Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket, glove and moonwalk shoes come to Newbridge Silverware this Friday
Michael Jackson on stage with Thriller Jacket
NEWBRIDGE Silverware has a fantastic surprise for Michael Jackson fans this Halloween. The store’s ever-evolving fashion exhibition at the Museum of Style Icons is welcoming items worn by the King of Pop himself this coming Friday.
‘A Thriller Of An Exhibition – Michael Jackson A Fashion Legacy’ will open on Friday, 30 October until Sunday, 8 November, giving visitors the chance to see the spectacular Thriller jacket from the world-famous Thriller music video, as well as his legendary white glove and ‘moonwalk’ loafers worn during rehearsals for his historic Motown 25 performance.
Newbridge Silverware will host the only European exhibition of these important pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia.
Taking centre stage will be the spectacular 1987–1989 Bad World Tour illuminated Thriller jacket, worn by Jackson during his legendary live performances.
Created by Jackson's longtime costume designers Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, the illuminated jacket is a remarkable example of the innovation and theatrical brilliance that became synonymous with the superstar's live performances. Jackson constantly challenged his designers to create increasingly spectacular costumes, and the light-up Thriller jacket was among their most ambitious creations.
But the Thriller jacket is only the beginning. Also travelling to Newbridge Silverware is one of the most famous and valuable pieces of music memorabilia in existence – Michael Jackson's original rhinestone-studded glove, worn during his historic performance of Billie Jean at the Motown 25 television special in 1983. It was during that performance that Jackson unveiled his signature Moonwalk to a television audience, creating a moment that would change the history of popular music and dance forever. The glove, which has become one of the most recognisable symbols of the King of Pop, carries a staggering pre-auction estimate of $600,000 to $800,000. It last went under the hammer at Julien's Auctions in 2009, when it sold for a then-record-breaking US$430,000.
Completing this extraordinary trio of pop culture treasures are the black leather Florsheim loafers worn by Michael Jackson during rehearsals for that famous Motown 25 performance, the shoes associated with the moment the Moonwalk was introduced to the world. They are expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000 when they go under the hammer in December.
Adding another extraordinary dimension to the exhibition, Michael Jackson's longtime costume designer Michael Bush will travel to Newbridge Silverware to meet fans and sign copies of his book, The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.
One of Hollywood's most celebrated costume designers, Bush has created fashions for stars including Elizabeth Taylor and Britney Spears, but it was his remarkable 25-plus-year creative partnership with Michael Jackson that established his place in music and fashion history.
Bush's acclaimed 2013 book, The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson, documents many of these extraordinary creations and provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes account of their working relationship, international travels and the personal friendship they shared.
His visit to Newbridge Silverware will offer fans a rare opportunity to meet one of the people who knew Jackson best and helped create the extraordinary visual identity that remains instantly recognisable around the world.
