Michael Jackson: A Fashion Retrospective

Say what you will about the King of Pop, the influence that Michael Jackson has had over the collective fashion conscious throughout his 50 years is undeniable. As the music legend dies, age 50, in Los Angeles, we take a look at his inimitable, legendary style.

During his Dangerous period, Jackson’s moonwalking became as topical as Neil Armstrong’s lunar stroll and his monochrome get-up of tight black trousers – cut to show off a flash of white sock – with his ubiquitous white V-neck T-shirt and black fedora made it into fashion’s collective memory.

As a fashion pioneer, Jackson was the man who gave new meaning to moonwalking, immortalized solitary, sparkly gloves, initiated the trophy jacket trend in the Eighties and was brave enough to couple dress with Madonna on the red carpet.

Madonna and Michael Jackson attend the Academy Awards, 1991.

It’s hard to refer to Michael Jackson as a mere celebrity. Hearing people reminisce over the King of Pop’s influence has been unreal — the memories of trying to moonwalk in socks across your kitchen floor, learning the Thriller dance with your cousins, dancing to “Smooth Criminal” at senior prom — it all seems reverential.

In an age where we deem people who have multiple births worthy of their own television show, it’s nice to pause and remember someone who actually contributed to our culture on so many levels — through his songs and incredible dancing talent, as well as his personal style. Whether it was uniting the world with an anthem or donning one glove, Michael Jackson left a lasting impression on our society. With that, let us recap the greatest contributions he left to the world of style.

Jackson’s love of sparkle was enduring and for his This Is It tour – which was due to start on July 13, 2009 – he had costumes and sets created for him by Crystallized Swarovski Elements that would have featured more than 300,000 dazzling crystals.

Off the Wall Sleek
Jackson gave a classic look a great update during the release of the album Off the Wall. Wearing a classic black suit with an open white collar may seem pretty tame for the man in question, until you look at his feet. Jackson wore thick white socks with black shiny loafers, instantly giving a classic look new flair and originality.

The Single White Glove
Who could forget the famous “Billie Jean” single white glove? The song was without a doubt, an instant classic. Supposedly, the lyrics were derived from real-life experiences of staged motherhood that both he and his brothers experienced during their time in the Jackson 5. Shockingly enough, “Billie Jean” was the first music video from a black artist ever to appear on MTV. Beyond its cultural significance, the use of the white glove is seen frequently on the runway, and is favored by Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld.

One of Jackson’s most famous fashion moments happened during a television performance of Billie Jean, when he raised a single white-gloved hand in an iconic gesture that spawned a million impersonations and costume shop sales.

Thriller, Jheri Curl, and Aviators
Jackson’s finest music video contribution was, of course, the mini-movie Thriller. This was the original elaborate music video with incredible sets, a sea of dancing extras, and fascinating fashion. Jackson may have been responsible for the popularity of the Jheri Curl but, seriously, what woman could resist him after making aviators look so amazing. They weren’t just for pilots anymore. Add a casual 1980s-style warm-up jacket, and you have an easy Halloween costume or a great any day look.

During the days of Bad, Beat It and Thriller, Jackson’s look was an often imitated biker style, which is still wearable today.

Jackson’s trademark aviator sunglasses were a wardrobe emblem that he repeatedly revisited throughout his years.

Military Jackets and Influence
Apparently, Jackson took his role as King of Pop seriously, as shown through the military-influenced jackets he favored. With a broad shoulder and short cut, it is a look that can be replicated by very few men. This is the way to make blazers with gold buttons look edgy and chic instead of preppy and boring. Let’s be honest, killer dance moves don’t hurt either.

Sequin details, zippers, tight hammer pants, flat-out pirate costumes, and royalty-inspired jackets were all favorites of the pop star.

Michael Jackson's military jacket was echoed on Christophe Decarnin's Balmian catwalk for spring/summer 2009.

Dressing Like a Pirate/Sequins in Daylight
Michael Jackson’s greatest contribution to fashion was his unfailing originality. His confidence and clear desire to only be himself are inspiring to anyone. Sequin details, zippers, tight hammer pants, flat-out pirate costumes, and royalty-inspired jackets were all favorites of the pop star. What’s sad is that so few people have the personality and the magic “it” factor to be able to carry these looks off.

What I will miss most about Michael Jackson was his confidence to be different. His originality gave him a career with so many cultural touchstones, a feat that few performers have ever conquered. We hope he’s got that white glove on and is moonwalking across that great stage in the sky.

His exuberant sense of style often meant that he would wear pieces from the women’s collections. Here, Jackson is pictured wearing a look from Riccardo Tisci’s collection for Givenchy, autumn/winter 2008-09.

More ensembles from Michael Jackson.

Source: film.com, vogue.co.uk