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Description: Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" Video Rehearsal Worn Leather Jacket
We offer what is undoubtedly the best-documented item from Michael Jackson's wardrobe to ever come to auction, an ornately-appointed leather jacket worn by Jackson during rehearsals for his "Dirty Diana" music video, from the immensely-succesful "Bad" album. Similar to the jacket worn on the multi-platinum album's cover, the black calfskin jacket is loaded with sturdy, heavy-duty hardware including seven buckles on each arm, three buckles on each shoulder, three detachable pin-back metal strips on each shoulder, two zippered pockets and three snaps at the collar. Typed on the inside collar cloth label from the famous Western Costume Co. in Hollywood are the notations: "...2158-1 MICHAEL JACKSON...chest: 36....sleeve: 17". The jacket is accompanied by two indisputable documents proving its provenance. The first is a Certificate of Authenticity issued and signed by EDDIE MARKS, President of Western Costume. Marks describes the jacket and notes: "...I hereby confirm that the garment was custom tailored for Michael Jackson by Western Costume Company's head tailor Ruben Rubalcava in early 1988 for use in the music video 'Dirty Diana'. The garment is complete with our original Western Costume Company label sewn inside the collar...and the W[estern]. C[ostume]. C[ompany]. 'made to order' number '2158-1' clearly printed in black ink...". Also present is a Letter of Authenticity signed by Jackson's hand-picked personal designers of twenty-five years, DENNIS TOMPKINS and MICHAEL BUSH. According to the Los Angeles Times" "...[Bush and Tompkins] quietly designed most of Jackson's personal and concert tour wardrobes -- tens of thousands of pieces, many with military details -- working from a Michael mannequin in their studio that was built to the singer's exact measurements. The pop star's directive was always, "This is what the world's wearing -- top it". The pair also designed Jackson's last suit, the one he wears at this moment. They write: "...This letter is to authenticate that Western Costume label number '2158-1' was made by then tailor Rubin Rubacaba [sic]. It was to be used in Michael Jackson's 5th number one song from the Bad album, 'Dirty Diana' . After Michael Jackson['s] first rehearsal on stage and his dance moves the jacket was not used...Michael Bush dressed Michael for the video...". Boldly signed by both designers. The jacket is in excellent condition, having been worn by Jackson during the rehearsal, and perhaps on several occasions thereafter before he donated it to a charity auction where it was obtained by our consignor. "Dirty Diana" was the fifth and final number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from his Jackson's 1987 album "Bad". Initial rumours at the time suggested the song was inspired by an alleged affair between Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, however this was later denied by Quincy Jones who stated it was about groupies, a fact also confirmed by Jackson himself. The final video, filmed in fron of a live audience, won the "Number One Video In The World" at the 2nd World Music Awards.