Trading Posts

All those Michael Jackson fans who have been thinking about coming to see the new Michael Jackson installation at the Autry can now take a little bit of that “Thriller” magic home with them

MJ T-shirt and design sketch poster (Photo by Tessie Borden)

when they leave the gallery.

The Autry Museum Store now carries items that are replicas of some of the Michael Jackson wardrobe items in the installation, including the hapnin’ belt buckle Jackson used when he promoted the single “Beat It,” and a T-shirt with the bib-front black-and-red scroll design that he wore to an appearance in Australia. High quality copies of the autographed design sketch, in 8″ x 10″ and 24″ x 36″ poster form, are also for sale.

This is the first time Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, the designers who for 25 years worked with the King of Pop, have licensed any replicas of anything Jackson ever wore.

There’s more. Out of respect for the star, the proceeds will all go to charity: 70 percent is designated to go to the Shambala Preserve, the wild animal refuge established by actress Tippi Hedren, which after Jackson’s death took over the care of many of the animals in his private zoo; the remaining 30 percent supports programs and exhibitions at the Autry. For the record, Bubbles, Jackson’s monkey, is not at Shambala. It’s living on a ranch in Arizona.

Musical MJ belt buckles (Photo by Tessie Borden)

On Tompkins and Bush’s request, all of the items are made in the USA, and the T-shirts are manufactured right here in Los Angeles by American Apparel.

The Michael Jackson T-shirt and the large poster sell for $30, while the small sketch sells for $15. The belt buckle, a limited edition, sells for $180. There is also a coffee table book, “Michael Jackson: A Life in Pictures,” edited by Yann-Brice Dherbier, which sells for $40. Tompkins and Bush are working on their own book of Michael Jackson’s attire, and when it is published, the store will carry it as well.

On Sunday, the Autry will celebrate Jackson’s birthday with his music, cake, and “Thriller” dance performances. DJs from radio Hot 92.3 will be here all day, spinning MJ discs, and the Cafe will serve the pop icon’s favorite foods. Dancers will perform Thriller and teach the steps to anyone who wants to try them. And Tompkins and Bush will be available at the store to sign shirts, posters, and other memorabilia.