Michael Jackson’s costumes have been exhibited in Ireland, UK and Japan before they arrive to the U.S. on December 2, 2012. Michael Bush, Michael’s costume designer said “Michael always gave us back the costumes and clothes. The auction is only a small gathering of costumes and it will benefit charity. These treasures will likely be purchased by museums, avid collectors and fans so I am positive they will be celebrated in all around the world for many years to come. There are many other outfits of Michaels’ already in museums and around the world on display. I know many of these will join those. Also, the fans who bid on them will cherish them forever. Michael would not want them packed away somewhere. He would want people to enjoy them and now they will be able to.”
I understand the sensitivity in the issue of Michael’s costumes being sold. I am creating this blog because of the importance of history, and it’s a fine balancing act. It’s important for me to stress that Michael Jackson was a dear friend to his costume designer, Michael Bush, who helped shape Michael’s vision and style and I’m sharing these photos in the context of celebrating that style.
It was a great honor to photograph the costumes at Julien’s Auctions. I spoke to Darren Julien, who has a passion for auction since he was a young boy. Darren grew up one hour from Michael’s hometown of Gary, Indiana in a town called Goshen. He’s thrilled to be part of this presentation.
Michael Bush decided to gift several of the items to the Estate of Michael Jackson so they can be preserved by the Estate as part of Michael’s legacy for decades to come. I’m grateful Bush recognized the historical significance of the costumes. I believe that the fans aren’t against Bush. It’s more that they are upset about what is happening to Michael’s possessions. Perhaps Tom Barrack, the steward of Neverland, will be able to purchase some of the items for sale.Fans from all over the world could visit Michael’s home to visit and enjoy. There could be an entrance fee and the money could be donated to one of Michael’s many charities for our children, for animals, for our planet.
I pre ordered Michael Bush’s book “King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson months ago. When it arrived I was up all evening reading the book and gaining even more insight into the genius of Michael Jackson. Bush worked for 25 years creating costumes for Michael. We get precious tidbits like MJ gifting a fan the jacket off his back in an elevator when he said “I love your jacket.”
My favorite part of the auction was seeing the drawings that Michael created. He’d “see” the outfit, draw a sketch and give that to his designers to create.
An original marker and pencil on paper sketch of MJ wearing a custom leather jacket. The sketch is signed and dated by designer Dennis Tompkins “4/91.” Jackson has signed the drawing in black marker “To Dennis & Bush Love Michael Jackson.” 17 x 14″
This sketch, signed by Michael Jackson, is my favorite.
This is one of my favorite items.
Michael Jackson, the boy who loved to explore Disneyland rides at night, write songs while he sat in the branches of an Oak tree, and hand out ice cream sandwiches from his ice cream cart to staff and friends at Neverland, was The King of Pop but even more, he was The King of caring and giving,The King of kindness. Because of his generosity to Michael Bush, all these costumes are up for display so fans can enjoy them. I thought this was a perfect ending for the blog, a pair of shoes that Michael Jackson danced in as he dances in my heart forever.
I am passionate about photography & have been making photos since I was a little girl. I have been a stunt woman for twenty five years. I have a passion for exploration, discovery, and escape. I dream of every place I seek to travel to. A recovering adrenaline junkie, I seek authenticity in everyday experiences. I love Kundalini Yoga,travel, books,writing and authentic, real experiences and people. I brake for squirrels. Que le vaya bien!
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27 thoughts on “Michael Jackson’s costumes at Julien’s Auctions”
incredible…thanks for the tour that I would not have received if not for you.
