


MICHAEL JACKSON
White ‘Piano Keys’ tank top featuring the design from the T-shirt in the short film *Beat It*
Fees include commission and taxes.
White ‘Piano Keys’ tank top featuring the design from the T-shirt in the short film *Beat It*
In the early 1980s, with the release of *Thriller*, Michael Jackson established a look that became instantly recognisable, in which streetwear became an integral part of his stage persona. During this period, certain graphic motifs featured prominently in his visual world, including the piano keyboard motif associated with the short film *Beat It*, which became one of the iconic symbols of the era.
The tank top on display draws on this graphic vocabulary: a screen-printed design on the front featuring a black-and-white piano keyboard punctuated with stylised musical notes, set against white cotton jersey. Straight cut, round neckline and slightly dropped armholes. ‘Made in USA’ label, consistent with American production from the early 1980s. The garment displays an even patina and signs of wear consistent with regular use.
The item is accompanied by a letter of provenance, to be handed over to the buyer, from Frank Cascio, author of the book *My Friend Michael*, stating that it is believed to have belonged to Michael Jackson and to have been given to him as part of their relationship in the mid-1980s.
The “piano keys” motif is documented in several textile and visual variations associated with the Thriller period, contributing to the creation of an instantly recognisable visual language for this phase of his career.
– From Michael Jackson’s personal wardrobe, United
States– Donated by Frank Cascio in the late 1980s, United States. (signed certificate of provenance)
– Gotta Have Rock’n’Roll auction, lot 89, 3 December
2016– Richard Fossaas collection, Norway–
Private collection, New York
In the absence of further documentation (photo match, third-party verification), this attribution should be regarded as plausible but not definitive. The buyer is advised to carry out their own research.
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