Kors by Michael Kors Fashion Designer Biography
Michael Kors was born and raised on Long Island, a suburb of New York City. He attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, where he studied fashion design. This marks his third season as a judge on the Emmy-nominated Bravo series, “Project Runway.”
Kors 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; his first women’s collection was launched at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, amongst other stores. Since his collection was established, it has never strayed from Kors’ initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear. In June of 1999, Michael Kors received the most prestigious award in the fashion industry – the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year.
In January of 2002, the company launched a full-scale men’s collection, which had previously been a capsule men’s wear line launched in 1997. The line received a fantastic response and in 2003, the CFDA bestowed Kors with the distinct honor of Menswear Designer of the Year.
In 2004, Kors unveiled MICHAEL Michael Kors in over 350 stores nationwide. The MICHAEL Michael Kors collection includes women’s and men’s ready to wear, accessories including handbags and small leathergoods, men’s tailored clothing, dress shirts, neckwear, and timepieces for both women and men.
Kors’ first signature fragrance for women, “Michael Kors” was launched in September of 2000 and has consistently been in the top three within every door it is offered. A men’s signature fragrance collection soon followed.
Celebrities who have worn Kors’ clothes include Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelica Huston, Sigourney Weaver, Liv Tyler and Rene Russo — who Mr. Kors worked with on the wardrobe for the 1999 remake of the “Thomas Crown Affair.”
Michael Kors received DuPont’s first American Original Award in 1983, and the Elle/Cadillac Fashion Award for excellence in 1995. In July, 1996 he was named by Vogue magazine part of the “New Establishment” — and referred to as one of the most influential designers of the decade. In February of 1999, Kors was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lighthouse International. In December of the same year Mr. Kors received The New York Award from New York Magazine, celebrating 10 people who epitomize the spirit of the city, as well as the Golden Hanger Award for best designer, 1999, presented by E! Television Networks. In January of 2001, Out Magazine named him to the Out 100, a list honoring those who have made a difference during the past year. In June of 2001, Kors was one of three nominees for the Accessories Designer of the Year Award by the CFDA, after launching his accessories collections one-season prior. Michael Kors serves on the Board of Directors of The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and is an Executive Vice President. Michael Kors currently resides in New York City.
Kors by Michael Kors Website
http://www.michaelkors.com/
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