The Biography

Robert Gordon Mackie (March 24, 1939 – September 14, 2026) was an American fashion designer and costumier, best known for his dressing of entertainment icons such as Ann-Margret, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Diahann Carroll, Carol Channing, Cher, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Eden, Lola Falana, Judy Garland, Mitzi Gaynor, Elton John, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Donny and Marie Osmond, Joan Rivers, Diana Ross, RuPaul, Tina Turner, Sylvie Vartan, Vanna White, Pia Zadora, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, and Sabrina Carpenter. Mackie served as costume designer for the ensemble of The Carol Burnett Show during its entire eleven-year run, and designed the costumes for its spin-off, Mama's Family, and for the 1993 television adaptation of Gypsy. He is referred to alternatively as the 'Sultan of Sequins', the 'Rajah of Rhinestones', or the 'Guru of Glitter' for his sparkling and imaginative designs. Mackie said, "A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed." Mattel partnered with him to produce outfits for collectable Barbie dolls, and he introduced cultural diversity to their features and outfits to reflect the heritage of real-life women. He received nine Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and three nominations for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work. In April 2023, Mackie was awarded with the inaugural Giving Us Life-time Achievement Award by RuPaul at the RuPaul's Drag Race season 15 finale.