Singer Michael Jackson was as much of a style icon as a musical icon. Across the world, millions of people tried to imitate his remarkable clothing from the military inspired coats and jackets, to a fedora perched at just the right angle and of course, that single rhinestone glove.
Behind the trademark looks was Michael Bush, who with his late partner, Dennis Tompkins, dressed Jackson for more than a generation.
Bush began his relationship with Jackson as his dresser back in 1983. He recalls the time they first met, in a trailer on the set of Captain EO. Jackson threw cherries at him which was the start of a lifelong working relationship and friendship.
Bush said: “We got along great and had the same sense of humour but more importantly as I always say, he educated me and I educated him. it just worked.”
Designing costumes for one of the world’s greatest performers was a long way from Bush’s beginnings in Ohio where he learned his craft from his mother and grandmother, who made wedding gowns, prom dresses and quilts.
He said: “Some of the inspiration for his costumes came from Michael, his creativity, his movement, his showmanship. It also came from our environment, your surroundings, street clothes and those images that stay in your head once you see them.
“Michael always loved the military and regal royal looks. Other than that we would sketch and envision all sorts of designs and then you would just know which was ‘the one’.”
Over the years the pair created countless outfits for the star but Bush struggles to pick a favourite.
“All of them had their own special factors to it. I loved the jackets he wore, the highly embellished ceremonial jackets and the video worn jackets.
“But at the same time I loved the gloves, the rhinestone socks, the embellished pants.
“When you are a designer every fashion you design is better than the last.”
There is however one piece of clothing that has a special place in the hearts of both Bush and Jackson.
He said: “The last piece I designed was the pearl jacket ensemble in which Michael was buried.
“It was his favourite jacket and I knew that is what my friends would want to have been laid to rest in.”
Looking at the wardrobe of the King of Pop: with Michael Jackson’s costume designer Michael Bush takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 20 at The Guildhall.
Tickets cost £15 including a book signing. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.bathinfashion.co.uk
Source: Thisisbath / MJ-Upbeat.com
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