This is a two-piece yellow cotton denim shirt and pants designed by Dexter Wong from the collection of Boy George.

The ensemble was photographed on Boy George and worn for several appearances. The David Letterman Show, June 29, 1983, and the Russel Harty talk show appearance where Culture Club performed “Karma Chameleon,” October 12, 1983. 

The ensemble features a long oversize denim work shirt with button-up front, mismatched buttons, grey collar and cuffs, top-stitching surface design, and plaid applique. The matching pants sit at the waistline, dropped inseam, loose pant legs that taper in at the ankle. 

Boy George when he sat for the interview portion of The David Letterman Show was asked about the success of Culture Club and his process in writing the 1983 Colour by Numbers album, which he replied, “You cannot write the perfect pop record; you can just hope.” Boy George's music is reflected in his fashion, which is promoting inner truth at the exterior without artifice. 

In an interview with Julien's auctions Boy George speaks on how costume and performance are symbiotic, “You always remember what they (musicians) are wearing as much as what they are singing. And if the two things collide beautifully, then that's amazing.” The originality gives the song, performance, and the musician's presence context that is specific to them and the moment they've created. 

Culture Club's Colour by Numbers album was released on October 10, 1983. The record sold over 10 million copies, charting at #1 in the U.K. and #2 in the U.S. on the Billboard 200. Boy George when he appeared on the U.K. show The Tube, speaking about the band's second album, he explained, “The next album is going to prove that we’re very musical. It’s a lot more mature and sophisticated… We work very closely with [producer] Steve Levine, who is almost the fifth member of Culture Club.” 

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Provenance: From the Collection of Boy George

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit MusiCares. 

This lot/property comes with a printed photo.

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