Michael Kors – Elevating American Style

Michelle Obama famously chose a plain black dress by Michael Kors for her first appearance as the First Lady of the United States at the White House, as well as a black dress with red accents when her husband won his second presidential election. The brand’s simple yet elegant aesthetic has made it a top choice for former First Ladies, as well as numerous celebrities including Kate Middleton, Dakota Johnson, Blake Lively, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Melania Trump, and Ivanka Trump. Kors’ distinctly American designs draw inspiration from icons such as Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Katharine Hepburn.

Kors’ garments eschew flashy uniqueness or vibrant colors in favor of practicality, functionality, and understated elegance, embodying the classic American fashion spirit. In an interview with Zee News, Kors stated, “People are living real lives, busy lives. My job is to make things that make them feel comfortable, easy, but still glamorous, and of quality.”

His collections across seasons often revolve around muted color palettes such as beige, brown, gray, and black, featuring comfortable sportswear, fur coats, knit sweaters, dresses, tailored trousers, and platform boots. However, these pieces are crafted from high-quality materials, meticulously cut, and impeccably tailored.

Handbags have also been instrumental in building Michael Kors’ reputation, with the Selma bag capturing the hearts of fashion aficionados. Stylist Rebecca Lockwood remarked to The Independent, “The design is perfect for office workers due to its sturdy structure, simple yet elegant design.”

Kors has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to American fashion. In 2010, he became the youngest recipient of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). In 2013, he was honored with the Artistry of Fashion award by the Couture Council. That same year, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. By 2014, he had become a billionaire in the fashion industry, nearly three years after taking his brand public.

Michael Kors’ journey to success has been marked by many obstacles. Born in 1959 on Long Island, New York, Karl Anderson Jr. (later changed to Michael David Kors) had a passion for fashion from a young age. Kors often reminisces about his well-dressed grandfather and accompanying his grandmother on day-long shopping trips. As the son of a model, his mother, Joan Hamberger, served as a bridge to the garment industry, influencing Kors’ style significantly.

At the age of five, Kors already knew how to alter his mother’s wedding dress for her remarriage. He suggested removing the bows, and his mother complied, instantly rejuvenating the dress to a more youthful and modern style. Speaking to ABC News, his mother recalled, “The kid told me what to wear and how to style my hair.”

However, due to his unconventional interests, young Michael Kors often faced bullying in school. He told Vogue, “I wasn’t on the basketball or soccer team; I was sketching in the corner, thinking about shopping. I felt different, not included.” At 19, he enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology but dropped out nine months later to work as a sales assistant at the Lothar’s fashion store. It was there that Kors carved out a corner to design and sell some blazers, sports jackets, and maxi dresses.

In 1981, the fashion designer launched his eponymous brand. His debut collection in 1984, comprising sportswear designs, was hailed by WWD as “classic, chic, sophisticated, and minimalistic,” quickly gaining traction in high-end retail stores such as Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Lord & Taylor. However, by 1993, mismanagement led to the brand temporarily ceasing operations.

In 1997, Kors joined the French fashion house Celine. Prior to his tenure, Celine was not known for ready-to-wear clothing. The young designer revitalized the brand with his signature American style, featuring luxurious sportswear, sneakers, cashmere sweaters, and expertly tailored fur.

In 2003, Michael Kors left Celine to focus on his own brand, emphasizing affordable fashion lines targeted at the middle class, primarily modern, independent women. He early diversified the sizes of his garments to make the brand more inclusive, proudly claiming to design for women “from age 12 to 80.” He told ABC News, “A great fashion designer not only makes clothes for everyone but also makes them look great. I want to design for every body, every age.”

A year later, the fashion designer was invited to join as a judge on the American Project Runway. His fashion expertise, humorous style, and wit garnered significant attention. In the reality show, he consistently posed questions such as, “Where would people wear this? What do women really want? How can we make ordinary clothes feel fresh?” Kors’ inquiries provided inspiration for a generation of young American designers.

Today, Michael Kors boasts over 1,200 stores worldwide. Fashion designer Zac Posen told Time, “Michael brings the beautiful American heritage into the future, spreading it worldwide for all men and women who want to be a part of the American dream.”