I had a folder in elementary school with this picture of Michael Jackson on the front. It actually had a cardboard record coming out of the top like a real album cover…and it was my most prized possession.
Of course, I was as obsessed with his music as any girl in the 80s, but I was also incredibly infatuated with the look—the vest, the yellow, the bow tie. And to be frank, I was completely in love with Michael Jackson.
I could go on for a million years about the moments and the memories that his music brings to mind. I will never forget sitting in the family room with my mom and dad, watching the “Thriller” premiere. For any of you too young to remember, this was a serious national event. When MJ’s hair caught on fire on the set of that Pepsi commercial…major disaster! And don’t even get me started on all things related to “Man in the Mirror”.
But music aside (and that’s a huge aside), the man was a sartorial phenomenon. From the red zipper jacket to the glove to the many, many sequins and everything in-between, he never stopped making statements. And for the longest time, the world followed suit. I’m still completely jealous of this kid Kevin, from Greenbriar Elementary, who had a really awesome knock-off of said red jacket.
Though his fame took on a different tone during the last act of his career, he was still making fashion waves with his Balmain and Givenchy picks.
As I write, I’ve got my old school Michael playing and I’m incredibly bummed. I’m even considering pulling my wool jacket out of the closet so I can “turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat” in his memory.
I would have liked to see what the King of Pop brought out for his upcoming tour. I’m sure it would have been amazing.
RIP Michael. The PYTs of Fashionista will miss your music and your fashion.
Tags: Balmain, Givenchy, Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson, PYT, Thriller
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RIP Michael :(
I was a little worried that fashionista.com wouldn’t report on his death.
The best there ever was and ever will be. You will never die, Michael. I love you!
his record was the first album i’ve asked my parents to buy for me.
all personal controversy aside, he was a great talent who will most definitely continue to inspire.
I repectfully disagree you cannot put personal controversy aside. The man was a pedophile with serious mental problems. I don’t understand why we forget such things when someone dies.
well the problem is he was a suspected pedophile…who of us can know? it’s sad. im glad fashionista reported on this. good call.
I completely understand anyone who takes issue with the controversial things about Michael Jackson. I chose to focus on the musical and sartorial aspects of his life, as I felt that appropriate for this venue. And they were indeed things that brought great joy to me and many others. Hope it doesn’t offend anyone and obviously does not mean that I’m not aware of the other issues or that I take them lightly.
xAbby
tragic. i love you mj
I really want a sparkly glove or pair of socks right now. I was listening to his songs on my ipod and it suddenly went silent. All the song had done playing and that moment really expressed his passing for me. Now, I really want to cry. And I still want those socks, or maybe a braided or trimmed jacket
I am glad to see Fashionista report on the icon that was and always will be Michael Jackson, personal life aside.
Is Fashionista planning on writing about the death of Farrah Fawcett? She was an icon from the moment she became one of Charlie’s Angels. She will also be missed.
Beautifully written Abby Gardner.
I definitely think he was weird. I definitely don’t think he was a pedophile. If someone laid a hand on my kid, I wouldn’t happily take a sum of money outside of court and skip away (I’d want them locked up). Extortion. I hope we can all remember Michael for the beautiful things he brought to this world. For the way he changed the way we looked at music, dance and style. As a little kid, I had a belt with his face on it (pre surgery), I wore it proudly until it would no longer fit around my waist. I wish I had kept it. It’s funny how the smallest things bring us joy when we’re four.
He will be greatly missed!!!!
Michael Jackson died?? Man. And to think that I find out on Fashionista of all places…
wow @ 13
may he rest in peace forever
6, You’re really insensitive.
Death is sad. Period. Its especially sad when it is happens so early and suddenly. Whether or not he was a creeper is irrelevant. He was an incredibly talented person who did have a positive impact on the world.
Yikes, I mean #4
Thriller still gives me chills. Best video ever. RIP Michael!
#4… a few things
1. he was never found actually guilty of anything, therefore whether he was a pedophile or not – objectively, we’ll never know.
2. as mom #11 stated, if somebody really did molest your child would you just take the money and settle?
3. regardless of what a creep he was, and he was admittedly a very bizarre individual, his musical talent is undeniable and something that defined a decade if not more, so for that he should be and will be honored and remembered.
NYC shoe gal, I am not a Mum! (But I love the kids I babysit for). And I love Michael Jackson and am sorry he’s gone. My heart goes out to his kids.
oh i’m sorry 19/11 since you said “if someone laid a hand on my kid” i assumed you actually had one. so forgive me for what seems to be a crucial mistake? lol.
Thriller was my first album.
When I first heard the bass line and saw the lit-up sidewalk on the Billie Jean video, it took me to another place.
other parts that still give me chills til this day
1. that performance on the Motown special where we first saw a live version of his moonwalk and him turning a simple gesture, such as combing your hair, into an insane dance move. and of course his outfit
2. the video with Naomi
3. the song with Eddie van Halen
4. the video with Slash
5. the first minute and 30 seconds of “the way you make me feel” with the conversation from the guys on the street.
