Over Michael Jackson's lifetime, we saw him become many things he wasn't. He was zoot-suited gangster, an ancient Egyptian pop star, and once, only once, a car. But with all of these incarnations of the king of pop and his mix-matched, multifaceted style, Jackson's fixation with Western wear went largely unnoticed.
The Autry Museum highlights Jackson's cowboy aesthetic in their new exhibit, “How the West Was Worn by… Michael Jackson.” From the museum: “Millions of people around the world saw his elaborate costumes, but very few realized the Western influence in the design. The Autry National Center's installation shows how Jackson's use of Western wear evolved over the years, reflecting his ability to use classic Western styles in distinctive ways.”
On Sunday, the museum and Hot 92.3 will celebrate Jackson's birthday with cake and a Thriller dance along.
So put on your own western wear, (yes, acid-wash cut-off daisy dukes count) and moonwalk or mosey on over to the Autry.
Featured items on display include:
Cowboy outfit
Western-style belt and buckle
Steel cowboy boots
Red bib-front shirt with black trim
Designers Tompkins/Bush's original sketch
Black 501 Levi's jeans
Black fedora hat
Aviator sunglasses
Single white glove
And here's MJ's cameo in another Western:
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