Fashion Diary: Remembering Michael Jackson, forever the King of Pop
Wearing one glove, he influenced an entire generation. Michael Jackson, 1980s style icon, had us copying his military badges, white ankle socks and black loafers as often as his moonwalk.
Jackson understood the power of costume — on and off the stage, but especially in court. His oddly styled get-ups (the famous pajama bottoms and armbands) created a template for a kind of kooky celeb-goes-to-court look.
The men behind the Man in the Mirror were L.A.-based costume designers Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins. They quietly designed most of Jackson’s personal and concert tour wardrobes, tens of thousands of pieces, many with military details. One jacket--worn in a 1990 L.A. Gear ad campaign--was black suede and covered in minature gold license plates. They even had a Michael mannequin in their studio, built to the singer’s exact measurements. The pop star’s directive was always, “This is what the world’s wearing — top it,” they told me in 2005.
“I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife, Deborah, and I will always have great affection for him,” John Landis, who directed the 1983 film “Thriller,” said by email. Deborah Landis, a costume designer, created the iconic red Thriller jacket.
Jackson was a model for how to be a pop star for a lifetime, reinventing his look often. And the neverending speculation about his rhinoplasties fueled our cultural obsession with plastic surgery.
It’s almost as if the fashion industry knew it was time for a Jackson tribute. The pop singer was everywhere on the runway this last season, in the crystal-studded jackets at Balmain, and the sequined gloves at Louis Vuitton.
Swarovski had been tapped to bedazzle the costumes for Jackson's comeback tour beginning next month in London. I'm sure it would have been a fashion spectacle for the ages.
-- Booth Moore
** [UPDATE: 5:33 P.M. JUNE 25, 2009] Click here to read more on this story.**
Michael Jackson: end of a signature era
Photos: Jackson fashion
Michael Jackson: king of style
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Michael Jackson sports his trademark glove as he performs "Billie Jean" during his "30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on Sept. 7, 2001. Credit: Beth A. Keiser / Associated Press
One word - UNBELIEVABLE! Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died. This is a sad day, not in just the world of music itself, but in the entire world. He was arguably one of the top 5 entertainers of ALL time.
I can't help but be saddened, and disturbed, in the events that haunted his last years. Certainly, most people will agree, he didn't fit the mold as what we think of as "everybody's all-american". However, it is these people, such as Michael, who don't fit the mold which make the world go 'round.
Unfortunately, a certain California prosecutor didn't feel this way. He was quoted as saying they had a "slam dunk" case against Michael several years ago involving child molestation. The prosecutor seemed to think it was his God-given job to make another human being's life a living hell.
Michael was aquitted, but not before the damage was done. No one should ever have to go through what he went through. He was judged, damaged, and spit on, all because he was different. Let's remember this whenever we judge someone or make spurious accusations. It's just plain wrong.
I pray for Michael that he may rest in peace, and for his family that their sorrows may be eased. Now he is in our God's loving and merciful hands. I will miss you, Michael. For one, I always understood you.
Posted by: Jason, NYC, NY | June 25, 2009 at 04:12 PM
We love you Michael!
Posted by: Liz | June 25, 2009 at 04:17 PM
RIP Michael Jackson Check out the blog for more info http://askthecollegekid.blogspot.com/2009/06/michael-jackson-died.html
Posted by: amanslife | June 25, 2009 at 04:18 PM
we will never forget u Micheal!!!
Posted by: keisha | June 25, 2009 at 04:30 PM
BEFORE
AFTER
MICHAEL JACKSON
let him rest in PEACE
Posted by: Ed | June 25, 2009 at 04:31 PM
WHAT AN ENTERTAINER, THEY SAY THE GREAT ONES GO IN THREES, THAT HAPPENED TODAY AFTER WE HEARD THE NEWS ABOUT FARRAH. WE HAD JUST LOST ED AND NOW MICHAEL. OUR SINCERE REGARDS TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. BARRON PILGRIM.COM.
Posted by: barron pilgrim | June 25, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I feel so sorry for his family...
Posted by: Marcelina Saucedo | June 25, 2009 at 04:33 PM
micheal you is the best love you for all that you have been with with your songs. you will be missed. love you micheal
Posted by: gregory | June 25, 2009 at 04:34 PM
..."like a comet, blazing across the evening sky, gone too soon...'. - 'Gone Too Soon', Michael Jackson
Posted by: Richard J. Steiner | June 25, 2009 at 04:34 PM
THE WORLD LOVE YOU MICHAEL
Posted by: GREGORY | June 25, 2009 at 04:35 PM
MICHAEL JACKSON, BEST EVER.
RIP
Posted by: A. Kouthoofd | June 25, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Why are the brightest stars in the firmament always extinguished too soon....thank you Michael for all the joy you brought.
Posted by: LJ | June 25, 2009 at 04:39 PM
...NO WORDS..
..ALWAYS MICHAEL JACKSON...
...FROM SPAIN...
Posted by: javi | June 25, 2009 at 04:40 PM
I feel more lonely now alone in this mess
The world is much worse off
Why must we lose everything good?
Posted by: Robert | June 25, 2009 at 04:42 PM
I love you, Michael. God took you and Farrah home today...
Posted by: Sharon Jacobucci | June 25, 2009 at 04:43 PM
A true ICON of Entertainment, Music and Dance ......... A moonwalker who’z magic shall remain forever
- It's indeed a sad day and a huge loss for the world - May his soul rest in PEACE : (
Posted by: Bunny Shah | June 25, 2009 at 04:54 PM
OHHHH MY GOD. I CANT BLIEVE. :...(
MICHAEL IS NOT DEAD. HE WILL LIVE FOREVER. HE WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS, IN MY HEART.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MY MICHAEL. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART.
YOU ARE GOD OF POP. REST IN PEASE MY DEAR. :..)
LIKE YOU SAID: I WILL NEVER LET YOU GO!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE MICHAEL.
GOD IS SO UNFAIR.
Posted by: Jalil | June 25, 2009 at 04:59 PM
its a pity jackson died but God giveth and taketh.l was expecting him in UK but my dream of seeing live has lost, Rest in Peace
Posted by: ismail | June 25, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Sadly Missed. RIP.
Posted by: Ciani | June 25, 2009 at 05:02 PM
i cannot believe , either !!
he is my favorite , that's too bed
so said...
Posted by: Taiwan's fan | June 25, 2009 at 05:06 PM