6. the video directed by David Fincher
7. everything everyone wore, along with their attitude, in that video with the knife fight
8. the choreography of “smooth criminal”
9. Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa
Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa!!!!
10. the video by Mark Romanek
and my favorite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw8EWifKttE
Whaaaat!?!? I had the EXACT same folder as a kid in 2nd grade!!! He was my first celebrity crush and I loooooved that folder. But I stupidly let Haley Criser borrow it and she erased out his face. We became mortal enemies after that. I’ll never forget the huge tantrum/crying fit I had in the middle of class when she handed it back to me.
I cant beleive that everyone on here thinks its okay to put his disgusting issues aside! it most certainly is not. Im astounded that 15 thinks its “irelevent”! if he really was a pedophile than his effect on the world was much more negative than postive by a long shot.
#23/any other haters – If you have that big of a problem with Michael Jackson than you shouldn’t have even clicked on this comment bar.
Just Beat It!
R.I.P. Michael Jackson
King of Pop, Fashion (4 all you Balmain lovers)and compassion.
He wasn’t proven guilty 23 and the family took the money and ran. They were con artists. Now stop being so hateful and (haha) beat it! (Nice one 24).
I am so shocked by the comments. No matter what the motives of the parents were I belive ( along with the state of CA ) that this man did harm to some children. Not to mention the disturbing way his children were being raised by him. I am no right wing nut job but I find it odd that some people will fight to the death to protect animals but not a child.
#26, did you not read what Abby wrote?! (ref. #6) I find it disturbing that you hate your life so much that you want to shit on someone who just died.
Now, contribute something that’s relevant to this blog or shut the fuck up.
I wish I had gotten into him after his death, so I wouldn’t have to feel this. His image lingered with me through childhood from all the negative tabloids, but I never knew him, let alone get into him until a month ago. I was obsessed! Lot’s of hours on Youtube and Google! And now I’m hurt. So, so hurt and sad. He was amazing on so many levels… It pains me to think of him. Rest in peace, MJ.
The man was a genius and I think we can all say that geniuses tend to have their own quirks (read: Albert Einstein, Freddy Mercury, etc.) And I refuse to believe that he touched children inappropriately. Honestly, I feel like the reason he took to kids the way he did was because of their innocence. Children don’t have hidden agendas like adults do.
And him, being Michael freaking Jackson, he was surrounded by people like that–who wanted something from him whereas children had no need to want anything from him. A lot of people were so cruel to that man and I feel like that was a part of the reason why he passed away the way he did.
People are so quick to pass judgments when they really know absolutely nothing about the situation. And no, I’m not saying that I have any true insight for Michael himself was a mysterious figure but I am saying that people who know nothing are quick to act like they know something. No need to worry though, he is in a much better place.
i agree with #29 as well as a few other commentators. he was never accused of being a pedophile so i find it funny that people label him as such. were you at the court? did you hear the case and the evidence? or did you read the tabloids and think you were an expert on the case b/c of that? i thought that people were innocent until proven guilty in the u.s.a.
r.i.p. michael. you’ll never be replaced
Each and every one of you would probably be just as weird if you lived the life he did–in the spotlight your ENTIRE life with very eccentric people surrounding you at all times…it’s not surprising to me that he became what he was. He was an amazing singer and songwriter, and from my perspective he always had good intentions. I will never forget singing and dancing to “the way you make me feel”, best song ever!
how can you all not get it people are only talking about his glory days and besides that it depends on your generation. He can be agreed to be the king of pop but he wasn’t the best person in the world and it is impossible to know for sure if he did do those crimes, and if so do you think he would have done it on his children? His ex-wife the second one who he had the children with, doesn’t even want them. She was probably in it for the money and you do not know what was going on behind the media. Though i can agree that he should not be praised so much!
#30/31 = Best back to back comments ever
I just revisted that Martin Bashir interview and took away this; Michael was a very shy, sweet, often misguided individual. Duh. He was NO pedophile. That guy was afraid of sex. I don’t believe he would have hurt a fly… people took so much advantage of that man. RIP Michael. A part of my childhood just died with you.
RIP MJ..
-Jason
http://www.citizencouture.com
I agree completely with 29!! And in my heart, even though I am only 15, believed Michael did not do anything wrong. You can tell alone by his interviews he was very shy, and wouldnt mean to hurt anyone. I have good instincts on people. Anyways, your probably wondering how I know ANYTHING about MJ Since im only 15. The majority of me first getting to know Michael was his ‘rock my world’ video and his trial. However, as I grew older I listened more to his older music and instantly became fascinated by his dance moves. It’s amazing how one person, could capture the world by storm. The fact that a black man became the world’s best entertainer ever, makes me smile. (Me being part black and ashamed by the way black media culture is these days. Rap, tv shows, movies, no where near real life) Me being an aspiring performer can proudly say Michael is one of my biggest influences and will forever be. I can only believe he’s in a better place now. Now excuse me while I go attempt on learning the dance moves to ‘Bad’.