MICHAEL JACKSON 

Black felt fedora with a medium-width brim, black grosgrain ribbon, featuring the gold lettering "MICHAEL JACKSON" on the brim and an autograph in silver felt-tip pen on the crown. This style of black fedora, which became one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic sartorial trademarks from the 1980s onwards, features prominently in the imagery of the Bad World Tour (1987–1989), where the artist wore it both on stage and during rehearsals and preparation sessions.

The provenance is based on an official letter from MJJ Productions dated 29 March 1991, addressed to Rick Hamilton (Sanford, North Carolina), in which Rosemary Chavira, administrative assistant at MJJ Productions, confirms the dispatch of a ‘signed stage rehearsal fedora from the Bad World Tour’ in response to a request from the recipient. Written on MJJ Productions letterhead and signed by a member of Michael Jackson’s production team, this letter constitutes direct institutional provenance, comparable to those issued for other items from his wardrobe.

The gold inscription “MICHAEL JACKSON” on the inside rim of the hat is part of the personalisation practices established around the artist in the late 1980s to clearly identify his stage clothing and accessories. The silver felt-tip signature on the crown, explicitly mentioned in the MJJ Productions letter (“signed”), refers to a dedication or identifying mark affixed when the fedora was presented to Rick Hamilton.

The term “rehearsal fedora” used in the letter suggests it was used during rehearsals or technical preparations, rather than during public concerts on the Bad World Tour. Rehearsal fedoras were often kept backstage or given to members of the technical crew, collaborators or close associates after use, which explains the provenance attributed to Rick Hamilton as documented by MJJ Productions.

Black felt fedora, medium brim, black grosgrain ribbon. Gold lettering “MICHAEL JACKSON” on the brim. Autograph signature in silver marker on the crown. Good overall condition, consistent with an item kept in a private collection since 1991.