New York, NY – Renowned costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie received an honorary doctorate degree from the Otis College of Art + Design on Saturday, May 14th, during the College’s annual commencement exercises. He is one of the first fashion and costume designers to receive such a high honor from distinguished Otis College, which was established in 1918 and touts such celebrated designers as alumna Edith Head.
Mackie built his reputation dressing some of the most glamorous women in the world. The vast scope of his entertainment, fashion and home furnishings career continues to expand. Yet for more than 20 years, he has found time to mentor Otis fashion and costume design students—and has even employed some as his assistants.
While his exclusive designs have graced superstars for decades, most notably Cher and Carol Burnett, everyone can now enjoy Mackie's sportswear and dress collections, signature fragrance, collectible Barbie dolls and home furnishings.
Mackie has amassed 31 Emmy Award nominations and nine Emmy Awards, and he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2002.
Among other extraordinary career achievements, Mackie was honored by the American Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2001 at the 20th Annual American Fashion Awards.