Wow!! Hannah these are amazing. This blog is amazing. I love the photographs, the best I’ve seen ever regarding Michael’s costumes. Excellent blog!! I’m sharing this everywhere, not just my facebook page and web site,,, I’m sharing it with all my friends. Thank you so much for sharing this. – Love, Bonnie. MJ-Upbeat.com
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!…!! my sweet sister Hannah Kozak…u’re simply awesomeee 😉 what a wonderful blog ❤ really amazing ….ahhh those mj's dresses…LOL they r so damnnnn stylish ❤ i want them now…lol.. thnx a lot for sharing it with me dear….i love all ur blogs and this was really wonderfull…i have no word to express ❤ ❤ mj foreverrrr ❤ mj is king of fashion…he is king of everythng ❤ ❤ hahaha thnx a lot my dearest 😉 From India
Hannah ..I have mixed feelings when I watch the auction thing … sorry, but the costumes should be in a museum in honour of the One and only that the fans have a place / come together to feel the spirit . Every costume has a story and it hurts me a little bit to see what’s going on…but Michael has the perfect song *MONEY* !!!!! I like Mr. Bush and we know he’s a close,dear friend of Michael and his book KING OF STYLE is excellent..but the auction…it makes me sad.
LOVE from Germany **** ULI ****
Dear Hannah, thank you for this great blog. The Photos are so amazing. Every Photo and costume tell a own history. It touch my heart and makes me also sad. MJ´s style was always special and perfect like himself. Our one and only King of Love Michael Jackson. Forever in our heart. I have share your blog on my special MJ page on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/InternationalTeamInLovingMemoryOfMichaelJackson ) and also on my FB Pin. Lovely Greetings from Peggy and the International Team in Loving Memory of Michael Jackson Munich / Germany.
Dear Peggy, I am happy you enjoy the photos. I loved seeing the costumes in person too. Hello and love to all of you at the Team in Loving Memory of Michael Jackson Munich in Germany.
@Uli W. I agree with you that i would prefere very much to know all Michael’s belongings in 1 or better several museum(s) dedicated to Michael. Icons like the Thriller jackets, his gloves, the known and unknow costumes here should never get out of sight of ALL his fans. And if not it all belong to his kids who would do with it what most fans want.
I read and hear that Bush was not only his designer but a good friend of Mike and it seem that the clothes displayed here are his property, but never the less what is the point of selling them all? Is mister Bush in need of money that much?
Thank you dear Hannah, the photos are wonderful. It’s very moving to see the costumes of Michael, his drawings, the work of Mr. Bush is great … and the shoes!
Personally, I’d see all these costumes in a museum. The auction breaks my heart.
But your photos will remain.
LOVE from France
I absolutely loved this..thank you soo much dear Hannah..I really love all the jackets..the fantastic job Mr Bush and Mr Tomkins did for 25 years or more for MJ..they really did a great job..he looked like a King..always..soo impecable and stunning..I admire Mr Bush for being so supportive..and I know the kids chose these items to be exposed and auctioned for a good cause…I know they even the copy or more costumes..in fact they have dozens and dozens of MJ’s clothes..thank you soo much for your view..and the photo that really *got me* was the last one..the shoes..those shoes certainly were worned out..he gave his all for his art..his fans.those shoes speak for themselves..Love you and congratulations for such an amazing article Hannah..from Argentina.
Thank you so much Hannah for the beautiful pictures and your heartfelt words.These costumes of Tompkins and Bush are so beautiful and are not 1 of a kind. Part of the proceeds form the auction are continuing his legacy of helping people in need, which Michael would be so happy about.. Everyone can rest assure his children and the estate have so much that they have kept of Michael’s things.
Thank you again in your never ending quest to keep his love & legacy alive.
Thanks again,
Robyn
Its all for LOVE
Hannah, how amazing to see all of tHIS….happy and sad FEELings at the same time gurl. I will watch them photos over and over when I need to 🙂 thanXX gurl. 🙂 ❤ to Him..
Hi Hannah, WOW! Micahel`s costumes are History….He was also the best dress Man in the wordlwith class and finess. They pictureare mind blowing, thanks for making this blog! Michael is forever, and the legacy he left behind so GREAT! Surely Micahel nd co.. did a splendid Job! I wastouxhed to see Michael`s pr. of shoes, where he moonwalked. there will only be one MICHAEL JACKSON! its all for Love, Hugs from Germany, Mari Heart
I am stunned to silence by this.This is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! Michael’s designed pieces are works of art.I want to see this in person but I don’t know if I could handle myself to not burst into tears.I’m so shaken just the sight of these items this amazing man wore.LOVE the measurement chart.He was quite sizable and I sure he caught some off guard by his height as well as his looks,most beautiful man ever,inside and out.Thanks so much for posting this,I must look again.Love you forever Michael.
