He is Legend: RIP Michael Jackson

Today we lost a brilliant performer and extraordinary man, whose contribution to entertainment is incomparable. Michael Jackson's ability to triumph over racial boundaries at a time when MTV didn't play black artists will forever impact the African-American presence in the mainstream. His spirit was infectious, his enthusiasm and eager to please us was evident in every performance. He revolutionized the recording industry, influencing everyone from Britney Spears to Usher, but his trend-setting ways transcend the realm of music. In military jackets, dark aviators, shiny black loafers, white socks, glittery gloves and top hats, Michael Jackson catapulted himself into the highest stratosphere of pop stardom, shared only perhaps by Elvis and Madonna. 

A giant in American cultural history, Michael Jackson redefined what it meant to be a superstar. I remember getting goosebumps as a young child watching his forward leans that defied gravity and his impossibly smooth Moonwalk. I remember learning every dance move to Remember The Time (when he appeared out of gold dust! too cool!) and being terrified of the haunted house scene in Thriller. Now that I'm a young adult, he represents the wonderment of my youth, a time when I was filled with joy, and excitement, and promise. In his passing, I recognize him as the best star of my generation but he was so much more. A friend who connected to my soul and captured my innermost thoughts through music. A part of my youth and spirit, present at every milestone in my life. A beautiful, complicated person who I love, despite any rumor or eccentricity, and will miss dearly. Below, a fashion tribute to the purveyor of cool, our beloved entertainer, Michael Jackson. And a nod to the generation that will follow in his legendary, loafer-clad footsteps.

The glittery glove, military jacket and aviators were all a part of his otherworldly, larger-than-life persona. His over-the-top style quickly made him into a fashion icon.

No other man could make thick white socks and loafers look as cool. The extravagant take on formal menswear became Michael's signature. Though singers like Ne-Yo mimic MJ's style, no one can pull it off with as much finesse as he did.

Before pop stars of today donned metal bodysuits, MJ's metallic, robotic moment was a foray into the future of fashion. Michael Jackson was truly ahead of his time.

Details like the one-gloved hand and studded pants add an edgy appeal to his glamorous sequined jackets. Now, the glove---sometimes, glittery, sometimes, white---is an enduring phenomenon 

copied by celebs to this day.

The same pop stars that mimic Michael Jackson's captivating dance steps and infectious hits turn to him when it's time to get dressed too. Celebs like Kanye and Rihanna take their cue from the King of Pop's fashion wardrobe, rocking the military jacket trend he made famous. 

Rihanna in Balmain (one of MJ's fave designers)

Editrix Nina Garcia in a military-inspired jacket at Bryant Park

Kanye West with girlfriend, Amber Rose, at Fashion Week.

Beyonce in a Balmain jacket in NYC

Michael Jackson left an indelible imprint on music and fashion but is just as well known for his videos. Always groundbreaking from plot development to dance sequences, his work helped to establish music videos as a respected art form, paving the way for shows like TRL and 106 & Park. Enjoy some of his greatest music videos, including the greatest of all time: Thriller! 

Rock with You

Scream featuring Janet Jackson

Beat It

Remember the Time

Smooth Criminal

Bad

Thriller

Superbowl Performance 1993

Glamazons, what trend are you rocking in honor of MJ? What is your favorite Michael Jackson memory? What song or video of his do you love the most? What did he mean to you? What do you think the impact of his death will be on pop culture? What legacy do you think he'll leave behind? 

Kisses,

Coutura