Man in the Mirror: MJ's Jacket Magic

I have been listening to a lot of Michael Jackson lately.  More specifically, I have had Bad and Thriller (arguably two of the best albums to come out of the 80s) on a steady rotation for the past two weeks. Whatever your opinions are about the man himself, it is hard to deny that MJ was a musical genius.  Seriously, I challenge you to sit still when the badass beats of Bad start pumping out of your stereo.

Sweet 70s style on young MJ

Michael Jackson pumped out hit after hit, broke new ground for his contemporaries, boldly went where no pop star had gone before and all the while being a furiously independent fashion icon.  Sometimes crazy, usually awesome, always unique, MJ's style was a force to be reckoned with. Mostly, it was the jackets. Yes, the jackets.

The Thriller Jacket

Even as a youngster in the 70s, MJ had some serious style. As he got older and branched out as a solo artist, he defined himself with a signature look. Tight pants? Check. Jerry Curl mullet? Check. Sweet red leather jacket? Check mate!
                                                                  

Notice the similarities
with the 19th c. jacket below?

MJ did nothing less than rock the hell out of the leather jacket in the 80s. During theThriller years he could be seen wearing his signature red and black jacket from the iconic Thriller video or another red piece embellished with gold and zippers.  This was the beginning of MJ's love affair with the military style. 


Those outrageous 80s styles may seem a far cry from the military gear, but the leather jacket actually has its origins there.  In the 1920s, the leather jacket was adapted for use with the new fangled motorized bike and rose to popularity after being immortalized on film by the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando.  

19th c. British military jacket

Oh Michael, you so bad.

Michael certainly capitalized on the idea that leather = lawlessness for his Bad album, but underneath it all, there was always that element of military style.   Throughout the 80s, the reference was subtle. But, as his fame grew, the word subtly disappeared from the King's vocabulary. His style became outrageous, unapologetic and undoubtedly influenced by military history.  His beautifully detailed jackets were reminiscent of 19th century British army uniforms - if the British army planned on storming Broadway and doing a dance number.

Even when he delved into futuristic styles, MJ still looked like he was channeling some alien armed guard. This whole military business is a bit of a conundrum considering his rather shy demeanor. But, alas, perhaps he was just trying to stylishly arm himself against an unforgiving world.

Amazing military style, MJ.

In any case, Michael Jackson: you were one stylish dude with some dangerously danceable tunes.
And I salute you.

And now, some MJ inspired awesomeness:

Sexy Black Military Dress by Majikhorse

This is a great example of how Michael influenced the whole fashion world, including the little black dress.

Super Rad Blade Runner Jacket by Sweet Cecelia

A sweet version of Michael's classic Thriller Jacket. I love the cross-over lapel.

White and Red Leather Jacket by Ramblin Vintage

A beautiful white alternative to the iconic red. But remember that suit on the the Thriller cover? Michael dug white too.

Black Leather Pants by Rerun Vintage

Don't forget the pants! The MJ look would not be complete without a pair of awesome painted-on leather pants like these! 

Red Plaid Button Jacket by Other Peoples Property

This jacket is just so rad (rhymes with plaid!) I think MJ would have worn this on his more casual days, like on a picnic with Bubbles the Chimp.