entertainment
Bob Mackie, 'Rajah of Rhinestones' Designer, Dies at 87
Bob Mackie, the costume designer nicknamed "the Rajah of Rhinestones," died on September 14th at age 87, according to an obituary published by The Economist on September 24th.
The magazine ran the piece under the headline "Bob Mackie dressed stars—if they were brave enough," a framing that ties his career to performers who were willing to wear costumes other designers would not attempt. The obituary format itself is notable: The Economist reserves that weekly slot for a single figure whose career the magazine judges significant enough to warrant sustained treatment, rather than a standard news obituary.
How Old Was Bob Mackie When He Died?
Mackie was 87 when he died on September 14th, per The Economist. Working back from that age and death date places his birth at roughly 1938 or 1939, though the source material available to HTT News does not state an exact birth date, and none is reported here as a result.
What Does the "Rajah of Rhinestones" Nickname Refer To?
The nickname, embedded in The Economist's own framing, points to costumes built around rhinestones, sequins and heavy embellishment rather than understated design. The headline's second half — that Mackie dressed stars "if they were brave enough" — suggests his signature pieces demanded a level of visual risk-taking from the people who wore them. The source material reviewed for this report does not name specific garments, television programs, stage productions or individual clients, so none are cited here.
Who First Reported Mackie's Death?
The Economist's obituary desk carried the news, publishing the piece at economist.com on September 24th. The obituary page runs weekly and covers one subject per edition, a placement that indicates the publication weighed Mackie's career against other newsworthy deaths that week and selected his for the space.
What Details About Mackie's Career Remain Unconfirmed?
The material HTT News reviewed for this report consists of The Economist's headline and a summary line confirming the date and age of death. It does not include a list of Mackie's clients, television or film credits, awards, or a chronological account of his design career. Readers seeking that level of detail should consult the full obituary directly at the link above; HTT News has not independently verified claims beyond the death date and age reported there.
What to Watch
- Additional obituaries and tributes from entertainment and fashion trade outlets are likely in the days following The Economist's piece.
- The full Economist obituary, linked above, is expected to contain career and biographical detail not reflected in this report.
- Institutions holding costume archives connected to Mackie's work may issue statements; none had surfaced in the source material as of this writing.
Confirmed Details
- Date of death: September 14th
- Age at death: 87
- Obituary publication date: September 24th, The Economist
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Questions
How old was Bob Mackie when he died?
Bob Mackie was 87 when he died, according to The Economist's obituary published September 24th.
When did Bob Mackie die?
The Economist reported that Mackie died on September 14th.
Why was Bob Mackie called the 'Rajah of Rhinestones'?
The nickname, used in The Economist's headline, ties to his reputation for elaborate, rhinestone-heavy costumes worn by performers willing to take design risks; the source material does not detail specific garments or clients.