I. Introduction
Michael Jackson was a pioneer in the world of music and fashion. Throughout his career, he made numerous innovations, from his signature moonwalk to the use of elaborate costumes in his performances. One of the most iconic pieces of clothing associated with the King of Pop is his glittering glove. But, a mystery that has continuously baffled fans is the question which hand did Michael Jackson wear his glove. In this article, we will explore the history, cultural impact, symbolism, and controversy of this mesmerizing accessory that has become an inseparable part of Jackson’s persona.
II. A Brief History of Michael Jackson’s Iconic Glove
The origin of Michael Jackson’s iconic glove dates back to the 1983 Motown 25 television special. The inspiration for the glove came from Jackson’s need to cover his vitiligo-affected hand while onstage. He approached his long-time costume designer Bill Whitten, and together, they created the first signature white glove, which Jackson then wore for the first time on the performance of the song “Billie Jean”. The glove became an instant sensation and started establishing its own mythology in the world of pop culture.
Later, Jackson and Whitten embellished the glove with rhinestones and silver details, enabling it to catch and reflect light, giving it a glamorous, ethereal feel. The design of the glove evolved over the years, with the inclusion of new colours such as red, black, and gold. The transition of the fabric of the glove varied from leather to spandex or fabric, depending on the aesthetics of his stage costume.
III. The Mystery of Whether Michael Jackson Wore the Glove on His Right or Left Hand
The mystery of which hand Michael Jackson wore his iconic glove has been a subject of debate for a long time. Many fans claim it was his right hand, while others insist it was his left. Part of the confusion came from the fact that Jackson often used both gloves during the Moonwalk and the Thriller music video.
The most accepted theory is that Michael Jackson wore the glove on his right hand. Evidence from photographs and performances appears to support this claim. In Jackson’s infamous Motown 25 performance, he prominently wears the glove on his right hand, gliding across the stage as he soloed to Billie Jean. The glove’s first home, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, also confirms that the glove is a right-handed accessory.
However, there are several photographs where the glove seems to be on Jackson’s left hand. The most notable of these included the cover of the album “Thriller” and the groundbreaking music video of the same name. This has led to some fans speculating that Jackson, in fact, wore two gloves, one on each hand, and that the left glove eventually became the more famous of the two.
IV. The Cultural Impact of Michael Jackson’s Glove
Michael Jackson’s glove was not just a mere accessory; it became an iconic piece of pop culture. Jackson’s fame in the 1980s skyrocketed, and his influence extended beyond music. The glove became so synonymous with Jackson’s image that it was next to impossible to think of him without it.
The glove soon started appearing outside of the music world as well, influencing pop-culture such as fashion, art, and movies. The glove appeared in movie scenes such as “Mars Attacks” and “The Fifth Element” and Madonna even wore some of her videos.
The glove’s impact also extended to fashion, inspiring both high-end designers and everyday people. It became an object lesson of how a single item could mark a particular time and style.
V. The Symbolism of Michael Jackson’s Glove
The use of the glove was not only a fashion statement, but it also symbolized Jackson’s immense talent, showmanship, and perfectionism. The glove represented Jackson’s painstaking attention to detail, which he poured into his music, choreography, and costumes.
The motif of the glove as a temporary shield served to amplify the message of Jackson’s performances, his hands using the glove to reveal the public persona that was Michael Jackson, a pop culture icon like no other. It also symbolized Jackson’s mysterious personal life and his willingness to push boundaries, emphasizing the power of transformation and the duality of good and evil.
VI. How to Create Your Own Michael Jackson-inspired Glove
For any fans looking to recreate a Jackson-inspired costume, making a glove is the perfect place to start. Here’s how:
You’ll need:
- A white or black glove
- Hot glue gun
- Rhinestones
- Silver or gold beads
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Take one glove and cut off the tips of all the fingers except the index finger
- Glue rhinestones or beads onto the back of the glove.
- Using Rhinestones or beads, create a zig-zag pattern on the index finger of the glove
- Repeat the process on the thumb of the glove, creating a circle of rhinestones or beads
- Attach additional rhinestones or beads to the back of the glove and the elastic wristband.
And done! Now you have a Michael Jackson-inspired glove that you made yourself!
VII. The Controversy Over the Sale of Michael Jackson’s Glove
At the time of Michael Jackson’s death, there was an outpouring of grief that was unmatched by any other event or circumstance. As a result, various auctions and sales of Jackson’s possessions started taking place. These auctions, including those of MJ’s glove, have been the subject of controversy between fans, collectors, and Jackson’s estate.
Fans have been vocal that items of Jackson’s personal collection should be preserved and put on display at MJ-themed attractions, while others argue that collectors, too, have the right to own a piece of Jackson’s history.
VIII. A Tribute to Michael Jackson and his Iconic Glove
The death of Michael Jackson stunned the world, but his music and the impact he had on the world will live on forever. Similarly, the glove has become a symbol of Jackson’s legacy and a testament to his status as a pop-culture icon.
Although Michael Jackson is gone, his music will continue to inspire future generations, as will his iconic style and use of clothing and accessories as vehicles for performance art.
IX. Conclusion
The mystery of Michael Jackson’s iconic glove has become an institution of its own. From its humble beginnings in 1984 to its current status as one of the most celebrated fashion statements in pop culture, the glove has served as a perfect example of how a single accessory can inspire many.
With the passing of Jackson, his music, including his use of costumes and his iconic white glove, will continue to be celebrated and imitated worldwide.