I truly was overwhelmed seeing so many of his costumes in person. I wanted to share my photos with fans
around the world who cannot see them in person. I believe Michael would be happy that so many people
who love him can see his costumes. Not only did he have a beautiful heart and was a genius talent,
his style was uniquely his. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. It’s all for LOVE
Wow!, what a MaGiCaL post!, and Feast for the eyes! Thank you So much for such a stunning and in-depth tour through this Glorious collection of captivating Splendor! It is very much Valued and Cherished..! Thanks for All you do! and ‘Special you’! Cheers! Mwuaaaah! xoxoxo
wow Hanna ! thank you for this exclusive article & superb photos. I so love Michael Bush for his dedication to collaborating with Michael & enlivening his legacy. He is a fine man & his flair for artistic deign is superb & impeccable.
So many familiar outfits. I can recognize almost all of them. Michael was very much about his isea of what he wanted to be. If anyone else had tried to wear these items, they would look ridiculous, but Mike pulled them off and looked good. He was so generous to give all these items away that you know he must have loved. Some of these items must have surely been things he would have wanted to keep. In the end, some people will own them and many will end up in museums. I think that Michael gave Bush the options to do whatever he wanted them, including sell them. This is one of the reasons you see Michael signing these items. He was known to tell someone that he would give them something to sell later when they needed the money. I dont always agree with Juliens way of doing business in regard to Michaels possesions, but like it or not, they are going to keep auctioning items. Its our job to enjoy them while we can and find ways to continue the magic after he is gone. Hannah, you did a wonderful job taking photos of the items. People want to see this stuff and many would never be able to see the kind of details that you were able to capture with these candid shots. I love the shoes at the end. It really sums up Mike. An everyday joe just trying to survive and work as hard as he can to be the best at what he does. Love it. Thank you Hannah!
Hannah, I can’t tell you how much it meant to view these beautiful works of art! Many of us probably will never get to see Michaels outfits up close so seeing this was a real treat. It was like taking a travel through time. The details for each jacket, etc…seeing Michael’s signitures was an added bonus. Michael was a man of class, it didn’t matter what costume he wore, he always looked great! Those shoes…the countless long hours Michael practiced his magic…Nobody will ever match his style or grace again!
Dear Hannah,
The passed weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for you .
Hope it brings a little smile on your face to know what effect your photo of Michaels dancing shoes had on me the moment I unpacked it.
It made me cry.
The beauty you captured of these worn out shoes with no trace of glitz or glam and the story and history behind them, I cant stop looking.
I love the black /white look of the photo with the bits of orange and blue on the sides. Its such a serene picture.
The size of the photo.was also a positive surprise , I had miscalculated inches with centimeters.
Its a a real present and I have chosen a perfect fitting place for it.
Thank you so much.
Love
Sina
Hi, I was given a black fedora that also has gold on the inside that says ‘Michael Jackson’ the note that came with it said that MJ wore it in the dangerous tour. I love Michael and for my 16 th b day it was my present . I believe his name was Curtis whongsve ut to me . How do I find out about my hate. I read the description and that’s the hat I have. What do I do to find out? Help someone
Hi, You believe it came from Curtis but what you wrote after that I cannot read. I would photograph your hat from every angle and send photos to Julien’s Auctions. They are specialists in celebrity memorabilia. Good luck to you.
incredible…thanks for the tour that I would not have received if not for you.
