CHICAGO — It was a celebration befitting a designer who has dressed the stars — Bob Mackie, whose career has spanned six decades.

From socialites to one well-known female impersonator, Mackie’s fans turned out on Tuesday night at the Chicago History Museum to celebrate the designer’s acceptance of the Costume Council’s Designer of Excellence Award.

Many of the 250 guests wore Mackie’s glittery gowns and sparkly frocks from their personal archives. Guests included Nena Ivon and Abra Wilkin, past presidents of the Costume Council; Linda Johnson Rice; Robin Loewenberg Tebbe and Nina Mariano, event co-chairs; honorary chairs Terri D’Ancona, Susan Higinbotham, Liz Stiffel, Anne Krauss and Mamie Walton; Kristin Noelle Smith, Costume Council president, and Baton Show Lounge female impersonator Chilli Pepper.