Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' jacket heads to Abu Dhabi auction with record hopes

By 10 October 2026, Julien's Auctions' announcement earlier in the week that four landmark pieces linked to Michael Jackson's 1983 performances will headline its first 'Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Evening Auction' had become one of the most-shared culture stories online. The original black-and-candy-red leather jacket designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis and worn by Jackson in the non-zombie scenes of the 'Thriller' music video leads the sale. It is one of only two jackets made for the production and previously sold for 1.8 million US dollars through Julien's in 2011; appraisers quoted by Reuters, Euronews and The Print suggest it could now exceed 10 million dollars. Also offered are the black Florsheim loafers Jackson wore during 'Thriller' filming, estimated at 30,000 to 50,000 dollars with a signed letter to choreographer Michael Peters, and the sequined white glove worn when Jackson debuted the Moonwalk at the 1983 Motown 25 television special, estimated at 600,000 to 800,000 dollars after selling for 430,000 in 2009. The sale will open the auction house's inaugural Celebrity and Pop Culture Experience at Rosewood Abu Dhabi from 7 to 9 December 2026. The auction coincides with a continuing legal dispute over Jackson's estate involving his daughter Paris Jackson.