分类： entertainment

The world of high fashion is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic and influential creators, Bob Mackie, who passed away at the age of 87. Over a decades-long career that spanned the evolution of Hollywood from the golden age to the modern era, Mackie built his legacy crafting bold, glamorous couture defined by his signature combination of sparkling embellishments, plush feathers, and intricate hand beading, dressing every generation of A-list stars along the way.

Mackie’s talent caught the eye of the entertainment industry almost immediately. At just 21 years old, he earned an early career credit for sketching the form-fitting nude illusion dress that Marilyn Monroe wore when she delivered her legendary, sultry performance of “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962 — a design that remains one of the most famous garments in pop culture history more than 60 years later.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Mackie collaborated with some of the biggest names in music and film, creating custom pieces that amplified their public personas and made history at red carpets and on stage. In 1975, he worked with Elton John to design a showstopping sequinned baseball uniform that the superstar wore for his landmark performance at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, a look that remains synonymous with John’s over-the-top 1970s era. His decades-long creative partnership with Cher, one of his most famous muses, began in the 1970s: in 1978, she posed for portraits in a sleek bugle-beaded Mackie gown, kicking off a collaboration that would produce countless iconic looks. By 1985, the pair walked the Met Gala red carpet together, with Cher turning heads in a long-sleeved gilded bodysuit designed to look like sparkling leaves wrapping around her frame. Three years later, she commanded attention at the 1986 Oscars in one of Mackie’s most daring designs: a black diamond-cut lattice ensemble paired with a dramatic feather headdress.

Other 20th century stars flocked to Mackie for his ability to blend drama, glamour, and personality into every garment. Spanish entertainer Charo stepped out in a full glittering sequin Mackie gown in 1980 Los Angeles, while Tina Turner brought a disco-inspired sequined Mackie design to her 1982 London performance. At the 1991 Academy Awards, Madonna made a splash in a jewel-encrusted strapless Mackie gown offset by a luxurious fur stole that wrapped across her arms. By the turn of the century, Mackie remained a go-to for industry royalty: Diana Ross walked the 2001 American Fashion Awards red carpet arm-in-arm with the designer, wearing a sapphire-toned sparkly Mackie gown under a statement fur coat, and Beyoncé wowed audiences at the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors in Mackie’s fiery iconic flame-themed performance gown.

Far from being a relic of 20th century Hollywood, Mackie’s vision continued to resonate with 21st century stars, proving the timelessness of his bold, glittering aesthetic. Miley Cyrus brought vintage Mackie back into the spotlight when she wore a retro minidress by the designer for her 2023 New Year’s Eve television special, and later paid explicit tribute to him at the 2024 Grammy Awards in a shimmering silver Mackie creation. Zendaya graced the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame red carpet in a showstopping Mackie gown criss-crossed with rhinestones, gold, and white bugle beads, while Sabrina Carpenter leaned into nostalgic Mackie glamour at the 2024 MTV Awards in a pearl and crystal-embellished gown that nodded to Madonna’s famous 1990 Oscar look.

Nicknamed the Sultan of Sequins, the Rajah of Rhinestones, and the Guru of Glitter by fans and peers alike, Bob Mackie leaves behind a legacy of designs that balance timeless appeal with bold, unapologetic daring. His ability to create pieces that felt fresh and exciting, even when they drew inspiration from bygone eras of glamour, cemented his status as one of the most influential fashion designers in entertainment history.

