The late pop icon’s legendary red and black Thriller jacket, rhinestone studded glove worn during his groundbreaking Moonwalk debut, and iconic loafers are among the highlights of Julien’s Auctions’ inaugural Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience in Abu Dhabi.
Described as the “Crown Jewels” of pop culture collectibles, the items capture defining moments in Jackson’s career, when music, fashion and performance combined to create a global cultural phenomenon.
The collection was unveiled at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles on October 7, ahead of previews scheduled across the United States and internationally.
For collectors and investors in entertainment memorabilia, the upcoming auction highlights the enduring commercial appeal of objects associated with influential cultural figures.Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk Glove Returns to AuctionAmong the most anticipated pieces is the rhinestone studded glove Jackson wore during his performance at Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in 1983.
The performance at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium became a defining moment in popular music. Jackson performed Billie Jean before introducing audiences to the Moonwalk, a dance move that would become one of the most recognisable elements of his stage persona.
Wearing a black sequined jacket, a silver sequined shirt, a single embellished glove and black leather Florsheim loafers, Jackson delivered a performance that helped establish his position as a global solo superstar.
Julien’s Auctions described the performance as a breakthrough moment, noting that its choreography, from the opening pose to the Moonwalk during the song’s bridge, became a blueprint for his subsequent live performances.
The glove has since become one of the most coveted pieces of Jackson memorabilia, representing the intersection of music, fashion, dance and entertainment history.
Julien’s Auctions Co Founder and Executive Director Martin Nolan said the company was privileged to offer the historic items again, pointing to its previous record setting sales of the Thriller jacket in 2011 and the Motown 25 glove in 2009.The Legendary Thriller Jacket
Jackson’s red and black Thriller jacket remains one of the most recognisable garments in music history.
Associated with the 1983 music video for Thriller, the jacket inspired countless replicas around the world, demonstrating how a costume could become an enduring symbol of an artist’s identity.The auctioned jacket features silver buckles at the cuffs, a red silk lining, a trapunto stitched collar, a snap front closure and distinctive winged shoulders.
It also carries personal inscriptions from Jackson. Inside, a message written in black marker reads, “To Bush and Dennis, all my love, Michael Jackson.” The sleeve bears another inscription: “Love Michael Jackson.”The jacket features a Marc Laurent Paris label and is one of two jackets made for the music video.
The other jacket was shredded for the zombie scenes and is displayed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It remains in the possession of Jackson’s estate.The surviving jacket heading to auction offers collectors an opportunity to acquire an item directly associated with one of the most influential music videos ever produced.Thriller Shoes Carry a Personal Message
The auction also features Jackson’s black leather Florsheim loafers, which he wore during the Thriller music video and its rehearsals.The shoes are size 9.5, with the words “MJ Thriller Shoes” written on the soles.
Their historical significance extends beyond their association with the music video. The pair comes with a letter Jackson wrote to the video’s choreographer, Michael Peter, dated December 18, 1983.
In the letter, Jackson expressed gratitude for Peter’s contribution to the production and explained that he wanted him to keep the shoes worn during filming and rehearsals.Jackson praised the choreographer’s understanding of the project and the role of dance in communicating the story without words.
The accompanying materials also include a separate sheet signed in red marker by Jackson with the message, “Thank you, Love Michael Jackson.”Together, the shoes and handwritten correspondence offer a personal glimpse into the creative relationships behind one of the most successful music videos of all time.
Auction Estimates Reflect the Value of Music History
The expected prices underscore the market for highly recognisable entertainment memorabilia.The Thriller loafers are estimated to fetch up to $50,000, while the rhinestone studded Motown 25 glove and the Moonwalk loafers are each expected to reach up to $80,000.
The estimates highlight the appeal of memorabilia connected to defining cultural moments, particularly when items have a documented connection to an artist and a landmark performance.
For collectors, provenance, historical significance, condition and the strength of an item’s connection to a celebrated figure can influence its desirability.
Jackson’s memorabilia benefits from his enduring global influence, spanning music, dance, fashion and the wider entertainment industry.His legacy continues to shape popular culture decades after the release of Thriller, while objects associated with his most famous performances remain highly sought after.
As the collection prepares to go under the hammer in Abu Dhabi, the auction offers another reminder that cultural history can carry significant commercial value. For the global memorabilia market, these pieces represent more than clothing or footwear. They are tangible connections to moments that helped redefine modern entertainment.
