If there was a fitting runway to commemorate 40 years of American jet-set luxe, it would be the post-pandemic streets of New York City, brimming with the impending trappings of travel. With the theatre district as its stage and Broadway providing the backdrop, American designer Michael Kors presented his time-defying 40th anniversary collection.
The momentous occasion proved a fitting homage to Kors’s pivotal role in defining classic American style. With a journey that began behind an unassuming window display in Bergdorf Goodman and a 1984 debut featuring supermodel Iman, the Long Island native would quickly become one of the well-known designers in the world. In his arsenal to date? An extensive universe of ready-to-wear, accessories and footwear evocative of big-city timelessness and immortalised on muses such as Rene Russo, Celine Dion and Kirsten Owen.
Fast forward 27 years and the designer’s penchant for off-duty opulence has found itself coming full circle. Calling upon supermodel greats Helena Christensen, Carolyn Murphy, Naomi Campbell and Shalom Harlow, his autumn/winter 2021 collection was a 63-look nod to black-tie glamour. Cue double-faced tailoring, thigh-high slits, shimmering gowns and plush shearling coats—artfully assorted with striking animal prints, lashings of decadent fur and cherry-red co-ordinates.
Accompanying the designer’s affinity for present-day glitz, however, were hints of his recognisable, understated ease. From classic camel coats and glossy puffer jackets to the quintessential girl-about-town energy of Bella Hadid and Irina Shayk, this much is clear: in just one night, the heartbeat of the city was resuscitated. And with it, a reaffirmation of Kors’s eponymous brand standing as the ultimate go-to for getting into a New York state of mind.
Photography Stefan Khoo
Fashion Jasmine Ashvinkumar
Hair Ken Hong/Evolve Salon
Make-up Clarence Lee using Smashbox
Model Diya Prabhakar/Looque
Photographer’s Assistant Alif
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