Throughout his illustrious career, the late Michael Jackson was known for his iconic style and unique accessories. One such accessory that captivated the world was his single white glove. But have you ever wondered why he wore it? Let’s dive into the story behind Michael Jackson’s signature glove.
Concealing a Skin Condition
According to the late actor Cicely Tyson, who had a connection to the pop legend, the glove was initially designed to “camouflage” signs of a skin condition called vitiligo. Vitiligo causes the skin to lose its color in patches, typically on the face, neck, and hands. It is a condition that affects one in every one hundred people and results from a lack of melanin, the skin’s pigment.
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In a revealing interview with CNN, Cicely Tyson shared her firsthand knowledge of the glove’s creation. She disclosed that she had a fashion designer in common with Michael Jackson in the 1980s. The designer, aware of Michael’s developing vitiligo, started working on a glove to cover the signs of the condition. “The glove was to camouflage it. That’s how that glove came into being,” Cicely recalled.
A Fashion Statement is Born
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Michael Jackson first donned a single white glove in 1983, and it quickly became a symbol of his unique style and persona. He once explained, “I felt that one glove was cool… wearing two gloves seemed so ordinary.” Michael’s choice to wear the glove on his right hand added an air of mystique to his stage presence.
The Vitiligo Revelation
In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993, Michael opened up about his skin condition, seemingly referring to vitiligo. Oprah, addressing the speculation surrounding Michael’s changing skin tone, asked him if he was lightening his skin because he didn’t want to be Black. In response, Michael explained, “I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin.” He further expressed his frustration with the rumors and the pain they caused him.
Michael revealed that he had noticed his skin changing sometime after the release of his iconic album “Thriller” in 1982. To manage the blotchiness caused by vitiligo, he used makeup, but he vehemently denied ever bleaching his skin.
A Legacy of Acceptance
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The revelation of Michael Jackson’s vitiligo shed light on the challenges he faced. At the time of his interview with Oprah, vitiligo was not well-understood, and his openness helped raise awareness about the condition. Oprah herself acknowledged that the issue was sensitive for Michael and that the public had limited knowledge about vitiligo.
Michael Jackson’s single white glove became a symbol not only of his fashion sense but also of his strength in the face of adversity. It showcased his resolve to embrace his unique journey and spread a message of acceptance.
So, the next time you see a picture of Michael Jackson wearing his signature glove, remember the story behind it—a story of triumph over judgment and a testament to the power of being true to oneself.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
