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Michael Jackson was a king of fashion

Associated Press file photo (1984)

"The beauty of his [style] is that he didn’t really try," says Joanne Stoner, founder of eDressme.com. "He was just revealing his personality."

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 30, 2009

The King of Pop didn't just thrill us with his music and dancing -- he had a strong influence on fashion, style experts say.

Few could imitate Michael Jackson's talent, but for decades, millions around the world were inspired by his fashion sense.

"He started trends that have become timeless classics in the fashion industry," says Joanne Stoner, founder of eDressme.com. "He had an element of being outrageous, but he could pull it off. And people liked that he could pull it off."

The 'Thriller' look

Take the red leather jacket Jackson wore in the blockbuster video "Thriller." Jackson didn't invent the look, but he sure made it cool, she says. And despite his mild manner, "He made the whole tough guy, edgy look work really well."

Variations of the jacket continue to pop up in designer collections. Designer Martin Margiela created a version of the "Thriller" jacket for his fall 2009 collection. It sold for $600.

The military jacket

Jackson's military-inspired jackets also caught the attention of the masses, maybe because he gave them his own opulent twist with crystals, sequins and exaggerated shoulders. And he always wore them with slim high-water trousers, white socks and loafers.

He even took the look to the White House in 1984, for a visit with President and Nancy Reagan. Jackson donned a coat with sequins, brass buttons and epaulets; aviator sunglasses; and a single studded white glove.

"He was such a confident performer, whatever he wore was part of the performance, so he wore it with the same confidence," Stoner says. "No one else could get away with that look" at the White House.

Versions of the military or marching band jacket remain popular in Hollywood. Similar jackets have been spotted on celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna and Kanye West.

The military jacket "was his signature look," Stoner says. "And now, among us commoners, it's become a winter fashion staple that's evolved over time to become a classic."

The 'Smooth' look

While Jackson sometimes borrowed from women's fashion, many of his trademark looks – skinny ties, white button-down shirts and fedoras – were adopted by his female fans. And designers have continued to jump on Jackson's style bandwagon. Last season, Givenchy's gold-studded jackets and Louis Vuitton's sequined gloves were big hits on the runway.

"The beauty of his [style] is that he didn't really try," Stoner says. "He was just revealing his personality; it was his own personal expression."

The single glove

Also a classic: the much-copied rhinestone glove Jackson made famous when he performed "Billie Jean" in 1983. ("American Idol's" glitter- and glove-wearing Adam Lambert wasn't even a year old.)

Jackson will long be remembered as a style pioneer, says Nancy McGhee, chair of the fashion department of the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa.

"His look is still killer," she says. "I expect to see renewed interest in his styles coming into fashion -- on the street, in high schools and among young adults."

Reporter Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656 or ccabrera@tampatrib.com.

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