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When I heard about the death of Michael Jackson, initially I didn’t feel much of anything. I had somewhat ambiguous feelings about him like the rest of the world. But when I started listening to his songs, watching his videos and seeing TV coverage of the Jackson Five, I became overcome with grief. I was surprised at my emotional reaction to his death and sought out the cause of my strong feelings.

As I looked back, I realized that Michael Jackson was a huge part of my childhood and teenage years. It’s no surprise, considering that so many people grew up listening to his music. You couldn’t avoid it, even if you tried! He was just that popular. And I can’t separate his music from my memories of roller skating with my girlfriends, racing with the boys and beating them, playing Off the Wall over and over and over on my record player and making up dance moves to go along with it. They were happy, innocent child-like memories, and when I heard the music after he died, it felt like a part of me died along with him.

It seems like every time I experienced a coming-of-age moment, Michael was there. My first date, my first school dance, prom, graduation… he always provided the soundtrack. I will really miss him.

Enough with the sad, or with the “Eugoogolly” as Derek Zoolander would call it. I want to celebrate his fashion because he was a seriously fly and influential dresser.

I picked out some 2009 fashions that were clearly inspired by Michael Jackson, in keeping with the whole 1980’s fashion resurgence going on at the moment.

Michael just LOVED sequins!

They looked great on stage and emphasized his dance moves as they glittered under the bright lights. I am sure he would have loved this jacket by Robert Rodriguez.

The cut is so unusual with the cape back, ruching and the way the collar closes. A shout-out to the 80’s with a modern cut.

Next up, these tight tight tight skinny jeans by Silence & Noise.

Michael was frequently seen donning tightly tailored black pants, and I could see him pairing a similar pair of pants with a white shirt and his signature fedora.

These pants are a reasonable $68 from Urban Outfitters online.

And finally, Balmain is obviously a fan of Michael, and Michael was a fan of Balmain.

Beyoncé wears this jacket so well. You can find this piece at http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/41597 (sort of, because it’s on sale, but it’s also sold out).

It has Michael, Michael, Michael written all over it, from the Sergeant Pepper styling to the sequin trim.

The foreshadowing of recent collections is kind of creepy. Long live the King of Pop.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

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