MICHAEL JACKSON - MICHAEL JACKSON'S DESIGNER DREAM

MICHAEL JACKSON'S DESIGNER DREAM

Michael Jackson was ''really excited'' about coming to London for his 50-date residency, designer Christian Audigier has revealed.

Michael Jackson "dreamed" of starting a clothing line.

The 50-year-old pop legend - who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09) - was in the process of designing a collection with French fashion guru Christian Audigier when he passed away.

Referring to the comeback shows Michael was due to perform in London this month, Christian explained to BANG Showbiz: "I was working on merchandising with him and launching a new line of clothes, which was actually Michael's dream.

"A month-and-a-half ago I had a dinner at his house and he was in perfect shape and was really happy and excited to be coming to London and what has happened since then has been very sad."

The US-based designer - who launched his new range of champagne and fine wines in London last night (01.07.09) and is known for his Von Dutch and Ed Hardy collections - added Michael was planning to bring some of his own distinctive style to the range.

He explained: "It was based on various types of merchandising on different products, also accessories. What he wanted from me was the T-shirts and the hoodies and the caps. And it was very kind of royalist - kind of a mix of the real Michael Jackson and his alter-ego as the King of Pop."