Hollywood’s biggest names stepped out for one of television’s most prestigious nights on Sunday, trading the iconic crimson red carpet for a stunning ocean-blue alternative ahead of the Primetime Emmy Awards, the annual ceremony that celebrates outstanding achievement in U.S. television programming. Among the most anticipated arrivals were global superstars Selena Gomez and Zendaya, both of whom turned heads with bold, fashion-forward ensembles that quickly dominated social media conversation. The pair were joined by dozens of A-list actors, directors, producers, and other industry luminaries, who used the high-profile red carpet (reimagined for this year’s event) as a platform to showcase cutting-edge designer couture and catch up with peers ahead of the televised ceremony. Organizers opted for the blue carpet redesign as a subtle thematic nod to this year’s event, which has drawn record viewership interest following a year of standout original programming across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Fans around the world tuned in to live coverage of the red carpet arrivals hours before the first award was handed out, with many taking to social platforms to share their favorite looks and cheer on their favorite television stars and programs. The Primetime Emmys, widely considered the highest honor in American television, has long kicked off its broadcast with the star-studded red carpet procession, a cultural tradition that gives audiences a rare glimpse at the industry’s most beloved figures outside of their on-screen roles.

Legendary American fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, whose glittering, boundary-pushing creations dressed some of the biggest names in entertainment from Cher to Elton John, has passed away at the age of 87.

The official confirmation of his death came via a statement posted to his Instagram account on Monday, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr Bob Mackie passed away today. 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. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”

Widely nicknamed the “Sultan of Sequins” for his signature love of sparkling, embellished designs, Mackie carved out an unparalleled career spanning more than six decades, earning a Tony Award, nine Emmy Awards, and three Academy Award nominations for his work across stage and screen. Even in his final years, he remained active in the industry: last year, Sabrina Carpenter wore one of his custom designs to the MTV Video Music Awards, and in 2024, Miley Cyrus stepped out in a Mackie creation for her Grammy Awards performance, where she took home the award for Record of the Year for her hit single *Flowers*.

One of Mackie’s most iconic contributions to fashion history came from his decades-long collaboration with superstar Cher, which reshaped public perceptions of bold fashion on red carpets and television. His most famous work for the singer remains the groundbreaking Mohawk-inspired ensemble Cher wore to the 1986 Academy Awards, a piece widely known as her “revenge outfit”. Cher had been widely expected to earn an Oscar nomination for her leading role in *Mask* that year, but was snubbed by voters. In the 2024 documentary *Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion*, Cher explained that the striking look was intentional: “I didn’t get nominated for a movie that everyone thought I would actually win for [Mask] – so was dressing that night for a kind of revenge.”

The showgirl-inspired costume featured a towering plumed Mohawk headdress and left the star’s midriff completely exposed, a choice that shocked audiences and critics alike in the 1980s. The look has since been cemented in pop culture and fashion history as one of the most daring, extravagant red carpet designs of all time. In a 2010 interview with the BBC, Mackie reflected on his early work with Cher, noting that she stood out from every other performer in the industry at the time: “Everybody just went crazy over this woman as she could wear anything.” Mackie’s designs also helped Cher make television history, when she became the first woman to show her belly button on U.S. broadcast television.

Beyond his work with Cher, Mackie created some of the most recognizable stage costumes for music’s biggest stars. One of his most famous creations is the bedazzled Los Angeles Dodgers uniform Elton John wore for his historic 1975 performances at Dodger Stadium, a look that remains one of the singer’s most iconic. Following news of Mackie’s death, Elton John paid tribute to the designer in an Instagram post, writing: “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.”

Pop singer Pink, who wore multiple Mackie designs throughout her career including the entire wardrobe for her 2009 Funhouse tour, also shared a heartfelt tribute. “I was so lucky to be dressed by him for so long. He was loving, wickedly funny and an absolute genius,” she wrote, adding a playful, fitting tribute: “There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels.”

Born Robert Gordon Mackie in Monterey Park, California in 1939, Mackie got his start in the industry as a sketch artist for prominent French-American costume designer Jean Louis. One of his earliest career assignments saw him sketch the iconic sheer nude dress Marilyn Monroe wore when she sang her legendary rendition of *Happy Birthday, Mr. President* to John F. Kennedy in 1962.

