From the time he was just a little boy, tweeting in the tree tops with his big brothers as the real star of the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson set fashion trends like no one else.  He had it right in bell bottoms, platforms and fringed vests, and again when he was rocking skinny trousers cropped to show off his white socks and loafers (a trick he borrowed from Fred Astaire to draw attention to his fast moving feet).  Through all of the ups and very controversial downs, we’ve always wanted to know what MJ wore. Blogue remembers the Man in the Mirror, after the jump…The Jackson 5ive came on the scene and became the biggest pop sensation of the 1970’s, bringing Motown, and what was really considered black people’s music, into the homes of white people across the country.  They were the first group to have their first four singles on a major label to go right to the top of the charts, but it was undeniable that the real talent radiated from the youngest Jackson, little Michael.  The family from Indiana set trends, usually dressing in very similar costumes, consisting of huge flare bell bottoms and chest hair (well for those of them who had any) exposing, wide collared dress shirts, but it was nothing like the trends setting that would follow.

Michael made everything his own, from killing it in that perfectly tailored classy black suit with his thick white socks and dress shoes, to that single white glove.  The glove, which appeared in MJ’s “Billie Jean” video, shockingly the FIRST video by a black artist ever to have been played on MTV, has become an icon all on its own, being translated by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

He gave us the Jheri curl, a rather regrettable look if you ask us.  But he finished almost every look with trademark aviators, taking the frames out of the sky and onto the faces of just about everyone.

But what he really gave us (aside from some of the greatest dance hits EVER) was SEQUINS.  Military jackets and sequins at any hour of the day.  We’d bet the man wore sparkles to bed.  Faux military badges and epaulets adorned everything, mixing marching band, military and magic, to create a look that’s influenced Balmain’s 2009 collection and Givenchy too.

Even the man’s monkey had style…

We were so looking forward to the London shows for all of the fabulous fashion that would have for sure influenced the 2010 runways.  Michael broke down barriers in music, fashion and race relations. Through all of the highs and controversial lows, Michael inspired us to dance, sing, and dress to the best of our ability, care for those around us, and to never give up on our gifts and our innocence.  Michael will be missed my so many, but never ever forgotten.

More MJ looks and the designers he inspired:

*MJ mask looks: Romain Kremer

Popularity: 6% [?]