Michael Jackson’s Influence on Fashion
Even before his untimely death, it was quite apparent that Michael Jackson was having his moment in fashion (most notably witnessed in the recent Balmain collections). Now that he’s left us, the sartorial tributes will surely escalate.
The fall fashion lineups have taken a cue from his 80s style with sequins, military jackets, skinny silhouettes, exaggerated shoulders and excessive zippers. They seem to be everywhere you look. And, you can bet that Michael is looking down from a much more clear vantage point than his closely-guarded life allowed him to, finally realizing that his legacy will live on forever with bits and pieces of his contributions scattered throughout our fashion and music.
Michael’s fashion sense was brilliantly translated to a female perspective in a Grazia layout shortly after his passing (below images courtesy of delightful). Each look is clearly referencing key moments in his career yet it doesn’t feel dated. The new versions of the 80s and 90s themed outfits have been updated and cut to reflect the current landscape of fashion. Still, the influence remains poignantly on target.
In his later years, Michael was often spotted in pajamas and baseball caps but too often he wasn’t given enough credit when he made the effort, stepping out in of-the-moment fashions from top houses including Balmain and Givenchy. He was one of the very few celebrities, male or female that could wear an item directly off the runway and into real life (well, as real as it could be for someone with his level of fame).
A studded Givenchy jacket for a day out with the kids; mixing and matching seasons of Balmain; he was still in touch with popular fashion. And it makes sense that he was since it was heavily referencing his style.
He had a knack for interpreting fashion that is rare. The clothes never wore him. He wore sequins better than anyone else. Liza, Liz and Liberace had nothing on him. Even when he was wearing an extreme costume (gold lamé and space inspired for instance), we didn’t think twice. He could make the truly outlandish garb seem somewhat wearable. Maybe it was because we didn’t really think that he was from this planet anyway.
The true innovators of fashion always seem otherworldly (Isabella Blow and Anna Piaggi come to mind). They couldn’t possibly be human. They aren’t like us. And then, one day when they are no longer alive, we realize that they were human all along.
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38 People have left comments on this post
BEAUTIFUL POST.
everything you said is 150% true.
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Oh this is wonderful. Great! Bravo!
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:sniffle:
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I love this post. His fashion sense is truly inspiring. The magazine spread is amazing, I would love go out and buy all those outfits right now!
He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten what an impact he has left on the world. Long live the King of Pop. <3
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i love the interpretation of the scream outfit. oh man, i would wear that!
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I love all the outfits – especially those glittery Louboutins!
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Wonderful post, thank you.
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Is the model in the Grazia magazine Daisy Lowe?
As said many times before, I wish he was getting this kind of positive publicity when he was on Earth. <3
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This means that girls’ fashion is going to rock the spot for the next three years. The boys can’t get away with wearing much of this stuff.
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You are so right, Nubby. The studded jacket is my fave piece.
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First concert I ever went to was Michael’s, at Wembley when I was 12 years old. Still the best performer I’ve ever seen.
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Ahhh! Those outfits in Grazia! Man I’d wear every single one. Great post Nubs, I love MJ.
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That Grazia cover is great. He really was an iconic and had amazing style – I love the sequin pants in that set you created.
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Again, a little bit of his legacy done justice by your beautiful rendition. Thanks for taking the time for this little tribute. Impactful. You write so well. <3
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This is one of the best things you’ve ever written! I LOVE IT!
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This is very well written, Baby. I agree with Gala~~I think it’s one of the best pieces you’ve ever done.
PS: I’ll miss you when you’re in NY. Video chat?
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i LOVE that editorial. so inspiring. R.I.P!!
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Wonderful post, Nubby! Maybe you should be writing these articles on MJ and not these journalists just trying to get attention by just talking about the bad times.
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I LOVE the jackets. Have been seeing them everywhere. Might not have worn one otherwise, but am definitely drawn to them as a tribute to MJ. Still can’t believe he’s gone…
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Great post, Nubby
Did you see the other editorial with Agyness Deyn? I’m not sure what magazine it was in (I just saw scans online) but it was pretty good too.
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There isn’t a single piece of clothing in this post that I don’t LOVE.
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That editorial for Grazia was gorgeous. Do you know who the model is?
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Damn you MJ. Why? I need a new wardrobe because of you.
I’ve gone from Daisy Lowe’s style to Michael Jackson’s. I just love it too much.
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God I love him so much.
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This was a great read! Michael Jackson really was a style icon, and this was a great compilation of imagery. Love it.
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I absolutely LOVE MJ. I have admired him since I was like 2, and seeing all the fashion that’s coming back in inspiration of him brings tears to my eyes. LOVE IT!
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Excellent post. A true fashion icon!
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I love him so much.
This was a great post
the end made my heart shatter.
Rest in peace Michael..
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Why does he wear women’s clothing?
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I love you michael so much
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M.J was one amazing trendsetter in terms of fashion and no matter wHat people say about his choice of fashion fact is he was amazing without even trying at all… haters step aside because this isnt it for M.J!!!!!!!!!!
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M.J fashion will never be out dated in any Century!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You And your misic will oways be in my heart MJ!!!!1
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i love micheal and his family he really inspired me in many ways and i love his swagg…
i love u micheal never forgotten
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Omg awesome didnt understand a word they were talking about but good job especially the ending (They couldn’t possibly be human. They aren’t like us. And then, one day when they are no longer alive, we realize that they were human all along.)I love that because you all finally appreciate him now that hes gone its still ashame he had to die for u to realize how important he was but you finally figured out bravo. By the way im only 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I AM A HUGE FAN OF MJ I LOVE MJ AND I WANNA BE LIKE HIM SOMEDAY BUT FOR THAT I’M GANNA NEED TO DRESS LIKE HIM!!!<3 R.I.P MJ<3
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BTW I LOOVVEE THESE DESIGHNS!!!!!!!<3
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