Celebrity fashion designer Bob Mackie has recently shared a health update with Newsweek after a rather unfortunate sidewalk fall. This 85-year-old maestro, known for his pivotal fashion moments with stars like Cher, Tina Turner, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya, was rushed to the hospital after tripping on a Subway grate and taking a face-first tumble.

Health Update and Resilience

Mackie assured Newsweek that he has a few bruises and his nose is swollen, but he is otherwise okay. He also suffered a cut over his right eye and a sliced upper lip. Despite the stressful situation, he managed to get back to work promoting his new documentary, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion. As he said, "You expect to look a little better when you do [press], but I wear my glasses, I put on my hat, and I hug the people I know. It's all good." An EMT worker even eased the situation by showing him a picture of her Halloween costume as a tribute to his work.

Early Days and Rise to Prominence

The documentary follows Mackie's career from his early days as a sketch artist for Paramount Studios to his current status as one of Hollywood's most sought-after designers. In the 1960s and 70s, he rose to fame by designing dazzling ensembles for popular variety shows such as The Judy Garland Show, Cher, and The Carol Burnett Show. Soon, many famous faces wanted to work with him. He explained, "Well you know, everybody said, 'Oh you must have so much fun.' I said, 'It isn't really fun, it's actually hard work, and it's like a science.' You really have to analyze each one as a separate entity to itself and that's what makes them special."

Unintended Career Path

It might be surprising to learn that Mackie never intended to be a fashion designer. As he told Newsweek, "I've never wanted to be a fashion designer but it kind of happened on its own. When Cher first came on the air, all of a sudden, manufacturers were making things that looked like Cher might have worn it. Stores wouldn't even buy a dress with a halter neckline, 'Oh no, no we can't sell those, nobody wants that.' And before you know it, that's all they were selling because of her." His first love was film, and he was inspired by the 1951 film An American in Paris, which led him to want to be in the entertainment industry.

Behind the Curtain of Fashion

From initial sketches to final, dazzling stage ensembles, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion takes audiences behind the curtain of Mackie's bold ideas into pieces of wearable art. It details how he continues to transform the way fashion is perceived. Despite his global fame, Mackie is still incredibly grounded. He said, "I'm always surprised if anybody outside of the USA, or California for that matter, even knows who I am. I did a talk to an audience at the museum in London and was amazed by the people who came with books to sign. I'd love to go to London and design a show."And indeed, he did make it to the Rockettes Christmas performance eventually. A post on his Instagram read, "Remember Bob Mackie got injured in NYC this past week on his way to the The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall? Well, he ended up missing the show. BUT the team reached out and arranged for Bob to finally see it and he loved it! He even got to see a sketch of one of the designs he created for the Rockettes in 1981."Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion is currently showing in select theaters and will stream on major platforms.