The Gene Autry Museum is sponsoring a Michael Jackson event on the anniversary of his birthday which takes a fun foray into how "The West was Worn" by the Pop Icon.
For example, the organizers at the Museum have focused on a few wardrobe items from the Pop star's eclectic collection of western outfits, and elected on the occasion to take an insightful peak at his fascination with the "look" and durability of the style.
The show opened August 17th and is installed in the imagination Gallery.
The space is a permanent Art Gallery dedicated to the imagery of the American West as it is depicted in popular culture.
Access to the installation is free with museum admission
Jeffrey Richardson, the Autry’s Associate Curator of Film and Popular Culture, hosted the opening event which was attended by Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.
The two generous industry professionals loaned the outfits to the museum.
Karen Faye, Jackson's hair and make-up artist, made contributions as well.
This exhibition was actually in throes of the planning stages before Mr. Jackson passed to spirit last year.
“When the Autry approached us in 2009 about contributing to this exhibit, we discussed it with Michael [ Jackson ] and he was excited and humbled by the request,” said Bush.
"It is our honor and privilege to in any way help fulfill Michael’s vision and to be able to share with the world a glimpse into the artistic collaboration we were so fortunate to have had with Michael Jackson for almost 25 years and contribute to furthering his incredible legacy for generations to come,” added Tompkins.
“I am delighted to have this exhibit here representing Michael and what Michael meant to this country and so many generations of fans,” beamed Jackie Autry, Founding Chair and Lifetime Trustee of the Autry National Center .
The Michael Jackson outfits stand inside a specially designed three-sided case featuring two full-size mannequins.
The costumes include a blue rhinestone and fringe cowboy outfit worn on the television variety show - The Jacksons - on March 2, 1977; a red-and-black bib-front shirt designed by Tompkins and Bush (who were responsible for many of the Western influences found in Jackson’s clothing); a fedora hat; aviator sunglasses; and a pair of altered Levi 501 jeans (embellished by Tompkins and Bush) that Michael wore on November 17th (1996) while promoting the HIStory World Tour in Sydney.
In the center of the display case is the iconic single white glove which Jackson wore on the March 2002 cover of Vibe magazine.
That was the last official occasion that Michael was professionally photographed wearing his signature trademark accessory.
Michael Jackson requested that everything made for him be of museum-quality.
"This needs to be able to be displayed in a museum. It has to be detailed," MJ underscored to Tompkins.
“It didn’t matter what the cost or the process it took to create a piece, if it didn’t work when he danced, it came off,” said Bush.
Other items on display include a Western-style belt and buckle that Jackson wore on several occasion - most noticeably - for the “Beat It” single record cover and promotional materials.
In addition, the exhibit includes a pair of steel cowboy boots, designed by Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, that Jackson wore to the White House in April 1990.
An original sketch of the red-and-black bib-front shirt by Tompkins and Bush is also prominently displayed and includes Michael Jackson’s signature.
A video accompanying the display features Jackson ’s performance of the hit songs “Cisco Kid” and “I Shot the Sheriff” on a set decorated to look like a Western saloon.
The Jackson western tribute is actually surrounded by objects belonging to the Cisco Kid, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood - which makes for a nice touch - at the Autry.
“The Autry explores the diversity and complexity of the American West, a place of hopes and dreams where myth and history intertwine,” said Richardson .
For this installation, the Museum staff explore how a pop icon embodied the tradition and style of the American West throughout his illustrious career.
Because Michael Jackson was larger than life and a global icon, the influence behind his style may never be measured exactly, but it is undeniably felt as this exhibit attests to.
At the dazzling Autry, fans have the rare opportunity to get a glimpse at how Michael took everyday Western styles and made them uniquely his own.
"In the world of style, Jackson ’s willingness to try different patterns and designs made him truly special, " note the curators.
'While many of Jackson ’s costume influences - from military jackets to aviator sunglasses - are readily apparent, his frequent use of Western wear has gone virtually unnoticed."
The Michael Jackson installation is made possible by the generosity of the costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.
The Autry and Hot 92.3 FM Celebrate Michael Jackson’s Birthday on Sunday August 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event will include Hot 92.3 FM DJ's spinning Michael Jackson music in the Museum Plaza, live dance performances and classes, zombies, birthday cake, and fun give-a-ways throughout the day.
Details & Infowww.TheAutry.org www.Hot923.com
