Julien’s Auctions is heading to Abu Dhabi and Michael Jackson collectors may want to keep a very close eye on what is coming.
The auction house has announced its inaugural Celebrity & Pop Culture Week in Abu Dhabi, taking place from December 5–10, 2026, with a series of high-profile auctions bringing together memorabilia from music, fashion, film, royalty and popular culture.
And, unsurprisingly, Michael Jackson is once again at the centre of attention.
The Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Auction
One of three headline auctions will be dedicated entirely to Michael Jackson under the title “Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Auction.”
Julien’s describes it as “the largest and most unprecedented collection” of Michael Jackson stage costumes, accessories, video-worn pieces and iconic wardrobe items.
Among the highlights already announced are the “Vibe” Magazine photo shoot-worn bedazzled glove, reportedly from Michael’s final gloved public appearance, the loafers worn in the “Thriller” music video, the Bad Tour jacket designed by Michael Bush and Tompkins, and a “Bad” Tour stage-worn embellished Thriller jacket.
And that is apparently only the beginning.
Julien’s announcement gives very little information about the full Michael Jackson collection, but its description certainly suggests that the sale will contain a substantial number of items.
For collectors, that immediately raises plenty of questions.
The Bush Collection Question
Julien’s Auctions is certainly no stranger to Michael Jackson memorabilia. Over the years, the auction house has sold thousands of Jackson-related items, ranging from personal belongings and photographs to stage costumes and iconic wardrobe pieces.
However, not every Michael Jackson auction has been met with the same enthusiasm from fans.
One of the most controversial was the Michael Bush Collection auction, which attracted significant criticism and controversy surrounding allegations regarding the authenticity of some signatures associated with items in the sale.
The auction nevertheless attracted enormous attention, including from superstar Lady Gaga, who reportedly purchased hundreds of Michael Jackson items from the collection.
Julien’s has also had a relationship with the Michael Jackson Estate, with several Jackson items having previously appeared through the auction house. That connection has occasionally prompted questions and speculation among fans about the relationship between the two organisations and the Estate’s efforts to keep Michael Jackson items within its own collection (or getting the cash in).
Naturally, the announcement of another enormous Michael Jackson collection is therefore likely to generate considerable interest and scrutiny.
So, Where Did All These Items Come From?
That is the big question.
Julien’s has not yet published the complete catalogue, meaning we currently do not know the provenance of the vast majority of the pieces that will be offered in Abu Dhabi.
Could some originate from the Michael Bush Collection?
Could there be reproductions among the material?
Could some pieces have been consigned by private collectors?
And, perhaps most intriguingly for fans, could any items have come directly from or through the Michael Jackson Estate?
At this stage, there is simply not enough information to answer those questions.
The wording used by Julien’s, particularly its claim of the “largest and most unprecedented collection”, certainly makes the upcoming catalogue one to watch.
As soon as the full listing becomes available, MJVibe will be looking closely at the individual items, their descriptions and, importantly, their stated provenance.
Until then, Michael Jackson collectors will have to wait and see exactly what Julien’s is bringing to Abu Dhabi.
More Than Michael Jackson
The Abu Dhabi event will not be exclusively about Michael Jackson.
A second headline auction will focus on Princess Diana, featuring what Julien’s calls its largest Diana auction to date, while the Pop Culture Legends sale will include memorabilia connected to names such as Bruce Lee, Banksy, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Madonna, Eddie Van Halen and Sabrina Carpenter.
The event will take place at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, which will serve as Julien’s official venue partner, with bidding available both live in Abu Dhabi and online.
For Michael Jackson fans and collectors, however, the real attraction will undoubtedly be Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Auction.
The catalogue has yet to reveal just how big this Jackson haul really is.
MJVibe will keep you updated as soon as the complete auction listing is released.
Click HERE to see Julien’s Auction.
