Michael Jackson, Shoe Designer
You can not go anywhere and not hear about the untimely death of Michael Jackson. Many will wistfully remember his early days at Motown, and recall perhaps wearing a single glove to school. The later years of his career were obscured by public relation nightmares, that seem to have affected his reputation in the United States more so than the rest of the world. His lie served as a cautionary tale about lost childhoods, and also the loneliness that lurks at the top.
A little known fact about Michael Jackson is that he was also a shoe designer. He shares a US Patent for gravity defying loafers with Michael Bush and Dennis Thompson. You may recall incredible dance moves, where he tilted so far forward that you attributed it to his unworldly sense of balance and his slim frame. Actually, the moves were attributed to a special hinge that was an integral part of the shoe. There was a small slot in the stage where they could hook on, or maybe several spots. Since he choreographed things to a “T,” it definitely was not a problem finding the mark. The move was popularized in his early 90s Smooth Criminal video and subsequent performances.
There was an earlier patent that was for a personnel restraint tract which someone would attach work cleats too. This was something that was used for developing what was underneath the stage.
This little known trivia about his life may be one of those things, when the dust settles, and the jokes end, that he may be remembered as an innovator for.
Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson.
Passings, fashion history | Comments (14)