On View
Musical Crossroads Gallery
Exhibition
Musical Crossroads
Attributed to
Whitten, Bill, American, 1944 - 2006
Worn by
Jackson, Michael, American, 1958 - 2009
Signed by
Jackson, Michael, American, 1958 - 2009
Date
1984
Medium
synthetic fiber and sequin, silk (textile), metal, trimming (material)
Dimensions
H x W (Laid flat): 30 1/2 × 19 in. (77.5 × 48.3 cm)
Shoulder width: 16 1/8 in. (41 cm)
Description
A custom made tour costume top worn by Michael Jackson. The shirt is sleeveles and constructed in two panels. The back is blue spandex with a hanging curved flap which has a strip of velcro sewn horizontally about 7 inches from the bottom. The front panel is blue silk, the chest of which is covered entirely in cylindrical blue, red, white and black beads in an abstract, flowing shape. The bottom of the front panel has a curved flap, with two strips of velcro affixed horizontally about 9 inches from the bottom. On the outer portion of the PL of this flap is a handwritten message and signature in black ink. The two panels are sewn together down the proper left side and on the pright right are attached via a small toothed zipper on top of the shoulder, which does not detach completely, and a larger toothed zipper along the torso, at the top of which is a small metal hook and eye fastner. On the interior there is a fine sheer fabric panel sewn to the front silk panel only over the chest area. Sewn to the interior front of the collar is a white rectangular tag printed with [MICHAEL JACKSON] in black.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
shirts
Topic
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Popular music
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2010.23.3
Restrictions & Rights
© Estate of Bill Whitten and Jams M Cross (Executor) & Family
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52f4dc8b3-4fa0-4218-9df3-c50775301c44

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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