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Chic, Luxurious,<br />
Sporty<br />
Interview with Michael Kors<br />
by LUXOS Writer for Sunday Trends<br />
The award-winning American designer is set to take Europe by storm<br />
Recipient of multiple awards, in particular the<br />
CFDA award for women’s wear and menswear<br />
designer, Michael Kors has been one of the<br />
most influential American designers for over two<br />
decades. It all started in New York City where, at<br />
the age of 19, he designed and merchandised a<br />
collection for a well-known local boutique. Over<br />
the years, Kors’ vision of beautiful, luxurious<br />
American sportswear flourished and expanded<br />
to the world of women’s accessories, as well<br />
as complete menswear. Michael Kors flagship<br />
stores are in New York City’s Madison Avenue,<br />
Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, and also in Hong<br />
Kong and Dubai. As the brand continues its<br />
expansion in Europe, Michael Kors tells us that<br />
for him it has always been about the Michael<br />
Kors woman. Let’s find out.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: You founded the brand in 1981. Today,<br />
Michael Kors is a familiar name in fashion<br />
around the globe. Could you please tell us a<br />
bit about the evolution of the brand?<br />
MK: Being in the business for almost 30 years<br />
means we went through a lot of changes. When<br />
I created the company, I believed in what I was<br />
doing and was fortunate enough to meet people<br />
who had faith in me. I believe in an evolution,<br />
not a revolution. One of the first reviews of<br />
my collection in 1981 stated that I made chic,<br />
luxurious sportswear. The same holds true<br />
today.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: With the new economy, do you think the<br />
idea of luxury has changed?<br />
MK: Today luxury means investing in the best<br />
pieces and wearing them – not having racks<br />
of clothes with tags still on them, outrageous<br />
shoes still in the box. True luxury is appreciating<br />
what you have. The best things get better with<br />
time: quality, not quantity.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: In your opinion, is luxury expressed<br />
differently in different parts of the world? How<br />
so?<br />
MK: It used to be like that. Countries that<br />
underwent a drastic change in their economy<br />
thanks to new resources, like Russia and<br />
China, were hungry for luxury brands. Today,<br />
since people are traveling the world more and<br />
have access to so much through the internet,<br />
they have been exposed to a more subtle and<br />
elegant approach to luxury.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: How would you describe the Michael<br />
Kors woman?<br />
MK: The Michael Kors woman is always sexy<br />
and confident. You notice her and think she<br />
looks great before you necessarily notice what<br />
she’s wearing or what bag she’s carrying. She’s<br />
interested in fashion, but is not a fashion victim.<br />
She’s also a woman with an opinion.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: How do Michael Kors products cater to<br />
different customers around the world?<br />
MK: We make high quality, timeless products<br />
keeping in mind that people travel a lot more<br />
both for business and vacation. Nowadays<br />
only the climate can possibly make a difference<br />
between what a customer would wear in Toronto<br />
or in Madrid.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: In your own words, how would you<br />
describe the signature/classic Michael Kors<br />
style?<br />
MK: Chic, luxurious, sportswear.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: I notice that a number of American<br />
brands seem to have a different image in the<br />
rest of the world. Is this the case of Michael<br />
Kors also?<br />
MK: No. I have always been true to myself and<br />
what I believe in as a designer. Whether it’s<br />
how our stores look, our ad campaigns, or the<br />
product we design, I think about a global image.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: On a more personal note, what are some<br />
of your favourites places (such as hotels,<br />
restaurants, etc) around the world?<br />
MK: I love the energy of New York, the luxury<br />
of Europe, and the service you receive in Asia<br />
plus great beaches from Long Island to Capri to<br />
Phuket.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: Also on a personal note, what do you like<br />
to wear during your trips?<br />
MK: Black. It’s the only way not to worry too<br />
much about packing; black travels to any<br />
destination and can be dressed up or down very<br />
easily. Jeans, a black t-shirt and black blazer<br />
takes me everywhere and I'm never without<br />
aviator sunglasses.<br />
<strong>ST</strong>: What can we expect from Michael Kors<br />
in the near future? Could you please give<br />
our luxury travel readers an idea of what’s<br />
to come?<br />
MK: The company is focusing on expanding in<br />
Europe. Our objective is to open more of our<br />
own stores, especially Michael Kors Lifestyle<br />
stores like the one we opened in Munich which<br />
carries a mix of all my labels. <strong>ST</strong><br />
Creditline: LUXOS<br />
29<br />
EXCLUSIVE FASHION INTERVIEW
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