Fashion has always played an important role in Michael Jackson’s legacy. From the military-inspired jackets of the Dangerous era to the crystal-covered masterpieces worn during the HIStory Tour, Michael transformed stage costumes into works of art. It’s no surprise that, decades later, designers around the world continue to draw inspiration from his iconic style. One of the latest to do so is Paris-based independent designer Henri Vitte.
Henri Vitte is the founder and creative director of the independent fashion house HV, launched in Paris after studying fashion design and developing his own vision of handcrafted luxury. Through his work, Vitte focuses on creating unique, one-of-one pieces where meticulous craftsmanship takes precedence over mass production. His latest creations, inspired by Michael Jackson, showcase that philosophy perfectly.
The first piece was created especially for Salif Lasource, better known to Michael Jackson fans simply as Salif. The Parisian dancer has become a social media phenomenon thanks to his incredible ability to recreate Michael’s dance moves in the streets of Paris. His viral performances have earned him television appearances, collaborations with major brands and even ambassador roles, including with Michael Jackson-inspired sportswear brand Actively Black.
For Salif, Vitte produced a breathtaking one-of-one jacket as a tribute to the King of Pop. Featuring more than 6,500 pearls and rhinestones, each individually applied by hand, the piece required weeks of dedication and patience. More than simply recreating Michael’s legendary style, Vitte described the jacket as a symbol of resilience, representing years of refining his craft, trusting the creative process and turning life’s challenges into wearable art. The project also marked a new chapter in his career, as he announced a shift toward producing fewer pieces with greater artistic intention.
Not long afterwards, Vitte revisited the design for another artist: Cris MJ, the Chilean singer and outspoken Michael Jackson fan. Rather than simply reproducing the original, he transformed it into a striking “Blackout Edition”, an all-black interpretation that pushed the concept even further.
The jacket features more than 8,000 hand-set pearls and rhinestones, with the darker palette requiring even more embellishments to create the desired depth, shine and texture. Vitte also collaborated with designer Nicolo Bocale to create a bespoke 3D-printed zipper pendant made exclusively for Cris MJ, resulting in another truly unique creation.
Looking at both jackets side by side, it’s easy to see that these are far more than fashion pieces, they are tributes to Michael Jackson’s timeless influence on music, performance and design. Every pearl, every crystal and every detail reflects the dedication that both Michael and Vitte bring to their respective crafts.
At MJVibe, we always enjoy shining a light on artists whose work keeps Michael Jackson’s legacy alive in fresh and creative ways. Henri Vitte has demonstrated that Michael’s influence extends far beyond music and dance, continuing to inspire a new generation of designers. We can’t wait to see what he creates next and perhaps one day, one of his spectacular jackets might even find its way onto a stage worthy of the King of Pop himself.
You can follow Henri Vitte on Instagram.
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