks in entertainment history, passed away at 87 after a six-decade career defined by artistry and showmanship.
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I had the privilege of knowing Bob early on, having seen his first show back in 1982. What struck me most, even then, wasn’t just his creative genius. It was his humility. In an industry often driven by ego, Bob remained one of the kindest, most down to earth people I’ve ever known.
Our paths crossed many times over the years. After my time as a professional clown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, and later joining the family business as executive vice president, Bob finally got to design a custom clown costume for me. It was crafted entirely from historical fabric swatches worn by Cher, Carol Burnett, and Ann-Margret. That piece went on to appear in WWD, W and The New York Times, on Entertainment Tonight and in the book, Unmistakably Mackie, with the incredible photographs of Gideon Lewin.
My grandmother, Martha Phillips, and mother, Lynn Manulis, shared a cherished multi-decade friendship and business partnership with Bob through Martha Inc., where his collections were proudly carried on Worth Avenue for years.
One of my fondest memories is Martha hosting the Mackie collection at Mar-a-Lago in the 1990s, when he unveiled a circus-inspired collection so theatrical and dazzling it made everyone in the room feel like a star.
His generosity extended into education too. He once traveled to Kent State to join me on stage for my Fashionomics program, captivating more than 500 students with his stories and warmth.
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Bob’s professional legacy speaks for itself. Over more than 60 years, he became the go-to designer for entertainment’s biggest names, including Cher, Tina Turner and Diana Ross. His relationship with Cher became one of the most storied designer and muse partnerships in fashion history, producing looks that repeatedly redefined red carpet dressing.
Their bond even made it to Broadway, in the musical “The Cher Show,” which brought Bob his first and only Tony nomination, and win, for costume design in 2019. He earned nine Emmy Awards and three Oscar nominations, and in 2002 became the first costume designer inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Bob Mackie was larger than life, yet fiercely loyal and endlessly kind. His influence on fashion and popular culture will endure for generations. I have no doubt he’s already presenting his greatest collection yet, with a flair that is entirely, unmistakably Mackie.
Andrew Burnstine, Boca Raton
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Designer Bob Mackie was visionary, generous, loyal and kind | Letter
Reporting by Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 6:59 AM.
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