Bob Mackie settles lawsuits; ends dispute with JCPenney

In a settlement announced on Tuesday, famed designer Bob Mackie has resolved lawsuits that were filed against the retailer JCPenney and his former business partner, Marc Schwartz. The legal action had been triggered by the September launch of a “Mackie: Bob Mackie” apparel line at JCPenney, which the designer claimed used his name, signature and likeness without permission. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres dismissed the claims after the parties agreed in principle to “certain material terms,” with a final settlement expected by July 28. The specific terms of the agreement have not yet been released.

Mackie’s lawyer, Michael Firestone, told the Manhattan judge that both sides had reached a preliminary agreement, but declined to provide details. JCPenney’s counsel, Michael Steger, also declined to comment, and the retailer’s parent company, Catalyst Brands, did not respond to requests for comment.

The dispute stemmed from Mackie’s concerns that the JCPenney collection would dilute his brand and legacy, which he has cultivated over six decades. He argued that the “Bob Mackie Design Group,” in which Schwartz owned a 60% stake and Mackie held 40%, had no authority to license his name. Mackie also claimed that the timing of the collection’s launch—coinciding with the release of Taylor Swift’s album “The Life of a Showgirl,” whose cover art featured a Mackie‑designed costume—was an attempt to capitalize on his fame.

In addition to seeking damages for false advertising and trademark infringement, Mackie had demanded the removal of Schwartz as an officer of the design group. JCPenney dismissed the claim that consumers would be disappointed by the quality of its Mackie-branded apparel as “rank speculation.”

JCPenney operates more than 650 stores and is part of Catalyst Brands, which also owns names such as Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand and Nautica. Mackie’s career highlights include iconic pieces such as Carol Burnett’s “curtain rod” dress from a “Gone with the Wind” parody sketch, Cher’s black “loin cloth” at the 1986 Academy Awards, and outfits for Elton John’s Donald Duck and Mozart concerts.