The King of Pop in Paris: Aguttes unveils landmark Michael Jackson collection
Arthur Perault of Aguttes Auctions.
PARIS.—
For the first time in Europe, the public can visit and see 50 items from an exhibition titled Pop Culture & Memorabilia: Michael on show from May 30 to June 2, 2026 at Aguttes Auction house in Paris.
The sale of these 50 outstanding and historic items which once belonged to Michael Jackson will take place on June 3, 2026. Aguttes estimate the individual items in the collection at between €400 and over €100,000. The overall estimate of this collection amounts to €500,000 / €1,000,000.
Arthur Perault, Head of Aguttes Pop Culture & Memorabilia Department, says: “Curating this exhibition-sale is an extraordinary privilege. Michael Jackson remains the undisputed King of Pop, surrounded by an aura that is both mystical and mythical. Structuring this retrospective is like a biopic and is a way of paying tribute to his absolute genius: reliving his trajectory through the objects that carried his story and magnified his legend.”
The top item in the sale is a right hand Stage glove, in cotton and Swarovski rhinestones, by Dennis Tompkins & Michael Bush, attributed by David Pencer to the rehearsals of Billie Jean for the July 14, 1988 concert at Wembley Stadium, London, and very likely used on stage during the Bad World Tour at the same period. Estimate: €100,000 – €150,000
A first in Europe
For the first time in Europe, a major collection of memorabilia that belonged to Michael Jackson will be offered at auction, retracing the life and legend of the King of Pop. Starting Saturday, May 30, 2026, the public will be able to see around fifty iconic pieces: clothing, accessories, and stage costumes that belonged to Michael Jackson, as well as autographs and 3 of his drawings, at Aguttes. This museum-quality exhibition-sale precedes the public auction that will take place on June 3, 2026.
These lots all come from the collection of Richard Fossaas, a Norwegian collector who spent his entire life gathering Michael Jackson memorabilia with the aim of establishing a museum. Eventually, a private collector from New York acquired a significant selection of these items, which he has now entrusted to the auction house Aguttes. This ‘exhibition-sale’, featuring a wide range of estimates, is aimed at all Michael Jackson fans, whether they are enthusiasts, collectors or investors, as well as institutions.
The catalog includes shirts worn by the artist (€600 / €800 each), even a personal pillow (estimate: €400 / €600). It will take a few thousand euros to acquire iconic pieces such as his famous red Dior cardigan (€8,000 / €12,000) or drawings (€3,000 / €5,000) and autographs (€1,000 / €1,200). Exceptional pieces, such as the Bad Tour glove or prototype number 2 of the Pepsi commercial, both estimated between €100,000 and €150,000, promise to make headlines during the inaugural sale of Aguttes’ “Pop Culture & Memorabilia” department.
“Pop Culture & Memorabilia: Michael,” a staged sale
Presented in the form of an immersive biopic, this exhibition-sale will unfold in three acts, retracing Michael Jackson’s artistic and personal journey:
ACT I – The Foundations and the Rise of the Icon (1979–1984)
From the early days of his solo career to the peak of Thriller, this phase reveals the origins of the myth and the symbols that shaped his image, including the genesis of the famous sparkling glove.
ACT II – The Commercial Peak and the Epic Tours (1987–1995)
A dive into the years of absolute glory, marked by worldwide tours and media omnipresence, reflecting his status as a global icon.
ACT III – The Later Years and Charity Work (1996–2003)
Personal objects from the HIStory period to memorabilia linked to his humanitarian commitments. This final act closes the retrospective on a more intimate and generous dimension.
Mythical stage relics, some iconic lots
• A Swarovski glove worn during the Bad Tour concerts for “Billie Jean” and thrown during rehearsals for the July 14, 1988 concert at Wembley Stadium, London — the immortalized signature gesture. Estimate: €100,000 / €150,000
• A hat used on the Victory Tour in 1984, symbol of his early solo glory. Estimate: €6,000 / €9,000
• Trousers from the Bad tour, a relic of the global performances that redefined pop.
Prototypes and exceptional jackets
• Important black sequined stage jacket, attributed to Bill Whitten, worn during the Victory Tour period, circa 1983–1984
• A prototype of gloves imagined after the 25th anniversary of Motown
• Outfits from cult music videos, including the T-shirt worn in “Scream” with Janet Jackson. Estimate: €20,000 / €30,000. The Proto 2 for the Pepsi commercial (Thriller era) — an absolute rarity for enthusiasts.
Intimate and unusual objects
• Minaudière “For Michael Jackson” by Katherine Bauman, circa 1980s–1990s
• Michael Jackson’s personal Swarovski Bill Whitten pillow, a sparkling nod to his private and sophisticated world
• Autographs and emblematic items from his career
“More than a sale, this event offers a physical encounter with genius. By auctioning this unique ensemble, we are not selling objects, we are offering the key to a myth. It is the rare moment when the legend becomes tangible,” comments Arthur Perault, Head of the Pop Culture & Memorabilia Department
The King of Pop items have been shown in several museums around the world
United States
• National Museum of African American History and Culture (Smithsonian, Washington D.C.) holds a black fedora worn during the Dangerous tour (c. 1992).
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland) displays several iconic pieces, including the full “gangster” costume from the short film Smooth Criminal.
• The Hollywood Museum (Los Angeles) houses an important collection of costumes, including the BAD tour outfit and stage accessories.
• GRAMMY Museum (Los Angeles) presents the interactive exhibition Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy (extended until 2029), including ornate jackets and handwritten lyrics.
Asia
• MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 (Macau), a private museum, houses one of the most famous items: the white rhinestone glove worn by Michael Jackson during his first Moonwalk demonstration in 1983. It also features costumes from the Thriller period and gold records.
Europe
• Ernst Barlach Museum (Wedel, Germany) is currently hosting (until May 31, 2026) the retrospective exhibition THIS IS IT, presenting visual documents and photographs.
• King of Pop Museum (Steffisburg, Switzerland), located within Brasserie 98, this private museum displays a collection of memorabilia and gold records.
