Since the dust has settled on Michael Jackson’s sudden and tragic death – and his family has rallied to support the children he left behind, the remaining Jackson siblings have been quite busy hustling their brand behind the scenes. Insiders still aren’t sure if their public displays of anger and grief – not to mention their multiple appearances on Oprah – are macabre or simply their own way of healing. Regardless, one thing is for sure – the Jackson brand is back in a big way – and their sudden reemergence into the spotlight has afforded them everything from touring opportunities to reunion shows. The family’s foray into fashion, however, was quite a surprise, even for industry insiders.

In November, the Jacksons announced that all five siblings – even Michael, thanks to assets from his estate – are joining forces to launch a line of replica Thriller merchandise and apparel. They are collaborating with Los Angeles-based Steeve Bohbot, who runs a successful fashion showroom for the stars. We’ve heard rumors that brother Jackie approached the fashion guru only a week after Michael’s public funeral to get the ball rolling on the project.

The idea behind the line is to create nostalgia with merchandise and apparel bearing iconic logos of the boy band throughout the 1960s. In addition to tugging on the heart strings of lifelong fans, the line will also feature fashionable replicas of the leather jackets Michael made famous in his videos for “Thriller” and “Beat It” – and that are actually huge on the fashion scene again.

Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy plan to launch the line, called J5 Collection exclusively at Urban Outfitters and on j5collection.com beginning in February 2011. The leather jackets and blazers will run up to $600, but there are also more affordable pieces in the works as well. Here’s hoping that success in the apparel industry is as easy as 1-2-3 for the oft-embattled first family of pop.

While there’s no news about his clothing line collaboration with Christian Audigier, and nobody sold other sequined glove of his, the late Michael Jackson is definitely making money from the afterlife. This time with Ubisoft, a gaming company, which is now working on a dance game featuring the King of Pop and his hit songs. Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot announced:

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to develop a game based on the songs and moves of one of the world’s most incredible performers of all time. We expect the game to bring Michael Jackson fans, families and friends together with the energetic song and dance of The King of Pop.”

The dancing game will drop this holiday season and will be available for Xbox 360 with Kinect, Playstation 3 with Move and Nintendo Wii and DS. Wonder what they’ll name it.

Any thoughts?

The buzz surrounding Michael Jackson’s death has not stopped, even after his burial on September 4th, 2009. Recently, fashion designer/celebrity collaborator, Christian Audigier, revealed his upcoming Christian Audigier x Michael Jackson collection. Audigier is also rumored to be the buyer of Jackson’s 30-million dollars Holmby Hills mansion. Many speculations about Michael Jackson’s debts also surfaced and has been grazing the headlines since his untimely death back in July. Sales of Jackson’s personal memorabilia is widely anticipated, and it’s a surprise that Australians actually are the ones lucky enough to hold the first-ever auction of the King of Pop’s famed bejeweled glove.

A bejeweled white glove once tossed by Michael Jackson to an Australian fan was sold at an auction last Sunday, for AU$57,600 or US$48,400. The glove was obtained by the fan over a decade ago in 1996 as a part of his HIStory world tour. and was sold almost twice the estimated selling price. Jackson tossed the glove at audience member Bill Hibble, at the Australian premiere for the film “Ghosts” in which he had a starring role. The lucky bidder is Warwick Stone, a buyer for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, who exceeded the estimated selling price of AU$30,000. The glove was auctioned by the Melbourne auction house, Bonhams and Goodman. Charlotte Stanes, spokeswoman for the auction house stated:

“We are very happy with the result. It’s the first glove we know about in Australia.”

Will there be any more Michael Jackson fashion items up for auction? We’ll keep you informed.

Any thoughts?

Early Years

Posing in his Afro, Michael was already a stylish young man back in the seventies.  As he separates from The Jacksons Five to pursue his solo career, he started developing his own style.

After the release of “Off The Wall” in 1979, Michael Jackson ushered in the Thriller age.  The swagger was a signature jacket which he made famous from his music video along with the Thriller dance moves. PVC, faux leather and brilliant red were the key catchphrase when referring to the jackets.

Michael entered the “Bad” years and he polished his performances as well as his costumes, to add dramatic touches to his concerts.   Aside from the dramatic costumes, he introduced some attires that are easily associated with him in the future:  the fedora, the arm band and the loose white shirt.

Michael’s fascination with embellishments on his show attire peaked in the “Dangerous” years, as the album blown every chart in the world.  Probably a token of his success, Michael Jackson started to gleam and shine in his glory with many gold, military style, which he wore to lead legions of fans around the world to the top of his career.

In the mid towards the end of the 90s, Michael Jackson entered his “HiStory” years.  Michael Jackson embraced his softer look wearing mostly lightweight flowy shirts -even barechested, as well as keeping his trademark of army-look, only this time slightly in futuristic mode.  Note that mirror-glasses he made famous as well.

In his later years, Michael Jackson released his last album: “Invincible” and it turned out that the man kept on being a head-turner wherever he went and whatever he did.  Here are some of Michael’s best looks in his last years.

The world has lost an icon.  Not just in music, Michael Jackson managed to touch every single aspect of popular culture, including fashion.  Rest In Peace, MJ.  You’ll be greatly missed.

Images via AllMichaelJackson.com