Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was not just a musical icon; he was a fashion revolutionary. His style, like his music, was a blend of bold innovation and timeless elegance. From the early days of his career to his final public appearances, Jackson’s wardrobe choices were as meticulously crafted and as trendsetting as his legendary dance moves. Let’s take a journey through his ten most iconic outfits that left an indelible mark on the fashion world.
1. Must-Have Jacket: The “Beat It” Red Leather Jacket
In 1982, Michael Jackson unleashed a phenomenon with his “Beat It” music video. The casually cool outfit he chose would inspire millions and define a decade. The red leather jacket, accented with zippers, became synonymous with ’80s fashion. This jacket was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a statement. The vibrant color, the bold design, and the rebellious spirit it embodied captured the imagination of a generation. Fans around the world flocked to stores, desperate to emulate the King of Pop’s edgy yet approachable style. The jacket was a perfect match for the song’s theme of defiance and unity, and it remains one of the most memorable fashion pieces in music history.
2. Suited Up: The “Billie Jean” Leather Suit
When Michael Jackson danced across the lighted floor in the 1983 video for “Billie Jean,” he wasn’t just performing a song; he was creating a cultural moment. His slick leather suit, paired with a pink shirt and red bow tie, became the epitome of cool for legions of teenagers. The outfit was a perfect blend of sophistication and street style, reflecting Jackson’s unique ability to transcend genres and eras. The black leather suit was tailored to perfection, highlighting his lean frame and enhancing his fluid movements. The pink shirt and red bow tie added a touch of whimsy and color, making the ensemble both striking and approachable. It wasn’t just a costume; it was a carefully curated look that set trends and inspired countless imitators.
3. Moonwalk Moment: The Motown 25th Anniversary Outfit
In 1983, Michael Jackson debuted his now-legendary moonwalk at the Motown 25th Anniversary celebration, and the outfit he wore became just as iconic as the move itself. His cropped pants were designed to showcase his intricate footwork to the fullest, paired with sparkling socks, a shimmering shirt, and his omnipresent penny loafers. Ken Luftig Viste, curator of the Grammy Museum’s Michael Jackson: HIStyle exhibition, explained, “He’d wear an elaborate outfit like this so that even the people in the farthest rows could see him dance because the crystals are flashing under the lights. The white socks really also showed off the way he danced, the ways he could move and how much of that was footwork,” Luftig Viste continued. “He wanted people to be able to see him dance.” This ensemble was a masterclass in performance attire, designed not only to dazzle the audience but to enhance Jackson’s legendary dance skills.
4. Fits Like a Glove: The 1984 Grammys Look
Michael Jackson set off a massive fashion trend when he wore just one bedazzled glove to the 1984 Grammys, along with a sequined military jacket, complete with a gilded sash. This look didn’t just get fashionistas buzzing; it also saw Jackson picking up a record-breaking eight awards that night. Jackson’s fascination with military regalia was evident, and longtime costumer Michael Bush noted that Jackson was very into “British regalia show clothes – over the top military themed items.” Bush would research historically correct military gear for Jackson and then “do a street version, rock and roll look out of plastic, vinyl. Anything other than what was traditional!” This outfit was the perfect example of Jackson’s ability to blend historical references with contemporary flair, creating a look that was both timeless and ahead of its time.
5. ‘Bad’ Move: The Edgier Style for the Bad Album
For his 1987 Bad album, Michael Jackson adopted a distinctly edgier style. He added heavy eyeliner to a buckled leather jacket and skintight jeans, creating a look that was both rebellious and fashionable. This was a new era for Jackson, one where he pushed the boundaries of his style and image. The heavy eyeliner added a touch of drama and intensity, while the buckled leather jacket and skintight jeans gave him a rock-and-roll edge. This outfit was not just about fashion; it was about making a statement. Jackson was evolving as an artist and as a person, and his wardrobe reflected this transformation. The Bad era was a time of experimentation and bold choices, and this outfit encapsulated that spirit perfectly.
6. Dangerously Stylish: The ‘Smooth Criminal’ Suit
In the 1987 video for “Smooth Criminal,” Michael Jackson harkened back to an earlier era with a ’20s-inspired look. Forget the tommy guns – fans were blown away by his sharp tailoring and matching fedora. This outfit was a perfect blend of vintage style and modern flair. The suit was impeccably tailored, highlighting Jackson’s lean frame and giving him a sleek, sophisticated appearance. The matching fedora added a touch of old-school charm, while the overall look was both timeless and contemporary. This outfit was a masterclass in how to blend different eras and styles, creating a look that was both unique and universally appealing. Jackson’s attention to detail and his ability to fuse different fashion influences made this one of his most iconic looks.
7. Strapped In: The Theatrical Stage Costumes
Never one to shy away from theatrical embellishments, Michael Jackson’s stage costumes were legendary. In 1988, he hit the road in second-skin outfits covered in S&M-inspired straps. These costumes were a perfect reflection of his larger-than-life persona and his ability to push the boundaries of fashion. The tight-fitting outfits highlighted his lean, muscular frame, while the straps added a touch of drama and intensity. These costumes were not just about making a visual impact; they were also about enhancing Jackson’s performance. The tight-fitting outfits allowed him to move freely, while the straps added a touch of theatricality to his already dynamic stage presence. These costumes were a perfect example of Jackson’s ability to blend fashion and performance, creating a look that was both visually stunning and functionally effective.
8. Stage Show: The 1995 MTV Video Music Awards Ensemble
Flanked by similarly dressed backup dancers, Michael Jackson took to the stage of the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards in a black suit, skinny black tie, and – ever provocative – white armband. This outfit was a perfect blend of sophistication and edginess, reflecting Jackson’s unique ability to transcend genres and eras. The black suit was tailored to perfection, highlighting his lean frame and giving him a sleek, sophisticated appearance. The skinny black tie added a touch of modern flair, while the white armband added a touch of drama and provocation. This outfit was a perfect example of Jackson’s ability to blend different fashion influences, creating a look that was both unique and universally appealing.
9. White Out: The 2004 Court Date Ensemble
In 2004, Michael Jackson made a bold fashion statement when he arrived at a court date in an all-white ensemble, accompanied by his sisters LaToya and Janet. This outfit was a perfect blend of elegance and defiance, reflecting Jackson’s unique ability to transcend genres and eras. The all-white ensemble was tailored to perfection, highlighting his lean frame and giving him a sleek, sophisticated appearance. The matching white accessories added a touch of drama and intensity, while the overall look was both striking and approachable. This outfit was a perfect example of Jackson’s ability to blend different fashion influences, creating a look that was both unique and universally appealing.
10. Golden Age: The Fashionista-Favorite Womenswear Labels
In the past several months, Michael Jackson began stepping out in fashionista-favorite womenswear labels, including Balmain and Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. This marked a new era in Jackson’s fashion evolution, one where he pushed the boundaries of traditional gender norms and embraced a more fluid, contemporary style. The studded T-shirt and blazer he wore were a perfect blend of sophistication and edginess, reflecting Jackson’s unique ability to transcend genres and eras. This outfit was a perfect example of Jackson’s ability to blend different fashion influences, creating a look that was both unique and universally appealing. Jackson’s willingness to experiment with different styles and his ability to make bold fashion choices made him a true fashion icon.
