Bio
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.
Mr. 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 honour of Menswear Designer of the Year.
Mr. 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. Following the success of the women's fragrance, in September of 2001 Kors launched his men's signature fragrance collection.
The first Michael Kors flagship store, at 974 Madison Avenue in New York City opened in September of 2000. In February of 2002, an Asian flagship was opened in Tokyo's Ayoma district.
In August of 2004, the company opened its West Coast flagship store at 360 North Rodeo Drive, and unveiled a new retail format, giving customers the ultimate luxury shopping experience.
In September of 2004, the company opened its third Collection boutique at The Americana in Manhasset, New York.
In November of 1997, Mr. Kors was named the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the house of Celine, a division of LVMH, Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and in February of 1999, he was named Creative Director for the house, and given the additional responsibility of overseeing all women's products and creative imaging.
Celebrities who have worn Mr. Kors' clothes include Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Catherine Zeta Jones, 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, Mr. Kors was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lighthouse International. In December of the same year Mr. Kors received The New York Award, celebrating 10 people who epitomize the spirit of the city, from New York Magazine in the Fashion category, 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 honouring those who have made a difference during the past year.
In June of 2001 Mr. 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.
He currently resides in New York City.