Thriller-inspired LED-lit jacket arrives just in time for Halloween

Thriller-inspired LED-lit jacket arrives just in time for Halloween
Arduino Team — October 14, 2022

Michael Jackson's Thriller music video was arguably the best known of his entire career. It contains many horror themes, a delightful and memorable choreographed dance, and an iconic red jacket designed by Deborah Nadoolman. The video's horror references make it a Halloween favourite, which is why Louise Katzovitz's reimagining of the LED-lit Thriller jacket is appropriate for the season.

Katzovitz created this jacket for a Michael Jackson impersonator to use during his performances. This is not a replica of Nadoolman's original design, but rather an homage to a special light version that Jackson wore on tour. Even if they don't know about this special version, it's similar enough to the one in the video that audiences instantly recognize it for what it is.

It would have been easier to start with a commercial replica of the jacket, but Katzovitz instead sewed the entire jacket from a bomber jacket pattern. That alone is impressive, but the LED setup pushes this project into the stratosphere. An Arduino Nano board controls several individually addressable WS2812B RGB LED strips. 3D printed “gems” hide the LEDs and diffuse their light. The strips mount to vinyl cut on a Cricut craft machine, producing long panels that Katzovitz could attach to the jacket with sewn-in Velcro strips. Power comes from a 5V battery bank small enough to fit in an inside pocket.

The result is fantastic and puts Jackon's real jacket to shame. Katzovitz even made a little version for his dog, making him the meanest boi on the block.

Technology Oct 14, 2022 0 75 Add to Reading List

Arduino Team — October 14, 2022

Michael Jackson's Thriller music video was arguably the best known of his entire career. It contains many horror themes, a delightful and memorable choreographed dance, and an iconic red jacket designed by Deborah Nadoolman. The video's horror references make it a Halloween favourite, which is why Louise Katzovitz's reimagining of the LED-lit Thriller jacket is appropriate for the season.

Katzovitz created this jacket for a Michael Jackson impersonator to use during his performances. This is not a replica of Nadoolman's original design, but rather an homage to a special light version that Jackson wore on tour. Even if they don't know about this special version, it's similar enough to the one in the video that audiences instantly recognize it for what it is.

It would have been easier to start with a commercial replica of the jacket, but Katzovitz instead sewed the entire jacket from a bomber jacket pattern. That alone is impressive, but the LED setup pushes this project into the stratosphere. An Arduino Nano board controls several individually addressable WS2812B RGB LED strips. 3D printed “gems” hide the LEDs and diffuse their light. The strips mount to vinyl cut on a Cricut craft machine, producing long panels that Katzovitz could attach to the jacket with sewn-in Velcro strips. Power comes from a 5V battery bank small enough to fit in an inside pocket.

The result is fantastic and puts Jackon's real jacket to shame. Katzovitz even made a little version for his dog, making him the meanest boi on the block.