A brand synonymous with practical luxury, Michael Kors took Kuala Lumpur by storm when it made its Malaysian debut in 2011. The moment the brand opened its first store in Pavilion KL in partnership with luxury goods retailer Valiram Group, it certainly left a lasting impression. Suddenly, ladies of high society were clamouring to have Michael Kors outfits in their wardrobes. Everywhere you turned, you would encounter a well-dressed woman toting around Michael Kors signature handbags in a variety of colours.

JET-SET GLAMOUR
The Michael Kors look has always been about clean-lined, sexy-sporty designs with a subtle dash of drama. Kors has always sought inspiration from All-American, timeless beauties such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ali MacGraw. “I think of my clientele as glamorous, sophisticated women. She has a chic and modern sensibility, and is pragmatic and yet indulges herself. She is a consummate jet-setter,” said the passionate designer.

This nomadic concept comes across in some of the brand’s advertising campaigns. Vehicles such as helicopters, Vespas, sports cars and yachts are featured prominently in their campaigns as well as travel elements such as safaris and airport tarmacs. Kors himself is a citizen of the world, who keeps his travel logs and details in a travel diary at www.destinationkors.com.

UPTOWN ELEGANCE
Against the backdrop of Taipei, Malaysia Tatler was one of the many press media privileged to view the brand’s latest Fall collection. New York was the muse of the collection. “When I started designing, it was first all about speed and colours of New York – taxi cab yellows, neon oranges and such. Then Hurricane Sandy hit and the city went into survival mode, which is where the combat idea came in,” said Kors.

His pieces certainly reflect the fight-not-flight stance, with the use of luxe camouflage print, gloved hands and oversized goggles and watches – that once ‘equipped’, a woman will feel like she is ready to take on the world. Key colours chosen to complement the neutral hues of black, white, olive and charcoal are neon orange, royal blue and yellow. Occasional graphic houndstooth patterns give an edgy take to his designs.

As every Michael Kors aficionado knows, his designs are also all about detailing and materials. Heat-sealed closures, moto tailoring, perforation and quilting techniques are used to stamp distinctive looks in the clothes. On the accessories, hardware detailing and gleaming metallic accents add character to sleek structured bags, streamlined pumps and bold belts. One can’t help but want to touch and feel each plush and inviting item displayed in the store and on mannequins.

Anna Wintour, one of the fashion industry’s most revered figures, gave some insight to her thoughts on Kors’ recent collection in a video interview. Even Wintour, who usually adopts an inscrutable expression that is almost her trademark, seems to radiate with warmth as she talks about his talents and virtues. Such is the charm and influence of the man and brand the media has nicknamed as ‘King Kors’.  

This article has previously appeared in the September 2013 issue of Malaysia Tatler.