Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour was set to be an extraordinary, groundbreaking show, showcasing not only his immense musical talent but also his passion for stunning visual storytelling. One of the most important aspects of the production was the costumes that would accompany each song. With his signature flair for dramatic and unforgettable fashion, Michael Jackson’s costumes were carefully designed to reflect his musical legacy and the intricate concept behind the tour.

The This Is It costumes were created by two masterful designers—Michael Bush, Jackson’s longtime collaborator for over 30 years, and Zaldi, a New York designer brought on board by choreographer Travis Payne. Together, they combined the most advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship to bring Jackson’s vision to life. Their attention to detail and dedication to creating jaw-dropping outfits helped elevate the This Is It performances into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Revolutionary Design Elements

What set the This Is It costumes apart from past designs was the use of cutting-edge technology and innovative materials. Bush explained that it was the first time he had ever added Swarovski crystals to the iconic Billie Jean costume, a task that required him to wear sunglasses during the creation process due to the reflective shine of the crystals. Zaldi also worked with Swarovski to create the Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ costume, which featured 300,000 crystals, pushing the boundaries of costume design for a concert tour.

The costumes were tailored to match each of Michael Jackson’s songs in both style and spirit. For example, the outfit for Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ was inspired by the “Light Man” sequence, which reminded Zaldi of a robot. The costume, made from Swarovski crystals, was complemented with shoes and sunglasses, with the shoulders being a last-minute design addition at Jackson’s request. Tragically, Michael Jackson passed away before he could fully experience the final product, but his team completed the outfit posthumously, ensuring that his vision lived on.

Iconic Outfits for Iconic Songs

Among the most iconic looks for This Is It was the recreation of Jackson’s famous Smooth Criminal outfit. Designed by Bush and Dennis Tompkins, this outfit was a full recreation of the one Jackson wore in his 1988 Moonwalker film, complete with the jacket, fedora, and anti-gravity shoes. This costume marked one of the few times Jackson would have worn the entire outfit during the tour, as previous tours only featured parts of the look.

For The Way You Make Me Feel, Michael’s shirt was designed to resemble a blue shirt from the 1988 Grammy Awards. The shirt was made of Chinese silk, featuring heat-pressed designs of crowns, lions, and cherubs, representing classic pop regalia imagery. The design was intended to exude both elegance and energy, perfectly reflecting the upbeat nature of the song.

Zaldi also took the reins for the Jackson 5 Medley outfit, creating a striking shiny purple suit adorned with bugle beads and crystals. The suit was designed with convenience in mind, with a velcroed back for easy removal and a metal tie shaped like a peace sign. Though Michael never saw the completed version, he was thrilled with an early version of the suit.

Creative Costumes for Other Songs

In addition to these highlights, This Is It also featured unique costumes for songs like I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, Dirty Diana, Black or White, and Billie Jean. For I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, the jacket was made using fabric typically found in the interior of Mexican Lowrider cars, and despite its unusual nature, it was made to look bulky yet feel weightless. The Dirty Diana outfit took inspiration from the Dangerous era, with a silver shirt and brown tan-colored sleeves, designed for a quick costume change.

One of the most intricate costumes was designed for Black or White, which featured a leather jacket adorned with black and gold studs in a samurai-themed pattern. The jacket was painstakingly crafted by Zaldi’s team, taking five days to perfect the placement of each stud. The jacket, weighing about 10 pounds, had no buttons or zippers, allowing Michael to remove it easily during the performance.

The Billie Jean costume was another highlight, with Zaldi working with Philips Lumalive to create a version of the iconic outfit that lit up in different patterns using LED textiles. The lighting was controlled by a backstage technician, and Michael was ecstatic when he saw the lights work for the first time. It was a perfect example of how technology and fashion could come together to enhance the live performance.

Costumes Inspired by Jackson’s Legacy

For the Thriller segment, Zaldi designed a jacket that featured embroidered blood on the shoulders in place of the original quilting, a feature Michael loved. The inside of the jacket contained an Easter egg—a work of art from the Thriller music video, with a Swarovski crystal biting into it. Unfortunately, Michael never saw the completed look before his passing, though the jacket’s bold design remains iconic.

Finally, the Heal the World costume stood out for its vibrant embroidery and multicultural influences. Made with beading from China, India, and Native American patchwork, this colorful jacket featured an armband that reflected Michael’s love for the military and a zipper that shook when he danced. Though Michael only saw the 3D paper layout before his death, the design captured his enduring message of unity and healing.

Conclusion: A Vision That Was Never Fully Realized

The This Is It costumes were truly a work of art, combining the best in costume design, technology, and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, due to Michael Jackson’s untimely death, the world never got to experience his full vision. Nevertheless, the costumes created for the tour stand as a testament to his creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of performance. From the glittering Swarovski crystals to the intricate details, Michael Jackson’s costumes for This Is It were undoubtedly some of the most iconic and ambitious outfits ever designed for a concert. They embodied not only his passion for fashion but also his deep connection to his music, legacy, and fans.

Which of these costumes is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into Michael Jackson’s extraordinary world.