The Glove
From Necessity to Fashion Icon
What began as a way to conceal a skin condition became one of the most recognizable fashion accessories in music history.
The legendary white sequined glove
The Origin Story
Michael began wearing a single sequined glove in the early 1980s, partly to cover the early signs of vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation. Rather than hiding his hand entirely, he transformed the necessity into a statement piece that would become his signature look.
The Iconic Design
The gloves were custom-made, hand-sewn with Swarovski crystals, and featured approximately 1,200 to 1,400 rhinestones each. MJ owned hundreds of gloves throughout his career, with designs varying for different performances and eras. The white glove against his dark jackets created an unmistakable visual contrast that enhanced his dance moves.
Cultural Legacy
The single white glove became one of the most copied fashion items in history. One of MJ's gloves sold at auction for $420,000 in 2009. The glove has inspired countless Halloween costumes, fashion tributes, and has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and music. It remains instantly recognizable as a symbol of the King of Pop.
The glove became synonymous with MJ's image