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Mattel Pays Tribute to Bob Mackie, Whose Barbie Designs Helped Solidify Doll as Fashion Icon: He Was an ‘Extraordinary Collaborator’

The designer created more than 50 different Barbies for Mattel over his career and is credited with bringing Hollywood glamour to the dolls.

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September 16, 2026, 3:42pm

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Barbie 80's Cher Doll by Bob Mackie

Courtesy Mattel

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Mattel is paying tribute to Bob Mackie, calling the late designer, “completely one of a kind.”

In addition to his creations for Cher, Madonna and countless others, Mackie was also a celebrated designer for Barbie. The late designer was approached to work with Mattel in the late 80s and his first official Barbie doll was released in 1990 — a limited-edition “Gold” Barbie, with a long blond ponytail, revealing sequined dress and a feathery boa to top it all off.

Courtesy Mattel

That Mackie design — and subsequent releases — was credited with bringing back a glamorous side to Barbie, at a time when the company was shifting her outfits to occupation-inspired garb. Instead, Mackie put Barbie in glamorous gowns and gilded accessories that drew inspiration from fashion runways (and his famous celebrity clients) from around the world. Mackie was also heralded for bringing new ethnicities and expressions to the Barbie doll, wanting her to appeal to a wider audience.

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“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Mackie, a dear friend and extraordinary collaborator,” Robert Best, Vice President, Dolls Design Creative Director, Mattel tells WWD in a statement. “Bob understood that fashion could be transformative — that a silhouette, a burst of color, or an unexpected detail could create a whole world of storytelling. He brought his signature sense of glamour and imagination to the world of Barbie, inspiring countless fans and further solidifying Barbie as a true fashion icon. Bob was completely one of a kind, and his artistry will continue to shine through every Barbie doll he designed and the sense of self-expression he helped shape for generations to come.”

The official Barbie Instagram page also posted a tribute to Mackie, with the caption, “Thank you for the sparkles.”

View this post on Instagram

Over his career, Mackie created more than 50 different dolls for Mattel, with a wide variety of face types and body types. Mackie is also credited as the first designer to work on a complete doll, from the makeup and fashion, to the hairstyles and body shape.

FIND BOB MACKIE BARBIE DOLLS ON EBAY

While Mackie stopped working with Mattel in recent years, you can still find some of his Barbie dolls available through Amazon sellers, Walmart, and online marketplaces like eBay. Many of them have become collector pieces and they are only expected to become more coveted in the wake of the designer’s death.

Here’s a look at some of the Bob Mackie Barbie dolls available to purchase online now.

Mattel

1995 RELEASE

Barbie Goddess of the Sun Doll by Bob Mackie

$97.94

Buy Now at Amazon

This 1995 “Goddess of the Sun” Barbie features a gown encrusted with more than 11,000 hand-sewn sequins and beads.

This Amazon seller is offering the doll with the original box and doll stand.

Mattel

2000 RELEASE

Barbie Goddess of the Americas Doll by Bob Mackie

$344

Buy Now at Amazon

Released in 2000, this design was inspired by Native American culture and was part of the Barbie “International Beauty Collection by Bob Mackie,” celebrating the beauty of women from all around the world.

The outfit features a top and skirt with ornate beading, sequins, and embroidery. An eagle-inspired headpiece features extended wings that match the jagged look of the dress.

Mattel

1994 RELEASE

Barbie Queen of Hearts Doll by Bob Mackie

$93.97

Buy Now AT WALMART

This “Queen of Hearts” Barbie was released in 1994 and features a red sequined gown, heart-embroidered cape, and stylized feathered headdress.

A dramatic red lip and heart drop earrings complete the look.

2006 RELEASE

Barbie 2006 Holiday Doll by Bob Mackie

$79.95

Buy Now AT WALMART

In addition to his “regular” Barbie dolls, Mackie also designed a series of Holiday Barbie dolls, including this one, released in 2006.

This doll wears an embroidered black gown with white faux fur trim. The Walmart seller has the doll in the original box, which boasts Mackie’s signature on the back.

2007 RELEASE

Barbie 80s Cher Doll by Bob Mackie

$249.99

Buy Now AT WALMART

One of Mackie’s most memorable collaborations is his series of Cher dolls with Mattel.

This Cher Barbie is inspired by the singer’s iconic look for her “If I Could Turn Back Time” music video. The outfit of course, was designed by Mackie.

You can find more of Mackie’s Barbie doll releases on Amazon and eBay.

Bob Mackie died on Sept. 14 at his home in Palm Springs. He was 87.

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Meet the Author

Tim Chan is the VP of Commerce at Penske Media, overseeing fashion, lifestyle and streaming coverage across marquee brands like Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and WWD, among others. Previously, Chan was the first-ever Lifestyle Editor at Rolling Stone, covering all things fashion, culture, and travel through an entertainment lens. In addition to PMC, his bylines over the years have appeared in L’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Korea, i-D, and more. Chan has also consulted for a number of fashion brands, advising them on media and marketing strategy. He graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in journalism.

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Mattel Pays Tribute to Bob Mackie, Whose Barbie Designs Helped Solidify Doll as Fashion Icon: He Was an ‘Extraordinary Collaborator’

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