Cher, Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Elton John lead tributes to legendary costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie

Cher, Sabrina Carpenter, Sir Elton John, and Miley Cyrus are among the stars paying tribute to legendary costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie, who has died aged 87.

Nicknamed the "Sultan of Sequins", Mr Mackie dressed celebrities including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Diana Ross, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Pink over the years.

Taylor Swift wore one of his creations for the artwork on her album, The Life Of A Showgirl.

He was also famous for his collaborations with Cher, designing the midriff-bearing "revenge" outfit she wore to the Oscars in 1986 after being snubbed in the nominations, as well as the sheer number she wore to the ceremony two years later, when her performance in Moonstruck won her the award for best actress.

Mr Mackie's death was announced in a statement on his Instagram account on Monday. "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," the tribute said.

"His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world."

Mr Mackie picked up nine Emmy awards across his decades-long career, for his costume design on a range of variety and concert shows.

'Sequins and sketch pad' in heaven

Paying tribute on X, Cher wrote: "My dear Bob has gone up to heaven, knowing him he's bringing sequins, beads and his sketch pad. Good night sweet prince."

In the 2024 documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, Cher was asked about her show-stealing 1986 Oscars outfit - which featured a bejewelled loincloth, knee-high boots, a black chain-link top, and a huge feathered mohawk headdress.

She said: "I didn't get nominated for a movie that everyone thought I would actually win for - so was dressing that night for a kind of revenge."

The singer had won the best actress award at Cannes in 1985 for her performance in The Mask, in which she played the mother of a disfigured teenager, but missed out on an Oscar nomination.

Mr Mackie also created designs for The Sonny And Cher show, and outfits for a number of the singer's tours, as well as her Las Vegas residency from 2008 to 2011.

In the late 1980s, he was approached by Mattel to design clothes for Barbie dolls, and his first limited edition doll - wearing a gold outfit with a sequined skirt, feather boa, and long ponytail - was released in 1990.

He was also the costume designer for The Carol Burnett Show during its entire 11-year run from 1967 to 1978.

'Fabulously dressed angels'

On Instagram, Sir Elton posted a selection of pictures, including one of Mr Mackie taking his measurements, and wrote: "Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special.

"His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood."

Read more from Sky News entertainment:
Emmys fashion: All the looks from the red carpet
Celine Dion moved to tears during Paris comeback

Miley Cyrus, who wore one of Mr Mackie's designs to perform her hit single Flowers at the Grammys in 2024, when the song was named record of the year, shared a photo of herself on stage at the awards and wrote: "You completed me... I love you."

Sabrina Carpenter also shared a tribute on Instagram, including several photos of herself in Mr Mackie's creations, writing: "Terribly devastated, I feel so lucky to have met Bob.

"His one of a kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world, and they will continue to always. Mackie girl forever."

Pink posted: "Gutted to learn that one of my heroes has passed on. Bob Mackie, the one and only, the legend. I was so lucky to be dressed by him for so long. He was loving, wickedly funny and an absolute genius.

"He was one of one... There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels."

(c) Sky News 2026: Cher, Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Elton John lead tributes to lege