Bob Mackie Sues JCPenney Over Unauthorized Use of His Name and Brand

Bob Mackie, the renowned fashion designer known for creating iconic looks for celebrities like Cher and Elton John, has filed a lawsuit against JCPenney for allegedly using his name, signature, and likeness without permission to promote a clothing line. The 85-year-old designer claims he was unaware of the “Mackie: Bob Mackie” collection launched by the retailer last month, despite owning 40% of the design group that partnered with JCPenney.

Mackie alleges that the collaboration, which coincided with Taylor Swift’s new album release featuring a costume he designed, violated his wishes. He stated he would never have endorsed JCPenney due to concerns about diluting his brand’s prestige. A spokesperson for Mackie criticized the collection, calling it unrepresentative of his decades-long work.

JCPenney’s parent company, Catalyst Brands, has not commented on the allegations. Meanwhile, Mackie also sued his namesake design group and its 60% owner, Marc Schwartz, accusing him of mismanagement. The design group denied the claims, calling the lawsuit “completely baseless.”

Mackie is seeking unspecified damages for false advertising, trademark violations, and unauthorized use of his likeness. The case highlights a growing tension between celebrity brands and commercial partnerships.