The King of Pop: May He Rest in Style
When I try to think back about the influences Michael Jackson had on fashion and culture from the inception of the Jackson Five to Thriller to the present tragedy of his death, I find it is easier to start with what the King of Pop did not influence, as opposed to what he did. Gangster hoodies, emo rap, and grunge were certainly not any of his styles. Nor were baggy pants, grinding in the club, or heavy death metal. Michael Jackson was an icon for the ages with multiple looks that were fanciful, sharp and totally rockstar quality. We can start with the Jackson Five look, the tight paisley button downs and bell-bottoms (who didn’t wear bell bottoms? Now we know who started it!). Rock the look with a cute suede vest and platform shoes, and you really are living the pint-size MJ dream.
But Michael Jackson really became a cultural icon with the breakthrough music video Thriller in 1983. His dance moves were to die for and became iconic in the swivel and swish of that red leather jacket with zipper details, tight-fitting parachute pants, and the single, white leather glove that started to illuminate the quirky taste of Mr. Jackson. Parachute pants are making it back to the runway, but I don’t know if it’s the best way to appreciate MJ’s glory. The white glove is all his, but try bringing back colored leather jackets and zipper details. The 80’s are back, where have you been?
And finally, my favorite, there is the style I like to call Michael Jackson Classic. MJC would be the tailored white button down, sequined black jacket, tight black pants and the fedora. This is the Billie Jean Moonwalk look, the beloved dance moves that have been honed from manic zombiehood down to classic perfection. The original Sexy Back.
How to emulate this?
Start a dance studio focusing specific in Michael Jackson impersonations, make a buckload of money, invest in the best fedora you can find and rock out for the rest of your life. But for us proletariats, some snazzy sequins get-ups, socks, and tile floors will do just fine for the weekend’s Michael Jackon Memorial Dance Party. My house. 8 pm. Be there.
Image Source: GroupieBlog, Huntermuttall.com, MJDavid007.com
