Acclaimed costume designer Bob Mackie’s illustrious 60-year career takes center stage
An unforgettable afternoon of glamour awaits as the Denver Art Museum (DAM) marks the return of its beloved annual fundraiser, Luncheon by Design. As a prelude to the highly anticipated DIVA exhibition opening at the DAM this fall, this year’s luncheon celebrated the legendary artistry and enduring cultural impact of fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie. Synonymous with spectacle and sophistication, Bob Mackie’s work has captivated and empowered generations of iconic performers and his archive continues to inspire today’s leading artists—from Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, to Zendaya and Miley Cyrus.
Joe McFate, the long-time Design Director and close collaborator to Bob Mackie, joined Jill D’Alessandro, Director and Curator of the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts at DAM, for a rare behind-the-curtain conversation exploring Bob Mackie’s creative world. Heard were extraordinary stories from more than six decades of designing for legendary performers, along with the inspirations behind dazzling Bob Mackie costumes featured in DIVA worn by Cher, Tina Turner and P!NK.
“Bob Mackie is a legend of the highest order, responsible for dressing some of the most iconic divas of all time,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Director of the DAM.” “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Joe McFate grace Luncheon by Design to give us all the insights and secrets of designing and dressing some of the world’s biggest stars. This was an exciting fashion kick-off that culminated in DIVA, on view this fall.”
“A diva is that superstar that your eyes can’t leave… ever – you just can’t leave her – you are just like, look how beautiful she is!” said Bob Mackie. “It has been remarkable to see audiences around the world inspired by Bob Mackie’s work through the V&A’s acclaimed DIVA exhibition,” said Joe McFate. “I’m delighted to support and help build excitement for its opening in Denver this fall. As the only U.S. stop on the exhibition’s international tour, the Denver Art Museum offers a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the glamour and artistry of Mr. Mackie’s designs, firsthand.”
Bob Mackie is an internationally renowned costume and fashion designer who has dressed some of the most glamorous entertainment icons in the world. With a career spanning six decades, nine Emmy Award wins, three Academy Award nominations and an induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, his career is nothing short of legendary. Most recently, he received a 2019 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for his work on The Cher Show.
For more than twenty-six years, Joe McFate has served as Design Director for Bob Mackie, working closely with Mr. Mackie on every aspect of the brand’s design and development. His talent, creative vision and keen eye for color, scale and elegance have made him an indispensable part of the Bob Mackie Team. Joe has worked internationally with stars including Cher, Carol Burnett, Tina Turner, P!NK, Diana Ross, Bernadette Peters, Anjelica Huston, Mitzi Gaynor and Liza Minelli.
Following the program, guests enjoyed a special viewing of Conversation Pieces: Stories from the Fashion Archives and were invited to continue the celebration at The Ponti, opened exclusively for luncheon guests.
Funds from this year’s Luncheon by Design support bold exhibitions like DIVA, which opens at the DAM Oct. 4, 2026. DIVA celebrates the radical power, creativity and cultural impact of nearly 100 iconic performers, from the operatic goddesses of the 19th and 20th century like Maria Callas to modern-day powerhouses like Cher, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, RuPaul, Prince and Tina Turner. DIVA will be on view from Oct. 4 through January 31, 2027, in the museum’s Anschutz and Martin & McCormick galleries on level two of the Hamilton Building with a purchased ticket required.
Honorary Chairs of Luncheon by Design were Joy Dinsdale, Art Ellsworth & Marvin Wilkinson and Cleo Parker Robinson. The event was co-chaired by Bridget Grier, Marcia Romero and Becky Schuab and was supported by an enthusiastic committee. The event was co-presented by Joy Dinsdale and John Brooks, Inc. Additional supporters for this signature event included media partner Modern in Denver.
For museum information, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000.