On what would have been his 51st birthday, this is the first of back to back posts featuring the one and only King of Pop and his impact in F.A.M.E. (that's Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment. I'll credit Tommy Hilfiger for that). At the height of 80's excess in popular music, Michael managed to stand out not only as a solo artist at the beginning of the decade but in less than 24 months later, a global mega superstar. He had the rare effect on the public of having us follow whatever he did.
The electric red blazer from the "Thriller" music video, repeated again in the "Beat It" video but this time with multiple zippers. High cut trousers with sequined socks....the sequined glove....and the sequined band jacket (notice a theme here?). Everyone from punks to B-boy breakdancers, adolescents, hair metal rockers all followed suit, by either taking a little or a lot. I personally think his moves weren't contrived or pretentious, just good instincts (not to mention 80's excess) and more than 25 years later, we're still in awe of him.
Btw: I must have the jacket similar to the first two photos, sans the sequins. Epaulets a must.
6 comments:
What? You have a similar jacket to Michael...I think you have to wear it today no matter how warm it is! Well, its not that warm here. My buddy told me there is a memorium at Prospect Park today!
There is and unfortunately due to my laziness, I didn't go but I actually don't own one. Heavens forbid, I'd wear the damn thing everyday.....
Nothing better than early Michael...
I love that you love the Smiths so much too! It's always nice to hear someone else share the love :)
The Who definately were the best in the R&R Circus (in my opinion), but I still love the Rolling Stones. They were a mess at that time though, but Mick kept trying to keep it together.
I love Alfie haha I thought the remake was good, but not quite as good as the original. xoxo
Michael was one of the only people out there who could actually sing, in the real sense of the word. I thought his sense of dress was a little over the top, but he had every right (talented little bugger).
T.W.O.F: As you said that line about the Smiths, I immediately thought about the scene in "500 Days Of Summer" when that came up. I've got to see that.....
Diane: Absolutely right because most singers could either sing and dance but certainly not do it at the level that Michael did. I'll elaborate more on this during classic clip.
I could see how you'd think his style was a little "out there" but it was the 80's, "eccentric"! Great times were had.....
That are awesome photos. I love them all. The man definitely had his sense of style. He had an impact on so many areas.
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