• June 10, 1991
• Vol. 35
• No. 22

The Great Michael Make-Over

Designers Propose a Rasta Thriller, An Urban Chiller and a Gent with Pillar

MADONNA APPARENTLY WASN'T PLAYING PARTY GAMES WITH Michael Jackson when she said last month that he could benefit from a material make-over. She suggested he link up with a pair of dancers from her Blond Ambition tour, Jose and Luis. The duo—who, like Madonna, don't use surnames—claim they've been communing with Jackson's camp and are on the case. "We intend to get rid of the boots, buckles and glitter," says Derek Kahn, their manager. "We want to give him an updated street look that's very what's-happening-in-New-York-today. Hoods, bomber jackets and baggy clothes by Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and Isaac Mizrahi."

But Jose and Luis aren't the only ones under consideration by the Temporarily Gloved One. Designers including Azzedine Alaïa, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler reportedly were also contacted, along with sacred lensmen Steven Meisel and Herb Ritts.

Jackson spokesman Bob Jones isn't denying that a change may indeed be in store for his client. But he won't give credit to anyone but Jackson. "He had a different look for each of his albums by his choice," says Jones. "Absolutely no one determines which direction Mr. Jackson goes." As for Madonna calling the shots, Jones makes a simple analogy. "It's like, if we go shopping, I might say to you, 'Do you like this shirt?' "

Well, yes...er, no. But since Jackson evidently is considering new images, PEOPLE asked some noted designers to make over the star for the '90s. So take a look, Michael. Could these ideas ever be you?