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Join Paris and Prince Jackson as They Celebrate Motown Magic in McQueen

BY JANELLE OKWODU

November 15, 2019

It’s a well-known fact that Motown is all about family, so who better to honor its legacy than two of the world’s most famous siblings? Paris and Prince Jackson may be music royalty, but even they get wistful when they hear the label’s unmistakable sound. “I think of my childhood when I hear the word Motown,” says Paris from her suite at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. “I grew up listening to that, so it makes me think of family.” The iconic label, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last week with a star-studded gala, is an essential part of the pair’s history. At 22 and 21, respectively, they may be too young to have witnessed its heyday firsthand, but its cultural dominance has been an essential part of their lives. Many of their father Michael’s most iconic moments—from the rise of The Jackson 5 to the debut of the moonwalk—are intrinsically linked to Motown. So, when they were asked to present a special award to founder Berry Gordy, they didn’t hesitate.

Currently on tour with her band The Soundflowers, Paris is no slouch in the style department: While her off-duty style is more bohemian, for the red carpet, she’s always willing to go full glam. Appropriately, the event allowed her to pay homage to a design hero; to prepare for the big moment, the Jacksons brought in their longtime stylist Rushka Bergman and a wealth of fantastical fashion from Alexander McQueen. “I’m excited because Lee Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite humans,” says Paris.

With two Sarah Burton–designed pieces, Paris got the full McQueen experience. “This reminds me of McQueen’s fashion show ‘Horn of Plenty.’ That is my all-time favorite,” says Paris of her red-and-black lace-covered gown from the fall 2019 collection. Her princess-worthy tulle number detailed with crystals did, however, remind her of a missed high school milestone: “I never actually went to prom—I skipped it to go see Metallica—but this feels nice,” she says. “I would want my prom dress to look like this.”

Prince got in on the fun too, wearing a bejeweled jacket that recalled the elaborate onstage wardrobe of his father. “Growing up, I got to see Rushka style my dad and put on jackets like this, so it kind of comes full circle,” he says, noting the look’s embellished details. “The sparkles give me a level of confidence that I don’t think I’ve felt before—this is what you’d call a glow-up!”

But what made the experience truly special was the fact that the siblings got to share it—getting dressed up in the company of good friends like Bergman and enjoying a casual pre-show process filled with laughter. Here, the duo takes Vogue along for the ride as they talk personal style, tattoos, and a very memorable game of hide and seek.

60 Years Of Motown Celebration: Exhibitions

Directed and Produced by Rom Bokobza
Editor: Robby Massey
DP: Nate Gold
Sound: Alexander Dawson
Filmed at The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

60 Years Of Motown Celebration: Welcome
60 Years Of Motown Celebration: Works
60 Years Of Motown Celebration: Works
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