The iconic red leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson on the album cover of his 1982 album Thriller is one of the most recognizable fashion pieces in pop culture history. But who was the original designer behind this legendary look? Let’s take a closer look at the history and creation of Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket.
The Concept and Design
The Thriller album cover was conceived by graphic designer Nancy Donald and illustrator Michael Whelan. Jackson had originally wanted to use a Vincent Price-style horror film poster for the cover, but that idea was rejected by his record label Epic Records. After brainstorming other concepts, it was decided to dress Jackson in a 1950s letterman jacket and have him transformed into a werewolf in the midst of morphing.
To bring this vision to life, Donald enlisted her friend Bill Whitten to design the custom red leather jacket. Whitten was a Hollywood costume designer who had worked on films like The Sting. Donald provided him with reference photos of 1950s letterman jackets and input on the Thriller cover concept. Whitten then sketched designs for the jacket, which Donald presented to Jackson for feedback and approval.
The approved design was a cropped red leather jacket with black stripes on the sleeves and “MJ” embroidered on the left chest. It had a standup collar and zipper front, with side buckles and belted waist. This distinctive look blended vintage 1950s style with Jackson’s personal flair.
Creating the Iconic Jacket
Once the design was finalized, Whitten constructed the jacket himself in his Hollywood studio. At the time, Whitten was running a costume shop called Cos Van Original Designs. He fabricated the Thriller jacket from red leather using traditional techniques like cutting, stitching and dyeing.
To get the aged, vintage look correct, Whitten used special tools and techniques to distress and break down the leather. The stripes on the sleeves were painted on by hand. The jacket was carefully crafted to fit Jackson’s slender frame and small waist. No detail was overlooked in making this one-of-a-kind piece.
| Leather | Red leather |
|---|---|
| Collar | Standup collar |
| Closure | Zipper front |
| Sleeves | Black stripes |
| Waist | Belted |
| Embroidery | “MJ” on left chest |
This table summarizes some of the key details and elements of the original Thriller jacket design.
The Thriller Photoshoot
After constructing the jacket, the next step was the iconic photo shoot with Michael Jackson for the Thriller album cover. This was shot by photographer Dick Zimmerman in late 1982.
Jackson wore his custom red Thriller jacket for the main portrait used on the cover. Various accessories were added to complete the 1950s horror look, like jeans and a white T-shirt. For the werewolf transformation, special effects makeup artist Rick Baker applied prosthetic makeup and yellow contact lenses to turn Jackson into a monster.
Zimmerman carefully posed Jackson holding his jacket open to show the transformation taking place. These photographs required several takes to get the lighting and drama perfect for the album cover. Jackson’s wardrobe for the shoot also included the Thriller jacket paired with a button down shirt and tie for individual publicity photos.
The images of Jackson in his Thriller jacket became instantly iconic when the album was released in 1982. Zimmerman’s cinematic photos brought the custom leather jacket to life and created a visually stunning overall package with the title font and lyrics printed across the back cover.
The Impact and Legacy
Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket went on to become one of the most famous fashion pieces of the 20th century. Its influence spans music, costume design, and the broader pop culture landscape. Here are some key facts about its lasting impact:
- Recognized globally as Jackson’s signature look from his peak career era
- Inspired by 1950s letterman jackets but gave them edgier update
- Set template for Jackson’s future studded and buckled leather looks
- Sparked trends for cropped jackets, red leather, and bold zippers
- Copied by millions of fans, costume designers, and celebrities
- Used in marketing for the album reissues and The Thriller Diaries book
- Displayed at exhibits like the Grammy Museum to represent iconic fashion
Today, the Thriller album remains the best selling record of all time. And four decades later, the red leather jacket is still instantly associated with Michael Jackson around the world. It maintains its status as the ultimate symbol of his groundbreaking music, style, and showmanship.
Where is the Thriller Jacket Now?
The original Thriller jacket worn by Michael Jackson for the album cover photoshoot was last known to be in Jackson’s personal collection at his Neverland Ranch. However, its current whereabouts are uncertain after Neverland closed following Jackson’s death in 2009.
It’s possible the iconic red jacket was archived and stored along with other Jackson memorabilia and costumes. Some items from his estate have been exhibited at the Grammy Museum and other institutions. However, the Thriller jacket has not had any known public appearances in recent years.
There has been speculation that the jacket was kept in a climate-controlled storage facility with strict instructions for preservation. If so, it is likely now in the possession of Jackson’s estate, which is managed by John Branca and John McClain on behalf of his heirs.
Wherever it is, the original custom red leather Thriller jacket remains an intriguing mystery. It’s clear Michael Jackson recognized its cultural value. For fashion history aficionados, its eventual re-emergence would be an exciting and revealing moment.
Conclusion
Michael Jackson’s iconic red leather jacket for Thriller is a quintessential pop culture fashion item. Costume designer Bill Whitten brought it to life based on a 1950s letterman jacket concept. His custom fabrication lent edge and flair that made it utterly unique. Photographer Dick Zimmerman captured Jackson wearing this signature piece, freezing it in time. The Thriller jacket helped propel the album’s revolutionary success and cemented Jackson’s status as an unparalleled entertainer. It remains recognizable globally and an enduring symbol of his phenomenal career over 40 years later.