Michael Kors: “Travelling Is The Ultimate Inspiration”

Half-Jewish half-Swedish designer Michael Kors has taken India by storm. He reveals his love for his model mom, working as a store salesman, and why he is addicted to easy glamour.

While many in India don’t associate Michael Kors with sportswear, that’s exactly what he set out to do more than three decades ago. His collections embody laidback American glamour, the kind of everyday luxe designerwear you can don. Over the years, he has truly become the king of American sportswear. We catch up with him as he talks about his designs on India.

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How do you think your line reflects the changing tastes of modern women all over the globe?

Sportswear, in general, is becoming much more global. Simple, easy glamour is truly more than just a way of dressing—it is a way of life. I’ve seen it expand to different regions around the world through the years. When it comes to new design inspirations—I travel a lot! I live my life in airports and airplanes, but I absolutely love it because I think travelling is the ultimate inspiration. The colours, architecture, culture—it all helps me push forward when I am looking for new ideas that can still translate globally.

If you weren’t a designer...

I absolutely love the theatre. I would love to be a Broadway producer.

You also worked as a salesman when you dropped out of the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. What are the lessons that have stayed with you?

Working in a store was an amazing experience for me. It taught me to understand my customers. I was able to see what made them take out their credit card and buy the piece that they loved. Why that piece? What does she love about it? What does it do for her body? It was a lesson in both empathy and sociology that still resonates with me today.

Your mother was a model... was she happy with your career choice? Tell us about your Jewish-Swedish heritage.

My mom has always been supportive of my career. She always said, “Do what you love.” And my whole family loved fashion, so there was encouragement all around. As far as my heritage is concerned, I grew up with a Jewish mother and grandparents, and was raised with Jewish traditions. I love what I know about Sweden, but truth be told, just about the only thing I can say in Swedish is “Toast Skagen” (shrimp on sautéed bread)!

How did you decide on entering the Indian market?

The juxtaposition of glamour and function is something that really resonates with our customer—the ability to look chic without sacrificing comfort. The Indian woman encompasses that idea of looking effortlessly glamorous on the go, and I think she will really appreciate the range.

What do you think will look best on Indian women, from your collections?

I think Indian women are some of the most well-travelled people and have a very elegant approach to luxury. But there’s also so much glamour! Indian culture is incredibly glamorous. I think my totes and accessories, which combine glamour with ease and functionality, will give the modern woman what she needs. Whether it is head-to-toe dressing of pieces as she walks into the store. or a gorgeous bag she wants, she’ll understand it right away.

You once said, “I don’t want anything to date my clothes”.

One of the things I said from the beginning is that I wanted to create chic and timeless sportswear and the same remains true today. I never want my clothes to be a joke. I do not think in terms of trends when I am designing, I think of what my customers want. I want the Michael Kors woman to feel confident investing in my clothes and buy them knowing she can wear them forever.

Who among Hollywood's leading ladies do you think embodies the MK spirit?

I’m a big fan of Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. They are mothers, busy actresses. Yet, no matter if they are on the red carpet or taking the kids to school, they look great and get it right.

Which is the one actress you’d have liked to dress from yesteryears?

Jackie Kennedy. She defined elegance. It is all about knowing who you are, what you want and then, in turn, knowing what works for you in both looks and life—and Jackie did just that.

What has been the most challenging part about your 30-year journey?

The biggest challenge is to stay true to your design beliefs. Listen to what your customers want, find something that delights them, and at the same time, create something that feels new and fresh each season. The fashion world just keeps getting faster and faster, so learning to adapt is an ongoing challenge.

From the April 2014 issue of L’Officiel India.