The Best of Michael Kors

By Stylemeister on February 21, 2011 4:56 pm on Classics, Collections, designers, mens clothes, Suits

In 2011, the legendary Michael Kors celebrates thirty years in business, and his latest men’s fall collection is an ode to his maturation as a designer and an expression of an established, elegance old world glamour aesthetic.

So who is Michael Kors?

Apart from being the pithy and terse judge on Emmy-nominated reality show “Project Runway,” Mr. Kors “ has been named one of the most influential designers of the decade (Vogue Magazine 1996).

He began his career in fashion at the age of 19, designing and merchandising a collection for the renowned boutique Lothar’s in New York City. The success of these clothes caught the attention of the fashion press, prompting Kors to strike out on his own. In 1981 the Michael Kors label was formed; since his collection was established, it has never strayed from Kors’ initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear.

In 2001, Michael Kors launched accessories under his collection label. Today, the line includes a full range of women’s handbags, shoes, belts and eyewear. In 2002, the company launched a full-scale men’s collection in response to the critical acclaim received by a capsule menswear line launched in 1997.

Michael Kors collection flagship boutiques can be found throughout the United States; international collection stores include Milan and London. In 2006 the company began an aggressive growth of accessory-focused stores encompassing the world of Michael Kors. There are currently 60 stores in North America, as well as international locations including Munich, Seoul and the Middle East.

Kors’ also lends his name to a line of signature fragrances for women, and men – Michael for Men. In 2009 the company launched a major fragrance franchise – “Very Hollywood Michael Kors.”

His fans include actor Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Debra Messing, Anna Wintour and Anjelica Huston who were all in the front row of his Fall 2011 collection to see his latest designs. In March of 2009, first lady Michelle Obama chose a Michael Kors gown for her first official portrait; Mrs. Obama continues to wear Michael Kors on a regular basis.

Michael Kors received DuPont’s “first American Original” award in 1983 and the Elle/Cadillac fashion award for excellence in 1995.” In June of 2010, Mr. Kors was the youngest recipient to ever receive the Geoffrey Beene lifetime achievement award from the CFDA, and received the Fragrance Foundation’s FIFI “Hall of Fame” award for lifetime achievement. He also received the Oliver R. Grace award from the cancer research institute.

For his Fall 2011 men’s collection, Kors dresses his men in cool grays and neutrals, marking a return to fit and implausible tailoring. From the slouchy tops to fluid trousers, every core piece is elongated and fitted, with innerwear framed by a luxe array of slightly oversize outerwear that completes the Michael Kors institution with a dash of style and finesse.