In his personal life, Mackie married Hollywood singer and actress Lulu Porter in 1960, and the pair welcomed a son, Robin, before divorcing three years later. Robin passed away from an AIDS-related illness in his early 30s. From 1963 until his partner Ray Aghayan’s death in 2011, Mackie shared his life and work with Iranian fashion designer Aghayan. In a 2018 interview with *The Guardian*, the designer, then 79, joked that he was the oldest active working designer in Hollywood. When asked if he ever planned to retire, he gave a simple, firm answer: “I hope not.”

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, the most prestigious honorary event in the U.S. television industry, is set to kick off on Monday at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, bringing together the brightest talents from across the small screen. Months of speculation around the full nominations list have now come to a head, with clear fan favorites and unexpected snubs already shaping the narrative ahead of the live telecast.

This year’s awards are split across three core program categories: drama, comedy, and limited/anthology series, with several structural changes designed to refresh the ceremony. Organizers have merged the best talk series and best scripted variety series into a single outstanding variety series category, and shifted eight previously main-ceremony awards to the earlier Creative Arts Emmys weekend. This cuts the total number of trophies awarded during the live Monday telecast from 26 to 19, freeing up more airtime for live musical performances, comedic segments and unscripted acceptance speeches.

In the top-rated drama category, last year’s winner *The Pitt* returns to defend its title following the release of its second season. The acclaimed medical drama leads all scripted series this year with eight individual acting nominations, including a best drama actor nod for lead star Noah Wyle. Other standout nominees for best drama include *Pluribus*, *Slow Horses*, *The Diplomat*, and *A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms*, the latest prequel to the global hit *Game of Thrones*.

Over in the comedy categories, the fifth and final season of Hollywood satire *Hacks* is widely tipped to extend the show’s historic winning streak. Both leading stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are nominated for acting prizes, with Smart on the cusp of making awards history: a win this year would bring her total career Emmy count to eight, tying the all-time record currently held by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman. Top competitors for comedy honors include *Widow’s Bay*, *Shrinking*, *Abbott Elementary* and *Nobody Wants This*, with multiple cast members from *Abbott Elementary* already earning acting nods.

In the limited and anthology series race, Netflix’s *Beef* season two emerges as a strong contender, with lead stars Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac both landing acting nominations. It faces stiff competition from buzzy contenders including *All Her Fault*, *The Beast in Me* and *DTF St Louis*, which already notched two early wins at the recent Creative Arts Emmys. DTF St Louis stars Linda Cardellini and David Harbour took home best supporting actress and actor in a limited series honors during the pre-telecast ceremonies.

A total of seven British performers have earned acting nominations this year, alongside Mulligan: Riz Ahmed for *Bait*, Rufus Sewell for *The Diplomat*, Kate O’Flynn for *Widow’s Bay*, Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden for *Slow Horses*, and Matthew Rhys, who made history as a double nominee in two separate lead actor categories: comedy for *Widow’s Bay* and limited series for *The Beast in Me*.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the ceremony is the absence of the year’s biggest viral sensation, the ice hockey romance *Heated Rivalry* starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. The Canadian-produced series was deemed ineligible for this year’s awards because it lacks required U.S. production involvement, a rule that confused many observers who point to 2021’s big *Schitt’s Creek* sweep. However, *Schitt’s Creek* qualified for inclusion thanks to U.S. broadcast and financing partnerships, including an American-based production company led by creator Dan Levy. *Heated Rivalry* will instead compete in the 2026 International Emmys, set to take place in New York this November.

Two other fan-favorite shows with strong youth followings also underperformed in nominations despite meeting eligibility requirements. The final season of Netflix’s *Stranger Things* only earned seven nominations, all in technical categories, with no nods for the show in the top drama categories. Similarly, the final season of HBO’s *Euphoria* only landed one acting nomination, with former winner Zendaya being the only cast member from the series to earn a spot on the nominations list.

