Michael Jackson - The Style Icon

Michael Jackson – The King of Pop – The Icon Style Helm Editorial

January 1974

Performing in London.The jacket's detailing gives us a glimpse of what's to come.

Photo: Anwar Hussein/WireImage

November 1977

A sharply dressed Jackson at Studio 54 with Steve Rubell.

Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage

1978

In a casual shirt while on a date with Tatum O'Neal.

Photo: Getty Images

July 1978

A studio session with Kermit. We love the tie.

Photo: Getty Images

January 1979

A studio shot. So color coordinated.

Photo: Redferns

January 1979

A family portrait.

Photo: Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

1981

Looking promlike at the American Music Awards with Brooke Shields.

Photo: Getty Images

1981

In an encrusted sweater with Bonnie Pointer and sister LaToya Jackson at the American Music Awards.

Photo: WireImage

1982

On the set of "Beat It" in the one and only jacket.

Photo: WireImage

1984

With Brooke Shields at the 1984 American Music Awards.

Photo: WireImage

January 1984

In a shiny ensemble with the Jackson 5.

Photo: Getty Images

February 1984

Rocking the glove and a shiny military jacket at the Grammy Awards.

Photo: WireImage

April 1984

The Glove.

Photo: WireImage

May 1984

Michael visits President Reagan and Nancy Reagan at the White House in his best military attire.

Photo: Getty Images

July 1984

Performing as the Jackson 5. Even back then, he had amazing style.

Photo: Getty Images

December 1984

The Jackson 5 Victory Tour in LA.

Photo: Getty Images

1987

The "Bad" jacket.

Photo: Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

October 1988

Performing in Maryland.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

November 1990

In a burka.

Photo: WireImage

November 1990

Shining at the Grammys.

Photo: WireImage

March 1991

The white tux to rival all tuxes. With Madonna at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards.

Photo: WireImage

January 1991

Performing in New York.

Photo: WireImage

February 1992

At a Pepsi press conference.

Photo: Getty Images

January 1993

Performing in London with a bandaged hand.

Photo: Getty Images

February 1993

An amazing white jacket at the Grammys.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

May 1993

The hat, military jacket, glasses and armband: all staples.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

August and September 1993

Today's leotard-wearing performers have nothing on Jackson.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

September 1994

We may all remember the kiss, but the boots, pants, and armband are also pretty memorable.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

September 1995

At the 12th Annual MTV Video Music Awards. Sequins and an understated tee: so very Michael.

Photo: WireImage

January 1997

Michael Jackson performs onstage during his HiStory concert tour.

Photo: Getty Images

February 1997

With Elizabeth Taylor for the taping of Happy Birthday Elizabeth: A Celebration of Life.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

May 1997

Sporting military details at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Photo: KMazur/WireImage

July 1998

Accessorized to the hilt in Tokyo.

Photo: Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty Images

March 1999

Wearing an understated jacket with Nelson Mandela at Mandela's home in Cape Town.

Photo: Anna ZieminskiAFP/Getty Images

September 1999

Jackson, in a gold-dragon jacket, with Nelson Mandela at the Kora All Africa music awards.

Photo: Adil Bradlow/AFP/Getty Images

March 2004

Wearing an embellished red shirt at a news conference on AIDS in Africa.

Photo: Getty Images

May 2004

Wearing an armband and a medal while receiving the Humanitarian Award in Washington, D.C. Please note the sparkling shoes.

Photo: Getty Images

May 2005

The not-so-varied looks worn at his child abuse trial.

Photo: Getty Images

November 2006

A sequined blazer at the World Music Awards in London.

Photo: Richard Lewis/WireImage

March 2007

Wearing a printed suit with fans.

Photo: Access E/WireImage

November 2007

Even in a simple blazer and slacks, Jackson found a way to shine. Here, he's wearing a metallic jacket, celebrating the birthday of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., along with Larry King in Beverly Hills, California.

Photo: Amy Graves/WireImage

May 2008

Celebrating designer Christian Audigier's 50th birthday in Los Angeles. Jackson and the designer had announced plans to team up on a clothing line.

Photo: Tiffany Rose/WireImage

April 2009

The ever-present face mask we've come to associate with the singer

Photo: PEX/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic

March 2009

Wearing an embellished shirt in London.

Photo: Martin Fraser/FilmMagic

March 2009

Embellished jackets with military insignia were a signature of Jackson's.

Photo: Fred Duval/FilmMagic

May 2009

In an embellished black blazer.

Photo: COP/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic

May 2009

Michael started wearing Balmain, to the glee of fashion editors worldwide.

Photo: National Photo Group, imaxtree

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