Wow!! Hannah these are amazing. This blog is amazing. I love the photographs, the best I’ve seen ever regarding Michael’s costumes. Excellent blog!! I’m sharing this everywhere, not just my facebook page and web site,,, I’m sharing it with all my friends. Thank you so much for sharing this. – Love, Bonnie. MJ-Upbeat.com
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!…!! my sweet sister Hannah Kozak…u’re simply awesomeee 😉 what a wonderful blog ❤ really amazing ….ahhh those mj's dresses…LOL they r so damnnnn stylish ❤ i want them now…lol.. thnx a lot for sharing it with me dear….i love all ur blogs and this was really wonderfull…i have no word to express ❤ ❤ mj foreverrrr ❤ mj is king of fashion…he is king of everythng ❤ ❤ hahaha thnx a lot my dearest 😉 From India
Hannah ..I have mixed feelings when I watch the auction thing … sorry, but the costumes should be in a museum in honour of the One and only that the fans have a place / come together to feel the spirit . Every costume has a story and it hurts me a little bit to see what’s going on…but Michael has the perfect song *MONEY* !!!!! I like Mr. Bush and we know he’s a close,dear friend of Michael and his book KING OF STYLE is excellent..but the auction…it makes me sad.
LOVE from Germany **** ULI ****
I understand, Uli. As I said, I know there is sensitivity and for me, it was to share the photos to celebrate Michael’s style, love and legacy.
Dear Hannah, thank you for this great blog. The Photos are so amazing. Every Photo and costume tell a own history. It touch my heart and makes me also sad. MJ´s style was always special and perfect like himself. Our one and only King of Love Michael Jackson. Forever in our heart. I have share your blog on my special MJ page on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/InternationalTeamInLovingMemoryOfMichaelJackson ) and also on my FB Pin. Lovely Greetings from Peggy and the International Team in Loving Memory of Michael Jackson Munich / Germany.
Dear Peggy, I am happy you enjoy the photos. I loved seeing the costumes in person too. Hello and love to all of you at the Team in Loving Memory of Michael Jackson Munich in Germany.
@Uli W. I agree with you that i would prefere very much to know all Michael’s belongings in 1 or better several museum(s) dedicated to Michael. Icons like the Thriller jackets, his gloves, the known and unknow costumes here should never get out of sight of ALL his fans. And if not it all belong to his kids who would do with it what most fans want.
I read and hear that Bush was not only his designer but a good friend of Mike and it seem that the clothes displayed here are his property, but never the less what is the point of selling them all? Is mister Bush in need of money that much?
Mr. Bush is donating the proceeds to charity. In most cases his costumes were made in 2’s or 3’s in case they needed them to be replaced on tour.
Thank you dear Hannah, the photos are wonderful. It’s very moving to see the costumes of Michael, his drawings, the work of Mr. Bush is great … and the shoes!
Personally, I’d see all these costumes in a museum. The auction breaks my heart.
But your photos will remain.
LOVE from France
I absolutely loved this..thank you soo much dear Hannah..I really love all the jackets..the fantastic job Mr Bush and Mr Tomkins did for 25 years or more for MJ..they really did a great job..he looked like a King..always..soo impecable and stunning..I admire Mr Bush for being so supportive..and I know the kids chose these items to be exposed and auctioned for a good cause…I know they even the copy or more costumes..in fact they have dozens and dozens of MJ’s clothes..thank you soo much for your view..and the photo that really *got me* was the last one..the shoes..those shoes certainly were worned out..he gave his all for his art..his fans.those shoes speak for themselves..Love you and congratulations for such an amazing article Hannah..from Argentina.
Thank you so much Hannah for the beautiful pictures and your heartfelt words.These costumes of Tompkins and Bush are so beautiful and are not 1 of a kind. Part of the proceeds form the auction are continuing his legacy of helping people in need, which Michael would be so happy about.. Everyone can rest assure his children and the estate have so much that they have kept of Michael’s things.
Thank you again in your never ending quest to keep his love & legacy alive.
Thanks again,
Robyn
Its all for LOVE
Hannah, this is absolutely beautiful. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. ❤ I've shared t his around. 🙂
Hannah, how amazing to see all of tHIS….happy and sad FEELings at the same time gurl. I will watch them photos over and over when I need to 🙂 thanXX gurl. 🙂 ❤ to Him..