The Creative Arts Emmys, held last weekend ahead of the main ceremony, handed out honors across a range of craft and supporting categories. Other early winners include Julie Andrews, who took home best voiceover performance for *Bridgerton*, Alan Cumming who won best reality host for the U.S. adaptation of *The Traitors*, and *Remarkably Bright Creatures*, the drama starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, which won best made-for-TV movie. Additional early winners include *South Park* for best animated series, *Mr. Scorsese* for best docuseries, *Love on the Spectrum* for best unstructured reality programme, and Bad Bunny’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show for best variety special.

This year’s main ceremony will be hosted by veteran television star Mariska Hargitay, the lead of NBC’s long-running crime drama *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*. Hargitay, who has earned eight Emmy nominations and one win for her role as detective Olivia Benson, is set to preside over the event as her show prepares to air its 28th season and 600th episode this autumn. She also picked up two honors at last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys for her documentary *My Mom Jayne*, which explores the life of her mother, iconic 1950s actress Jayne Mansfield, who died in a car crash when Hargitay was just three years old.

“It’s my great honour to host the 78th Emmy Awards and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers,” Hargitay said in a pre-ceremony statement. “Whether it’s an actor or a director, a costumer or a sound designer, we are all so privileged to take part in creating television that unites us.”

For viewers tuning in, the ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday. U.S. audiences can stream the event live on Peacock or broadcast it on NBC. In the UK, the ceremony will start at 1:00 a.m. BST on Tuesday, with no scheduled live broadcast on domestic television, but the BBC News website will provide live overnight coverage of the red carpet and awards announcements.

In a verdict that has sent waves through the global hip-hop community, 33-year-old Chicago rapper and Grammy winner Lil Durk, legally named Durk Devontay Banks, has been cleared of all criminal charges stemming from a high-profile federal murder-for-hire conspiracy case. The ruling came down Friday after three full days of deliberations by a Los Angeles jury, wrapping up a three-week court proceeding that drew widespread attention from music fans and legal observers alike.

The case traced its origins back to a fatal daytime shooting in August 2020 outside an Atlanta nightclub that left rising Chicago rapper King Von — a signee to Banks’ Only The Family (OTF) record label — dead. Prosecutors alleged that Banks, who founded OTF in 2010, put a public bounty on the head of rival rapper Quando Rondo (legal name Tyquian Bowman) in retaliation for King Von’s killing, after coming under social media pressure to avenge his associate’s death.

The alleged plot unfolded in August 2022, when a vehicle carrying Bowman was ambushed in a shooting at a Los Angeles gas station. Bowman escaped the attack uninjured, but his 23-year-old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, who was a passenger in the car, was killed. Banks was arrested in connection to the killing in 2024, charged with five felony counts including murder-for-hire resulting in death and criminal conspiracy. A conviction would have carried a mandatory potential life sentence.

The prosecution’s case rested entirely on testimony from three cooperating co-defendants — Kavon “OTF Vonnie” Grant, Keith “Flacka” Jones, and Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester — all of whom had struck plea deals in exchange for their testimony against Banks and two additional co-defendants tried alongside him: Deandre “OTF Dede” Wilson and David “Browneyez” Lindsey. In a split verdict, the jury cleared both Wilson and Lindsey of murder-for-hire charges, but convicted them on lesser counts of stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking.

Following the acquittal, defense attorney Drew Findling shared that his client was deeply grateful for the jury’s decision. Outside the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, crowds of Banks’ supporters erupted in cheers when the verdict was announced.

Despite the full acquittal on these charges, Banks will remain in federal custody as he prepares for a separate scheduled trial set to begin October 5. In that upcoming case, he faces additional charges including racketeering-linked murder and firearms violations. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli noted in a post-verdict statement that while the prosecution team was disappointed by the jury’s ruling in the murder-for-hire case, they are moving forward with plans to present their full evidence in the second trial.

Beyond the legal drama, Banks holds a prominent position in modern mainstream hip-hop. Since 2019, seven of his studio albums have cracked the top 5 of the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, and he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Drake and J. Cole. Most recently, he took home the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his hit single “All My Life” featuring J. Cole, marking his first Grammy win after three prior nomination.