The little known fact behind *that* iconic Michael Jackson outfit

Penny Goldstone
By Penny Goldstone
published

Who didn't grow up listening to that Michael Jackson Thriller album on repeat? But while you may know all the lyrics to Thriller and Pretty Young Thing by heart, there's a little known fact you probably didn't know about the cover itself.

The iconic white suit which epitomised 80s style so perfectly, almost didn't happen, because MJ was originally going to wear something else. When none of the looks the stylist had on set that day worked, he actually spotted the Hugo Boss suit the photographer, Dick Zimmerman, was wearing and pointed out it would be perfect.

So Zimmerman and MJ swapped clothes for the shoot, and the rest as they say is history.

This fact was revealed thanks to a new exhibition which has just opened at the National Portrait Gallery. Michael Jackson: On The Wall, sponsored by HUGO BOSS, which runs until 21st October 2018, coincides with what would've been MJ's 60th birthday (on 29th August).

Photo: David LaChapelle

The exhibition looks at the influence Michael Jackson had on many contemporary artists such David LaChapelle, and for the first time ever showcases the works of over 40 artists together in one place.

Tickets cost from £15.50 and you can book here.

Penny Goldstone
Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.

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