Hi Hannah, WOW! Micahel`s costumes are History….He was also the best dress Man in the wordlwith class and finess. They pictureare mind blowing, thanks for making this blog! Michael is forever, and the legacy he left behind so GREAT! Surely Micahel nd co.. did a splendid Job! I wastouxhed to see Michael`s pr. of shoes, where he moonwalked. there will only be one MICHAEL JACKSON! its all for Love, Hugs from Germany, Mari Heart
I am stunned to silence by this.This is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! Michael’s designed pieces are works of art.I want to see this in person but I don’t know if I could handle myself to not burst into tears.I’m so shaken just the sight of these items this amazing man wore.LOVE the measurement chart.He was quite sizable and I sure he caught some off guard by his height as well as his looks,most beautiful man ever,inside and out.Thanks so much for posting this,I must look again.Love you forever Michael.
I truly was overwhelmed seeing so many of his costumes in person. I wanted to share my photos with fans
around the world who cannot see them in person. I believe Michael would be happy that so many people
who love him can see his costumes. Not only did he have a beautiful heart and was a genius talent,
his style was uniquely his. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. It’s all for LOVE
Wow!, what a MaGiCaL post!, and Feast for the eyes! Thank you So much for such a stunning and in-depth tour through this Glorious collection of captivating Splendor! It is very much Valued and Cherished..! Thanks for All you do! and ‘Special you’! Cheers! Mwuaaaah! xoxoxo
wow Hanna ! thank you for this exclusive article & superb photos. I so love Michael Bush for his dedication to collaborating with Michael & enlivening his legacy. He is a fine man & his flair for artistic deign is superb & impeccable.
So many familiar outfits. I can recognize almost all of them. Michael was very much about his isea of what he wanted to be. If anyone else had tried to wear these items, they would look ridiculous, but Mike pulled them off and looked good. He was so generous to give all these items away that you know he must have loved. Some of these items must have surely been things he would have wanted to keep. In the end, some people will own them and many will end up in museums. I think that Michael gave Bush the options to do whatever he wanted them, including sell them. This is one of the reasons you see Michael signing these items. He was known to tell someone that he would give them something to sell later when they needed the money. I dont always agree with Juliens way of doing business in regard to Michaels possesions, but like it or not, they are going to keep auctioning items. Its our job to enjoy them while we can and find ways to continue the magic after he is gone. Hannah, you did a wonderful job taking photos of the items. People want to see this stuff and many would never be able to see the kind of details that you were able to capture with these candid shots. I love the shoes at the end. It really sums up Mike. An everyday joe just trying to survive and work as hard as he can to be the best at what he does. Love it. Thank you Hannah!
Hannah, I can’t tell you how much it meant to view these beautiful works of art! Many of us probably will never get to see Michaels outfits up close so seeing this was a real treat. It was like taking a travel through time. The details for each jacket, etc…seeing Michael’s signitures was an added bonus. Michael was a man of class, it didn’t matter what costume he wore, he always looked great! Those shoes…the countless long hours Michael practiced his magic…Nobody will ever match his style or grace again!
Dear Hannah,
The passed weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for you .
Hope it brings a little smile on your face to know what effect your photo of Michaels dancing shoes had on me the moment I unpacked it.
It made me cry.
The beauty you captured of these worn out shoes with no trace of glitz or glam and the story and history behind them, I cant stop looking.
I love the black /white look of the photo with the bits of orange and blue on the sides. Its such a serene picture.
The size of the photo.was also a positive surprise , I had miscalculated inches with centimeters.
Its a a real present and I have chosen a perfect fitting place for it.
Thank you so much.
Love
Sina
Najwspanialsze zdjęcia strojów Michael’a jakie widziałam… włożyłaś w swoją pracę całą duszę i serce… dziękuję
You are a fantastic photography
Hi, I was given a black fedora that also has gold on the inside that says ‘Michael Jackson’ the note that came with it said that MJ wore it in the dangerous tour. I love Michael and for my 16 th b day it was my present . I believe his name was Curtis whongsve ut to me . How do I find out about my hate. I read the description and that’s the hat I have. What do I do to find out? Help someone
Hi, You believe it came from Curtis but what you wrote after that I cannot read. I would photograph your hat from every angle and send photos to Julien’s Auctions. They are specialists in celebrity memorabilia. Good luck to you.
Thank you for sharing this informative post about michael jackson. Michael Jackson Costume