Fashion & Style

Who is Michael Kors? Learn about the style and history of this famous designer, where to shop for the men’s and women’s clothing, fragrances and accessories, and the prices for his collections.

The Michael Kors mission is to bring customers a ready-to-wear collection that is “sleek, sophisticated, graphic, American sportswear”. Michael Kors is ultimately a lifestyle brought to life through men’s and women’s fashion, fragrance and accessories. The Michael Kors collections are clothes that you can wear everyday. They are chic, yet sophisticated and not at all fussy. It’s the way modern people dress. Find out about the man behind the label, the awards and what it was like to meet him.

The Man Behind Michael Kors

This Long Island, New York native formed the Michael Kors label in 1981 and he has never looked back and his success continues to rise. The success of Michael Kors is attributed to his drive (he has referred himself to the energizer bunny), his beautiful luxurious sportswear and his relationship with the fashion press. In 1997, the men’s line was launched, however, in 2002 – a full-scale men’s wear collection was launched. In 2004 the latest collection MICHAEL Michael Kors was launched in over 350 stores all over the nation, including ready-to-wear for men and women, handbags and other small leather goods, and watches for both men and women. His women’s fragrance “Michael Kors” launched in 2000 and the men’s fragrance launched in 2001.

Meeting Michael Kors

I was lucky enough to meet Michael Kors after the debut of the fall 2004 collection at his very own shopping party at Marshall Field’s in Chicago during fashion week. You could really tell he loves what he does and it shows. He was loyal to his clients, helping them pick out pieces from his designer collection, incredibly humble and down-to-earth and truly enjoying himself – living in the moment. Not to mention, a true joy to talk to. Guests enjoyed sipping cocktails, trying tantalizing appetizers, while shopping his MICHAEL Michael Kors collection.

The Awards

Michael Kors has received countless collections for his talent as a designer. Following are many of them…

-1983 DuPont’s first American Original Award.

-In 1999, he won the coveted Womenswear Designer of the Year Award by the CFDA.

-1999 Lifetime Achievement Award from Lighthouse International

Golden Hanger Award for best designer, presented by E! Television Networks

-2000 Women’s Fragrance Star of the Year for MICHAEL, by The Fragrance Foundation

Best New Women’s Fragrance for MICHAEL from Cosmetic Executive Women

-In 2003, the CFDA presented him with the Menswear Designer of the Year Award.

-2004 CFDA Nomination for Women’s Designer of the Year

CFDA Nomination for Men’s Designer of the Year

The Celebrities

Celebrities like Madonna, Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and countless other celebrities wear his clothes.

Where to Buy

The Michael Kors collection can be bought at fine boutiques and department stores nationwide, including Marshall Field’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Shop his very own boutiques located at 974 Madison Avenue in New York, 360 N. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and American Manhasset at 2060 Northern Boulevard in Manhasset. There’s also a flagship Michael Kors store in Tokyo, Japan.

The Prices

Michael Kors Collection ranges from $500-2,000.

MICHAEL Michael Kors ranges from $40-350. NY

Written by Melissa Maynard – 2002 Pagewise