MICHAEL JACKSON 

This item is associated with Michael Jackson’s personal wardrobe from the late 1990s, a period when the artist favoured work and travel clothes that were both understated and highly personalised. The trousers are part of this private sartorial style, in which decorative elements and military patches replace the spectacular embellishments of his stage costumes.

A letter of authenticity from Rodger Turner states that he received these trousers from Michael Jackson at Neverland on 2 October 2003, after Jackson had worn them himself. 

Customised black corduroy trousers, featuring a military patch reading “Honi soit qui mal y pense”. The inside bears a Dennis Tompkins & Michael Bush label, linking them to the network of costume designers who worked for Michael Jackson. An accompanying photograph shows the artist wearing these trousers.

ADDENDUM: Bidders are advised to take note of this information before placing their bid.

This lot is the subject of a dispute raised by one of the designers, Mr Michael Bush. However, no expert report or technical details specific to this lot have been provided by him to date. Furthermore, the previous owner of the lots, Mr Richard Fossaas, has informed us in writing of a long-standing personal dispute between himself and Mr Bush, predating this sale and unrelated to this lot, as well as of Mr Bush’s systematic opposition to items from his collection bearing the label ‘Dennis Thompkins & Michael Bush’.