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 2001, Kors launched accessories under his collection label. Today, the line includes a full range of women's handbags, shoes, belts and eyewear. In January 2002, the company launched a full scale men's collection in response to the critical acclaim received by a capsule menswear line launched in 1997.

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.

In Fall 2004, Kors will unveil his latest collection, MICHAEL Michael Kors, with an unprecedented launch in over 350 stores nationwide. The MICHAEL Michael Kors collection will include 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.
 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

• 1983 DuPont's first American Original Award

• 1995 Elle/Cadillac Fashion Award for Excellence

• 1999 Lifetime Achievement Award from Lighthouse International

• CFDA Award for Women's Designer of the Year

• The New York Award, from New York Magazine

• Golden Hanger Award for best designer, presented by E! Television Networks

• 2000 Women's Fragrance Star of the Year for MICHAEL, by The Fragrance Foundation

• Best New Women's Fragrance for MICHAEL from Cosmetic Executive Women

• 2001 Nominated for Accessories Designer of the Year Award by the CFDA

• Men's Fragrance Star of the Year for MICHAEL for Men, by The Fragrance

Foundation

• Best New Men's Fragrance for MICHAEL for Men from Cosmetic Executive Women

• 2003 CFDA Award for Men's Designer of the Year

• 2004 CFDA Nomination for Women's Designer of the Year

• CFDA Nomination for Men's Designer of the Year
   

The company designs and distributes high-fashion apparel and footwear forboth men and women. It added timepieces to its offerings through a licensing deal with Fossil (2004), eyewear through a license with Marchon Eyewear, swimwear through a licensing deal with Warnaco Swimwear, and socks via a license with American Essentials. In 2004 the company launched its MICHAEL Michael Kors collection, aimed at the more financially conservative consumer. Michael Kors himself owns about 15% of the company, while Sportswear Holdings, the holding company owned by fashion investors Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll, bought an estimated 85% of the company in January 2003.

Visit Our  SPONSOR