Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket heads to auction in Abu Dhabi: How much will it fetch?

In December, Julien's Auctions will auction a Thriller jacket designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, wife of Thriller director John Landis. Only two jackets were made for the shoot, and this one comes with a story worth the price of admission. Michael Jackson autographed the jacket on the sleeve and gave it to his longtime costume designers, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

In 2011, it sold for $1.8 million, making it the most expensive jacket ever sold at auction. Now, fifteen years later, the jacket is back in play for Julien's Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience, running from December 7-9, 2026, at Rosewood Abu Dhabi. The auction will feature over 100 pieces from the King of Pop's wardrobe, with four of them being the most sought-after items.

Alongside the Thriller jacket, the Motown 25 rhyme glove and two pairs of 1983 loafers will be up for grabs. The Motown 25 glove, worn during Jackson's iconic performance of "Billie Jean" on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, set a record in 2009 when it sold for $430,000. The Thriller jacket and Motown 25 glove are expected to fetch $600,000 to $800,000 at this year's auction.