Michael Jackson returns to the market with pop memories thanks to a new auction by GWS Auctions, which starts riding the wave of the biographical film grossing 97 million dollars in North America.
Why is the auction starting now?
The film, released on Friday, recorded the best debut ever for a biopic in North America. However, the Southern California auction house wants to take advantage of the attention with nine items related to the artist, including a pair of signed moccasins, size 9.5.
The sale on May 2 includes 734 lots from the collection of Prince Lorenzo de’ Medici, an artist and distant descendant of the Medici family. The auction also features a letter of appreciation for those participating in the family sale.
What Jackson items will be offered?
Among the most recognizable pieces are a white glove with crystals, used in the Victory tour of 1984, and a pair of white socks decorated with Swarovski, dating back to the Dangerous tour. Additionally, both accessories recall the moment that made them iconic: the filming of Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, in March 1983, when Jackson performed the moonwalk while singing Billie Jean.
The moccasins at auction are Florsheim Imperial Como Loafers, black leather shoes with leather soles and minimal ornaments, designed to glide on the floor. Jackson signed the left shoe.
How much is the pair of shoes worth?
According to the sale sheet, the autographed footwear directly connected to Michael Jackson is highly sought after and rarely comes to market. That said, other signed moccasins worn on stage have already passed through Bonhams, Julien’s, and GWS Auctions in previous years.
Bidding for the new lot will start at 7,500 dollars, with increments of 500 dollars. The auction house states that Jackson wore them, but also notes that an unidentified person sent them to the artist for signing in the late Nineties.
The lot is accompanied by documentation on MJJ Productions letterhead, supporting authenticity, receipt, autograph, and return of the shoes. So far, there are no bids.
Will they surpass the other top lots?
Overall, even if interest approaches that of another pair of Motown 25 sold in 2018, the moccasins would likely remain below the minimum estimates of the three leading lots: three gold watches by A. Lange & Sohne, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille.
The scenario confirms a known dynamic: memorabilia most linked to performance, especially if documented, continue to attract collectors and investors. In this case, the film’s appeal strengthens a demand already supported by rarity and provenance.
Ultimately, the GWS Auctions auction combines spectacle, memorabilia, and market, with attention that could translate into higher bids for the most iconic pieces. For now, however, the spotlight remains on the highest-value lots of the May 2 sale.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
