behind the seams

DRESSING MICHAEL JACKSON: BEHIND THE SEAMS OF A FASHION ICON is the first art-driven book about the costumes, apparel, shoes and accessories worn by Michael Jackson, including hundreds of lavish photographs and a behind-the-scenes look into the process of collaborating with him on the making of his wardrobe, written by his longtime costume designer Michael Bush. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of music and fashion, as well as an homage to Michael’s brilliant fusing of costume, personality, and performance to create his iconic image.

For more than 24 years, Michael Bush, together with his partner Dennis Tompkins, worked personally with Michael to create some of the most original and indelible clothing ever worn by a musical performer. Using their professional background in theatrical costume construction and dance, they created thousands of custom artistic pieces that captured the essence of a one-of-a-kind pop star.
 
DRESSING MICHAEL JACKSON will feature exquisite photographs of the striking fashions worn by Michael at the height of his career, as well as images showing the carefully planned construction of the clothes to incorporate his unique dance moves and the details of the dynamic fabrics, metals and other materials used. Accompanying text will provide insight into the artists’ methodology and fascinating stories from their decades-long relationship. Their stories are funny and touching, and show a human and artistic side of Michael Jackson not seen in the various other books about him on the market.

The book’s range of illustrations and text will be broad, including the international Bad, Dangerous and HIStory tours, the evolution of the iconic "Thriller" jacket over the years, a patented shoe device the author invented with him that allowed him to recreate his captivating anti-gravity "lean" move live onstage, hand-stitching the trademark rhinestone gloves, dressing Michael off the stage, creating items for Neverland, and encounters with Bubbles the Chimp. The author has unparalleled access to photographs and costumes from his own and the estate’s archives, including many rarely seen or previously unpublished images.

DRESSING MICHAEL JACKSON is also an exclusive look at Michael Jackson's love of fashion and impact on popular culture. A modern day P.T. Barnum and a master illusionist, he had a keen awareness of his role as an entertainer, and a highly imaginative, specific vision of the image he wanted to project — from the military silhouettes and regalia to edgier street looks. For his millions of fans around the globe as well as fashion lovers, DRESSING MICHAEL JACKSON will provide a new and different perspective of Michael Jackson’s artistry, and serve as a lavish celebration of his dramatic sense of style.

Celebrities and fashion luminaries have provided endorsements, including Philip Treacy and Celine Dion. The author will donate a percentage of the proceeds received from the sales of the book to MusiCares.

The book is being published by Insight Editions for release on October 16, 2012. It is available for pre-orders in our online store here at dressingmichaeljackson.com and via the major online book retailers.

Dressing Michael Jackson BEHIND THE SEAMS OF A FASHION ICON
by Michael Bush