In Michael Kors’ hometown of New York City, Broadway is not just one of the city’s most defining symbols, but unfortunately, also one of the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. A tribute to the city and to Broadway demands nothing short of theatrical perfection, and Kors more than delivered the glitz, glamour, and drama in his 40th anniversary autumn/winter 2021 show.
But beyond just a love story to theatre, this aptly-themed “Opening Night” extravaganza is a story of hope as we look forward to stepping out again when the world opens up. Inspired by “the joy in getting dressed up and stepping out for a night on the town“, Kors describes his collection as “all about making every moment a special occasion and feeling confident, glamourous and upbeat”.
To the crooning of award-winning musician Rufus Wainwright, models turned the city streets into their personal catwalk as they strutted through NYC’s theatre district in Michael Kors designs.
Some like Bella Hadid painted the town red in head-to-toe bold scarlet outfits, while others emblemized big-city monochromatic dressing in neutral shades of black, white, ivory, and camel.
A walk on the wild side in this urban jungle came through in graphic zebra and leopard prints, which brought a new twist to the classic tailored coat and suit set.
The collection’s yin-and-yang balance of contrasts continued as oversized puffers, warm cashmeres, and cosy shearlings were seen draped over mini-skirt suits and dresses with thigh-baring slits.
Gradually, the pinstripes, houndstooth and glen plaids gave way to glossy plongé leather, paillette hand embroidery, and black chantilly lace. Structured tuxedoes in herringbone wool transitioned to slinky evening dresses in shimmering metallics.
The increasing glam factor over the course of the show reflected just how much we are all hankering for a big night out again. In the final scenes from the show, the models gathered in the Shubert Theatre—the sight of an empty gallery filling up with palpable buzz and energy is a delightful promise of what we can await.
Wainwright wraps up his rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business with the emphatic “Let’s go on with the show!” Indeed, the show must go on, and Michael Kors’ autumn/winter 2021 collection captured the zeal and zest of that sentiment perfectly.
The 40th Anniversary autumm/winter 2021 Michael Kors Collection runway show is also available to the brand’s international audience across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, as well as on WeChat, Weibo, LINE and Kakao.
