Some three years ago, Kim Mulkey stepped onto the court in that now-iconic sequined butterfly blazer from Queen of Sparkles, and it was THE moment. Since then, it’s been a fashion rollercoaster every single game. We eagerly wait to see what she wears next. And does she ever disappoint? NEVER. From sky-high stilettos to blinged-out pantsuits, she has been serving looks while her squad handles business on the court. And she did it again.

LSU hit the floor against NC State, gunning for that Elite Eight spot for the third straight time. Obviously, their coach had to match the energy, right? After keeping it relatively tame in Baton Rouge with more lowkey American looks, Mulkey brought out the full sparkle for Spokane. We got the first glimpse straight out of the Tigers’ spirit tunnel, leaving the team hotel.

And heads were turned!

The coach rocked a black denim jacket drenched in gold florals and leaves. But would it even be a Mulkey fit without some serious bling? Of course not. Rhinestone gems lined her neckline, the hem, and her cuffs, adding that signature dazzle. She paired it with sleek black boots, her signature bob, and a smokey eyeshadow look to tie it all together.

Just one thing, coach’s pants weren’t the usual similar vibe you’d expect from an Eastern-inspired set. Instead, she rocked a darker pair of jeans with the same gold patterns. And the fit is a little open flare, maybe bootcut, maybe bell-bottom—either way, they had just the right amount of drama to keep up with the jacket.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While some noted that the design had similarities to certain Asian fashion influences, the internet had another name in mind. And if you’re already thinking it—yes, you got it. Michael Jackson. The ‘King of Pop’ was famous for his bold, gold-accented outfits, and Mulkey’s look had that same energy.

And fans didn’t hold back on social media, flooding the comments with reactions.

Fans see MJ Vibes in Kim Mulkey’s flashy fit

“MICHAEL JACKSON VIBE 🤣,” one fan exclaimed. If you’ve been a fan of elaborate fashion choices, you must remember Michael Jackson’s iconic gold suit from his HIStory World Tour in 1996-1997—a full metallic gold jacket and matching pants. Not to mention his gold satin outfit from the “Remember the Time” music video. 

So, ever since, any time someone steps out in a bold gold fit, it’s impossible not to think of MJ. Another fan hyped up the LSU coach, saying, “She went MIKE JACK ON EM 🔥.” And of course she did—this was a No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup. Everyone knew all eyes would be on Mulkey, so how could she not go all out with the fit? 

Some fans even thought she should’ve saved the gold ensemble for the next round, but does anyone doubt she has another iconic outfit already lined up in her wardrobe? This is Kim Mulkey we’re talking about.

Then came the hilarious nickname: “Okay, Kim Jackson.” And even Lady Tigers’ HC won’t be mad at it. While her being compared to fashion icons has become a thing, now her fashion choices are influencing players, too. Even Caitlin Clark’s dazzling pink outfit had fans drawing comparisons, with some calling it “The Kim Mulkey Effect.” And we just know that influence isn’t fading anytime soon.

Another fan got creative, dubbing her “Mariachi Kim.” It tracks,actually. Mariachi musicians are famous for their vibrant, decorative outfits, just like Mulkey’s over-the-top style. The comparison might be playful, but the sheer attention to detail in her fits sits well.

Then, obviously, the confidence was on full display. “Outfit is saying see you in Elite 8 already,” a fan noted. For LSU’s first-round win over San Diego State, she went with a powder blue pantsuit. Then, for the Tigers’ second-round win over Florida State, it was a shimmering cerulean blue jacket. 

Both times, Tigers dropped over 100 points. Indeed, blue was their lucky charm. So, with the switch to black and gold, will the new bling bring them luck too? It must if they want to secure a spot in Elite 8. Let’s hope Tigers’ play as flashy as Kim Mulkey’s outfit!