Michael Jackson: Fashion Phenom

"From the wow to the weird, Michael Jackson leaves a fashion legacy to rival his musical one.

His black fedora, silver glove and red leather jacket were worn by millions around the world who channeled Jackson's spirit and sartorial flair. Later, he made fashion choices that weren't as popular, but were no less memorable: the pajama pants during his child-molestation trial, the black robes and veils while living in Bahrain, the germ masks that were a regular accessory.
All combined to cement Jackson's legacy as a pop and fashion icon.

‘There are a few people who are the innovators, who set the trends that other people follow,’ said Stephane Dunn, a frequent writer of popular culture who teaches English at Morehouse College. ‘Here was Michael, who understood the power of style and was able to translate it in a way that everybody wanted to copy it.’

His costumes weren't just for the stage. At a White House appearance, Jackson stood alongside first lady Nancy Reagan, looking the part of a glamorous general in a sequined military-style coat, aviator sunglasses and single, studded glove.

Jackson's ability as a performer electrified audiences, inspired amateurs of all ages and launched the careers of entertainers from Chris Brown to Chris Tucker, said Mark Anthony Neal, who teaches black popular culture at Duke University. ‘His success was a template for them,’ Neal said of performers like Brown, Ginuwine and Justin Timberlake." (Mercury News)