Jaafar Jackson Used His 2026 Met Gala Look to “Push the Narrative Forward”

[confident music]

[door knocking]

That's going to be my room service.

Oh, Vogue.

It's you guys.

Come on in.

[confident music]

I'm Jaafar Jackson.

I am an actor.

I portray Michael Jackson in the new film, Michael,

and we are here in New York.

I'm getting ready for my first Met Gala,

which is incredible, it's surreal.

To be able to come and attend for my very first time

after all this buzz on the film,

I couldn't be happier.

I started off this day actually with a nice spa day.

I went down and got a nice 60-minute massage.

Went to the steam room, went to the sauna.

It started off the most calm day.

Tonight means,

allows me to get into some clothes

that really feel true and right,

and that allows me to feel my best.

I'm honestly really excited to see Colman Domingo.

My father, who in the film who plays Joseph,

I know he is going to bring it, so,

I'm excited to see what he's going to wear.

[camera clicking]

We are going for natural

because we want him to look exactly like he is,

just a little bit better. [snickers]

It's all about balance.

I don't want to do too much and being very subtle.

I would like to look as natural as possible,

not doing anything I'm not used to doing,

and just sticking to how I look,

but just enhancing it with little subtleties here and there.

It is actually only our second time together,

so I'm going to see how long he keeps me.

[both chuckle]

Hair is a little different.

I'm a little particular in,

how should I say, picky with my hair.

So, I am the only one that touches my hair. [chuckles]

Well, you know, I had my hair long

for a while when I was shooting.

I grew up having a ponytail.

My hair was like almost down to my lower back.

So I grew up with long hair for many years,

and I didn't cut it until I was 13.

I'm enjoying it short right now.

I don't know if I'd go bald, though,

unless it was for a role, you know? [snickers]

That'd be fun, to see how I look with a full buzz cut.

Hi, everyone, I'm Nicole Morrone.

I'm Ilaria's assistant stylist.

Today we're wearing Polo Ralph Lauren to the Met Gala.

The suit is super special.

It's look 28 from the fall men's collection.

It has very special vintage details throughout the buttons.

The vest is a black silk formal vest

with the antique watch chain,

and it's getting paired with a pleated tuxedo shirt,

and a great contrast with the red socks

and great shoes.

[camera clicking]

Just finished grooming.

All set and done.

And look, now we have the outfit. It is finally here.

Wow, this is beautiful.

This really excites me

because I love the detailing

and the crest.

I've always loved the crest and the patches.

That's just, I know Michael loved it always with his outfits

and it's something I found a fond love of as well.

Can't go wrong with the red socks

to really help compliment the whole outfit.

When I had that fitting for the first time with it on,

it felt right.

I wanted them to feel like it's a timeless outfit

that speaks to everyone and it really has the class

and it gives that also vintage feel.

But, yeah, I would just say timeless.

[casual music]

It's getting closer and closer,

so I feel even more ready and I feel great.

I love the way it feels on me.

Right now, I'm really liking this vest

with these red socks that really makes it pop.

This nice chain that's coming across the front,

as of now, that's probably my favorite part about it.

[confident music]

Wearing something like this,

no, I feel very, very great, in a great mood.

Have some great confidence.

I'm feeling sharp in this jacket, this vest.

These red socks is really what's doing it for me,

just sticking out some symbolism there. [chuckles]

Thank you for getting ready with me, Vogue,

but it's time to go.

Going to head to the Met.

I'll see you there.

[confident music]

[confident music continues]

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