Since debuting his namesake label more than three decades ago, Michael Kors has built a fashion empire and remains a designer household name for refined simplicity and classic elegance. After teaming up with Gwyneth Paltrow for a Michael Kors Goop winter basics collection, Michael Kors has already made an impact with his 2014 spring collection of gorgeous beachy prints and fluid silhouettes. As a nod to the fashion visionary, we’ve spotlighted the designer legend and his forthcoming spring and summer fashions.
Photo courtesy of flickr, owned by user Robert Spring
Designer Reflection: A Michael Kors Flashback
Michael Kors, a global fashion brand and former “Project Runway” judge beloved for his snarky quips, continues to influence the American fashion landscape with his authoritative, yet accessible designs. He’s among the world’s most fashionable elite, and he curates runway masterpieces, as well as fashions for the everyday wardrobe.
Kors was a Fashion Institute of Technology dropout-turned-fashion designer who earned his big break with New York Magazine when luxury retailer Dawn Mello noticed him working on a window display for the boutique Lothar. Her intrigue in who designed the clothes prompted him to start his own womenswear collection. Launching his new label and selling it to Bergdorf Goodman was just the beginning. Kors really became entrenched in the fashion industry as a notable figure when he signed on as designer and then creative director for French fashion house, Celine between 1997 and 2003.
Drawing upon inspiration from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ali MacGraw, Kors cultivated his venerable brand with fabulous fabrics and fashion lines full of clean-cut styles and attractive understatements. Kora told the Desert News he “was convinced that real elegance was synonymous with simplicity,” as noted on a Michael Kors history timeline by Vogue.com. The Kors mantra? “Something sharp, authoritative, but different.” Kors collections have included intermittent menswear, lower-priced, full-fledged accessories, and sportswear lines. The Michael Kors brand eventually expanded to include a fragrance, swimwear, childrenswear, and home lines.
Today, the fashion designer lends his name to the Hong Kong-based company that has more than 150 flagship stores in major North American cities and more than 30 European stores. With 2014 on the horizon, we featured upcoming spring and summer styles from the timeless Michael Kors.
Fashion Anticipation: 2014 Spring & Summer Trends
Although we’re still bundled up with scarves and strutting down icy walkways in knee-high black leather boots, 2014 spring and summer Michael Kors trends have already made industry statements. Style.com showcases the Michael Kors Ready-To-Wear collection featuring neutral, earthy tones and elegant simplicity. New York Fashion Week describes a 2014 Kors as “more elaborate and mature styling.” The pieces are sharply tailored while remaining soft and fluid, according to show notes. Fashionologie.com adores the relaxed feel of the breezy spring line, full of carefree printed tea dresses, belted cardigans and knee-length pencil skirts.
Designers are aesthetic visionaries whose recently released collections are always ahead a season or two. For the everyday woman passionate about fashion, we’re still shopping for a Michael Kors metallic sweater, a quilted leather motorcycle jacket and winter fashions from Macy’s and other affordable retailers. Sometimes though, a love for fashion is all about unattainable luxury and next season’s runway looks. Trendsetters can look forward to Kors’ 40s luxe beachy style, and sleek pieces bordering on careerism. Once the weather warms, it’s all about flouncy and clean looks that appear effortless.