When pop star Michael Jackson passed away at his LA home last Thursday he left an incredible musical legacy, having recorded smash hit albums such as 'Thriller', 'Bad' and 'Off the Wall'. But apart from the ground breaking music he will also be remembered for his over-the-top style.
Michael Jackson burst upon the pop scene in the early 1970's wearing fringed shirts, platform heels, and wide flared pants.
During his life, he inspired a whole generation of fashion trends, developing a unique and sometimes quirky personal style.
From his bell-bottoms and Afro as a child star to his recent military inspired suits, his fashion statements are etched permanently into our minds.
Sometimes it was garish, sometimes it was cool, sometimes it looked eccentric but it was always undeniably Michael Jackson.
It would be fair to say that he was a style chameleon, changing his look with the release of almost every new single. Sometimes his skin was the colour of weak tea but, at other times it was like cool alabaster and his facial features also seemed to morph a little with each new look.
At the start of his career, he favoured multi-coloured separates as the youngest member of the Jackson 5 but from the moment he launched his solo album in 1972, he created his own individual style. Indeed, “Off The Wall” introduced a new sleeker look. With tuxedo jackets, pegged pants, black shoes and stark white socks, his iconoclastic style was beginning to take shape.
His fashion sense was composed of classic styles, with addition of his own touches like his trademark armbands and other military inspired accessories. Black, trilby-style hats and white socks, oversized, military jackets with exaggerated shoulders, aviator shades were some of his trademarks - along with codpieces worn over his tight black trousers which drew further attention to his crotch.
Over the years he transformed before our eyes from a cute, but extraordinarily talented child, to a sophisticated showman who thrilled audiences with his theatrical looks.
Although we had become used to the sight of Michael Jackson in a variety of masks and disguises during his 'retirement', in recent months, as he evidently attempted to ready himself for the gruelling world tour, he had appeared to be making a return to fashion's front line and was even rumoured to be starting his own fashion range.
Sadly, he never got to make his return to the stage but his legacy in music and fashion will live on.
