Image Credit

Original artwork by fashion and costume director, Bob Mackie. Madonna for 1991 Academy Awards (detail), Tina Turner for a 1977 Caesar's Palace performance (detail), Cher for the 1986 Academy Awards (detail).

Luncheon by Design 2026

April 29, 2026 - 11 am–1:30 pm

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An unforgettable afternoon of glamour awaits. Dare to be noticed at Luncheon by Design 2026.

In anticipation of DIVA opening this fall at the Denver Art Museum, this year’s Luncheon by Design celebrates the legendary artistry and enduring cultural impact of fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie. Synonymous with spectacle and sophistication, Mackie’s creations epitomize the power of fashion to transform, captivate and empower across generations.

Joe McFate, longtime Design Director for Bob Mackie, joins Jill D’Alessandro, Director & Curator of the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts & Fashion, for a rare behind-the-curtain journey into Mackie’s extraordinary world and fashion at its most dazzling. Hear fascinating stories and creative inspirations from decades spent designing for the world’s most iconic performers and discover the origin stories behind breathtaking Mackie costumes featured in DIVA—worn by Cher, Bette Midler, and Pink.

For more than eighteen 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. Internationally, Joe has designed for iconic performers including Cher, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Bernadette Peters, and Liza Minnelli.

Event Details

The celebration begins at 11 am with a lively networking reception. At noon, guests will enjoy a seated luncheon and our featured program in the Sturm Grand Pavilion. Following the program at 1:30 pm, guests are invited to an exclusive viewing of Conversation Pieces: Stories from the Fashion Archives—a fitting finale to an afternoon steeped in bold style and iconic design.

Luncheon by Design is the not-to-be-missed fundraising event drawing Denver’s design and creative community, lovers of architecture and fashion, and supporters of the architecture and design department for an exclusive presentation featuring renowned authors, scholars and designers.

For event and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Wendy Fisher at wfisher@denverartmuseum.org.

Luncheon by Design 2026 is co-chaired by Bridget Grier, Marcia Romero, and Becky Schaub. Honorary Chairs are Joy Dinsdale, Art Ellsworth & Marvin Wilkinson, and Cleo Parker Robinson.