The iconic Colour By Numbers ensemble, designed by Dexter Wong, from the collection of Boy George. 

This outfit was worn during Culture Club's Colour By Numbers Tour, including iconic performances at the Odeon in 1983 and Wembley Arena in 1984. This ensemble was also worn by Boy George when he appeared on The Johnny Carson Show and was interviewed by Joan Rivers. The ensemble is currently being exhibited at the British Music Experience in Liverpool. 

This patterned ensemble consists of an oversize shirt and matching baggy trousers outfitted with black leather Vivienne Westwood Pirate boots and black wool wide brim hat (please note the hat is not original to the ensemble, outfitted for aesthetic purposes). The shirt design is loose in fit with dropped shoulders and mid-length hemline, which was a preferred style for Boy George at the time paired with loose fitted trousers that taper in at the ankle. 

The ensemble comes with a copy of Boy George Fashion & Make-up Book by Wayne and Geraldine Winder & Christina Saunders, which features images of Boy George wearing the iconic ensemble on tour. 

Boy George during his sit-down interview with Julien's Auction explains the silhouette and the concept for this style of costume worn in the early, mid-eighties, saying, “These sort of costumes, there were so many things going on. You know why I wore them? The shape. It was kind of like it wasn't conscious, but it was androgynous. […] and it was kind of hiding in a way, you know, just kind of creating this silhouette that was quite protective.”

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.” 

Bidders please note this item is currently on exhibition at the British Music Experience in Liverpool, United Kingdom, until September 1, 2026. Following the end of the exhibition the item will be available to ship.

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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