Few items of clothing have become as closely associated with a performer as the red leather jacket Michael Jackson wore in his groundbreaking Thriller music video, and collectors are now preparing for a rare opportunity to own the original.
The distinctive costume, worn during the singer's celebrated 1983 performance alongside a group of dancing zombies, will be offered by Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles this December.
Paris Jackson explains why she did not celebrate her late father Michael Jackson’s birthday
Auction specialists believe the jacket could sell for more than $10 million, a remarkable valuation for an outfit that helped define Jackson's image during the most commercially successful period of his career.
The potential sale comes more than 40 years after Thriller changed expectations of music videos, combining cinematic storytelling, elaborate choreography and memorable fashion into a production that remains influential today.
Why Jackson's Thriller jacket could command $10 million
The jacket's significance extends beyond its instantly recognizable appearance, with the garment being one of only two original versions created for the music video.
The example heading to auction was worn by Jackson during scenes without zombie makeup, while the second jacket was deliberately distressed for the video's transformation sequences.
That alternative remains in the possession of Jackson's estate and has previously been exhibited at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis developed the original look, using bold red leather, angular shoulders and contrasting black detailing to emphasize Jackson's movements.
The jacket also features silver cuff buckles, red silk lining, a structured collar and distinctive winged shoulders, with a Marc Laurent Paris label inside.
Its striking appearance helped establish one of the most frequently recreated costumes in popular culture, inspiring countless replicas and becoming synonymous with Jackson's legacy.
Legendary memorabilia could challenge auction record
The December sale could represent a substantial increase in value compared with the $1.8 million achieved when an original Thriller jacket was auctioned in 2011.
That earlier sale established a significant benchmark for celebrity clothing, demonstrating the extraordinary demand for memorabilia associated with Jackson's most recognizable performances.
Experts believe the latest offering could potentially challenge the reported $14.5 million paid for Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's Black Strat earlier this year.
Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien's Auctions, emphasized the importance of bringing such historically significant items back to the market.
"As the world's leading entertainment auction house, and the team that set world records for both the Thriller jacket in 2011 and the Motown 25 glove in 2009, it is a true privilege to offer these pieces of history again," Nolan said.
Jackson's famous glove and shoes join December auction
The jacket won't be the only item connected to Jackson's extraordinary career available during the December event.
A pair of black leather Florsheim loafers worn during the filming and rehearsals of Thriller is also being offered, with an estimated value between $30,000 and $50,000.
Collectors will additionally have an opportunity to bid on a glove worn during Jackson's celebrated Billie Jean performance at the Motown 25 television special.
That performance became a defining moment in entertainment history when Jackson introduced his moonwalk to a television audience.
Although the jacket's final selling price remains uncertain, its cultural significance makes it one of the most closely watched pieces in the upcoming auction.