How Michael Jackson's Style Influenced Fashion Today
The King of Pop is an eternal style icon for designers and trends.
As one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, Michael Jackson influenced not only the music industry but fashion too. From his over-the-top performance looks to unique stylistic choices, there is no doubt that Jackson had an eye for fashion. He worked with designers including Hedi Slimane for Dior, Tom Ford, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, and John Galliano to curate avant-garde looks that were personal to Jackson and exceptional to the world. Even more than a decade after his passing, designers continue to look to Jackson as a source of inspiration.
On the late singer's birthday, L’OFFICIEL looks at Jackson’s lasting influence on the fashion world today.
The Letterman Jacket
A retro '80s staple, the letterman jacket is a major fall must-have. In his mini-movie Thriller, Jackson wore a red and yellow varsity jacket which is now a garment found in many designer collections including Louis Vuitton and Givenchy. The casual-cool and practical piece is the definition of contemporary street style.
Military Style
Military style was undoubtedly an essential part of Jackson's wardrobe throughout his career. His signature outfit was a military jacket paired with cropped black pants that displayed his white socks. This style was inspired by Jackson's love for the 16th century Renaissance, where features of the Baroque and nobility would appear in paintings and drawings. In 2016, Beyoncé paid tribute to Jackson during her Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, wearing a striking military ensemble that was an exact replica of one worn by Michael Jackson during his own performance at the 1993 Super Bowl.
The Fedora
A signature part of Michael Jackson’s look for a while was the fedora. Its most memorable moment was in the “Smooth Criminal” video where Jackson paid homage to his idol, Fred Astaire, who wore a nearly identical outfit in the 1953 musical The Band Wagon. This small accessory has become a stylistic autograph and certainly lives on to influence many other musicians. In recent years, Bruno Mars is always seen sporting a distinctive fedora when performing, most likely influenced by Jackson.
Sequins & Sparkles
Jackson was never afraid to be over the top. In performances he wore tops and jackets that were fully embellished with rhinestones, making him noticeable even from the furthest seats in the concert hall. Now, 40 years later, whether it's a birthday or a girls' night out, the all sparkles look will still be the ultimate one to make you stand out in the crowd.
Aviator Sunglasses
In the late '80s and early '90s, Jackson was rarely seen without sunglasses. In particular, the aviator style was a staple for the artist. With a reflective lens and large frame, these sunglasses would shield Jackson's eyes completely, creating a certain mystery for his facial expressions in performances. Today, aviator sunglasses are consistently seen as a top eyewear trend for celebrities and influencers.
The Glove
In music videos and on stage, Jackson was known to wear a single, crystal-encrusted glove. The piece became so indicative of his style that for the Louis Vuitton Men Fall/Winter 2019 collection, Virgil Abloh chose to pay homage to the music legend. Starting with show invitations in the shape of Jackson's signature glove, the collection's monochrome looks and studded jackets were almost exact replicas of Jackson's wardrobe.
