Kors graduated from high school in 1977 and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He also took a job at Lothar’s, a trendsetting boutique on West 57th Street, where his talents were noticed by Dawn Mello, then executive vice president of Bergdorf Goodman. Mello encouraged Kors to contact her if he ever designed a collection. Kors did just that, and in 1981 officially launched his own line. He held his first runway show in 1984, sending Iman down the runway in a turtleneck and gray flannels.
Kors was successful from the start, designing chic, luxurious sportswear that was both glamorous and effortless. He built a reputation as a designer who understands how women live and how they want feel in their clothes—confident, at ease, indulged and in control. By combining pragmatism with an unerring sense of chic, Kors’ unique take on “all American sportswear” would eventually go global.
Kors was successful from the start, designing chic, luxurious sportswear that was both glamorous and effortless. He built a reputation as a designer who understands how women live and how they want feel in their clothes—confident, at ease, indulged and in control. By combining pragmatism with an unerring sense of chic, Kors’ unique take on “all American sportswear” would eventually go global.
“People think of sportswear as uniquely American, but women around the world love playing with separates because they can put their own spin on them,” Kors has said. “The creative thinking behind sportswear is the same no matter where you are—it’s all about great pieces that women can wear every day.”
From 1997 to 2004, as he continued to build his own business, Michael Kors also served as creative director of Céline, the renowned French luxury brand. The appointment was notable—few American designers had headed up French brands—and his impact was significant. Kors is widely credited with restoring the brand’s luster, reestablishing it as a major European fashion house. During that same period, he launched Michael Kors Mens (2002) and MICHAEL Michael Kors (2004).
Despite the demands of running a global fashion house, Kors has always focused on giving back. For over 25 years he has been a passionate supporter of God’s Love We Deliver, a non-profit organization that cooks and delivers nutritious meals to people living with serious illnesses in and around New York City. In 2013 Michael Kors launched “Watch Hunger Stop,” partnering with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to help fight world hunger. To date, Michael Kors has helped WFP deliver over 17 million meals to hungry children. In 2015 the designer was named Global Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme.
MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION
Michael Kors launched his all-American sportswear label in 1981, earning countless awards, an A-list clientele and global recognition for his luxurious take on sophisticated clothes designed for a woman’s everyday life. Synonymous with easy glamour, timelessness and a jet set lifestyle, the collection includes sophisticated separates and evening wear as well as shoes, handbags and other accessories.
EXPLORE MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION ▸
MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
MICHAEL Michael Kors is a cool collection with a strong fashion identity, featuring a fresh mix of trends, colors, fabrics, prints and silhouettes that are always of-the-moment, that are sporty in feel but urban in attitude, conjuring a jet set lifestyle. It offers a piece for every occasion, accessible luxury with a hint of the unexpected, modern glamour with an element of ease.
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MICHAEL KORS MENS
Michael Kors menswear is an innovative collection with a modern American style—cool, sporty, sophisticated. Its signature sensibility is rooted in rich sportswear, sleek tailoring and essential luxury. It offers the perfect balance of polish and ease, with silhouettes that are casual yet luxurious, comfortable yet sharp, urban yet rugged.