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Black and white portrait of a smiling older man with glasses, wearing a blazer and a checkered shirt, with the text 'BOB MACKIE 1939 - 2026' below.

Remembering Bob Mackie: Jody Watley, “After You, Who?” & a Legacy of Style

Some designers create clothes. Others create moments.

Bob Mackie was one of those rare designers whose work became inseparable from the glamour, individuality and visual identity of the entertainment world. His extraordinary use of intricate beading, sequins, movement and theatrical detail helped define some of the most memorable fashion images in music and television.

The legendary Bob Mackie passed away yesterday at 87, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that forever changed the way music, television and entertainment could look. Anyone who loves entertainment, fashion and glamour like me is forever inspired.

Known for his dazzling craftsmanship, intricate beading, sequins and unapologetic glamour, Mackie created unforgettable fashion moments for some of the most iconic women in entertainment. His designs didn’t simply dress performers — they helped create an entire visual language of stardom.

Jody Watley was among the artists whose style embodied that same spirit of evolution and individuality. “Mackie was gracious, the stunning beaded gown I wear in the video is from his archives and perfectly captured the glamorous chanteuse the director Matthew Rolston and I were going for in the period piece – where I got to channel my inner Diana Ross as well! As a little girl I lived to see what Cher would wear on The Sonny & Cher and Cher Show, Carol Burnett Show, Tina Turner, and yes of course his designs for Ms. Ross! I was also inspired by his illustrations as well, and for a time beyond always wanting to be an entertainer, fashion illustration became a passion of mine sketching fashion ideas his creative process.”

In 1990, Watley wore a stunning beaded Bob Mackie gown in the video for her sophisticated jazz interpretation of Cole Porter’s “After You, Who?” The recording appeared on Red Hot + Blue, the landmark album and film project celebrating Cole Porter while raising awareness and funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Mackie contributed the gown Jody wore for the video, creating a particularly memorable intersection of music, fashion and philanthropy.

For Jody, whose visual identity has always been an important part of her artistry, the look was more than beautiful wardrobe. It was another example of how she could move effortlessly between musical worlds while continuing to evolve her image.

And for Mackie, it was another contribution to the rich visual history he helped shape — one where glamour, craftsmanship and personality could exist together.

As we remember Bob Mackie, this moment stands as a beautiful reminder of his enduring influence and the extraordinary connection between fashion and music history. Bob Mackie. Jody Watley. Cole Porter. “After You, Who?” — a timeless meeting of artistry and style. Watch Jody Watley’s video tribute: Here On The Jody Watley Youtube Channel.

A woman wearing a white gown designed by Bob Mackie stands in a dressing room, with a vintage decor background. The image references the 1990 video 'After You Who?' from 'Red, Hot & Blue'.

A woman with a short bob hairstyle wearing a sparkling silver dress and large earrings, looking thoughtfully to the side. — Jody Watley in Bob Mackie Beaded Gown 1990 on Set of After You Who? Video

Bob Mackie leaves an incredible timeless legacy of glamour and inspiration.

Jody Watley_PeopleMagazine_50MostBeautiful(1)

It was an cool to be a part of the “People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful Summer 1990” issue needless to say (actress Michelle Pfeiffer was on the cover). I believe true beauty radiates from the inside out and honestly having smarts is higher on my list though being in the entertainment industry there is a level of superficial so I get it. In my interviews it’s always been key to get that across, not just being a ‘pretty face.’ The feature makes mention of my godfather music legend Jackie Wilson who will finally be honored with a Star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood September 4, 2019.

In this opportunity it’s noted that I was ok with my crooked bottom teeth..they are still crooked though I could easily have them straightened. Perhaps I will before all is said and done but they don’t bother me and are a part of being distinctly me. Imperfections are a part of who we are, it’s also what I replied recently to someone trolling me on Facebook who mocked me for my bottom teeth ‘you have enough money – why don’t you get your teeth fixed, people are talking about you behind your back..” Sure, we are all works in progress and if definitely fix or work on what needs improvement if it makes you feel better about yourself – go for it but don’t let society or certain standards make you feel less than or inferior in any way. You decide – I decide.

Going with short hair was also a statement in itself and somewhat rebellious in it’s own way..it’s not about my hair but my artistry and quest to always be what and who I want to be at any given time – not who and what other’s want to define or box me into. The short hair was not received well at the time with fans, or my record label. As an artist and a human being most of all, it’s often challenging to hold on and fight to be who you are and want to be while others may only see you one way and try to keep you marginalized to their vision.

This was also around the time I was photographed by legendary Herb Ritts for the GAP groundbreaking ‘celebrity’ ad campaign ‘Individuals Of Style’ – loved this session. Herb Ritts was so kind and easy going. Any intimidation I may have felt going into the session melted away as soon as I met him. We shot in natural light on the rooftop of his Hollywood studio, I wore my own denim jeans and Doc Martens, customizing the white GAP t-shirt to suit me, just a simple snipping off of the sleeves. Peter Savic, another legend in the fashion and celebrity hairstylist..actually he’s a master of hair, an artist not just a stylist worked with Herb Ritts often but it was a first for us. Wanting to do something fresh, modern and bold but not sure what – Peter suggested short and so we agreed on the pixie cut and he knocked it out of the park! An image from this session was also used for my “Precious Love” single…as well it was around this time I was nearly booed off the stage and received heavy backlash after by my only performance on the Soul Train Awards…that’s another post entirely. I do touch upon being black and forward thinking as an artist back then, the politics of the music business .. in my work in progress memoir.

Jody Watley GAP ad by Herb Ritts