MICHAEL JACKSON

A pair of black Florsheim Imperial loafers, model D92179, size 9½, in black leather with a gold buckle on the vamp, beige lining, and gold ‘Florsheim Imperial’ branding on the insole. These classically styled loafers, produced by the American brand Florsheim, renowned for its high-quality dress shoes, are the sort of understated and elegant city shoes that Michael Jackson regularly wore on stage during his tours in the 1980s, notably during the Victory Tour (1984) with the Jackson Brothers.

The provenance of this pair is based on a letter signed by Michael Wilson, dated 2 July 2001, in which he certifies that he worked as a stage assistant on the Jacksons’ Victory Tour. Wilson states that these Florsheim Imperial loafers, belonging to Michael Jackson, were worn on stage and subsequently signed by the artist after a concert in Michigan with his brothers in August 1984. He notes that his all-access pass for the Victory Tour is included in the file as proof of his role within the tour’s technical team.

A supplementary second opinion, drawn up on Holman Harper Designs letterhead and signed by Keith Holman—a designer who worked in the mid-1980s as Bill Whitten’s assistant and later as a costume designer for stars such as Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie and Cicely Tyson—further corroborates the provenance. Holman states that he was responsible for coordinating with embroiderers, beaders and tailors, and for supervising fittings for Bill Whitten, and certifies that this pair of Florsheim Imperial D92179 size 9½, whose original high heels have been replaced by lower ones, was worn by Michael Jackson during the Victory Tour.

Physical examination reveals very pronounced wear and tear, consistent with shoes worn intensively on stage: marked abrasion of the outsoles, clearly worn-down heels, repeated creases in the leather on the upper, and visible deformation of the insole, more pronounced on the right moccasin. Overall, this indicates prolonged use in performance conditions, involving repeated weight-bearing, movement and successive pivots, consistent with several performances during the summer of 1984.

Pair of Florsheim Imperial D92179 loafers in black leather, with a gold buckle on the upper and gold ‘Florsheim Imperial’ branding on the insole. Size 9½. Pronounced wear from stage use (worn heels, abrasion on the outsoles, deformation of the right insole). ‘Michael Jackson’ signatures on each sole. Condition consistent with shoes worn on tour and subsequently kept in a private collection.