Egyptian Funk

THE VIDEO: “Remember the Time”

THE SCRIPT: Michael Jackson (playing himself) surfaces in ancient Egypt, where he makes a serious play for Queen Nefertiti (Iman). The Pharaoh (Eddie Murphy) is not amused. Magic Johnson has a cameo role in the Pharaoh’s court.

THE LOOK: Updated Egyptian. Even though John Singleton directed the video, there’s nothing here fashion-wise to remind you of his last adventure, “Boyz N the Hood.” This mini costume-epic explodes with big-budget stars, dancers and extras decked out in read-my-hieroglyphics Egyptian styles--except for Jackson. Heavy crowns, thick neck pieces and scepters are de rigueur . Iman slithers about with her bellybutton bared in a chiffon gown that has long train, while Murphy stares everyone down in a gold helmet and Fortuny-pleated skirt. Not to be left out, Johnson balances an impressive headdress, too.

But Jackson goes for something more original--antique Egyptian with street-edge funk. At first glance it seems the rock star wants to bring hemlines back below the knee. He wears what appears to be a skirt, thigh boots and a bra that looks like a metallic harness. He wraps his legs in leather laces to give the effect of ancient sandals. Actually, Jackson has on his familiar black Levi’s 501s, penny loafers and socks under all the Egyptian stuff. He’s also wearing three belts--a thick gold one around his hips and two made of articulated gold metal and rubies strapped diagonally across his chest.

THE SOURCES: Jackson’s gear was designed and produced by L.A.’s Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins. Designer Betsy Heimann handled everyone else’s apparel, while White Goose Productions in Los Angeles built the headpieces. Western Costumes manufactured all principal costumes, excluding Jackson’s.

THE PAYOFF: It’s weird, it’s wacko. This may be Jackson’s oddest fashion statement yet. It’s tough to imagine that it could have the mass appeal Jackson’s looks have had in the past. But Bush reports that Jackson believes kids will pick up on it, or at least parts of it, especially the laced-up legs. Maybe. Jackson gets points for sticking with local design talent (as opposed to European fashion stars) and for probing uncharted rock ‘n’ roll territory.