The fashion designer Michael Kors will be in town next month for Saint Louis Fashion Fund’s “Speaking of Fashion” series in partnership with Washington University and Caleres. Kors will be interviewed by journalist Derek Blasberg, a native of St. Louis.
The venue at Graham Chapel sold out minutes after tickets went on sale, but a Livestream of the event is planned for those who are unable to attend in person. (Check the Fashion Fund’s website for details.)
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“Washington University is honored to partner with Saint Louis Fashion Fund on the Michael Kors event,” says Stephanie Martin, event host and spouse of Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. “We marvel at how “Speaking of Fashion” continues to draw huge and diverse audiences who come away from this series both inspired and energized to build their brands here or take a role in growing the fashion industry St. Louis.”
The Michael Kors brand is known for polished, relaxed, and glamorous clothes and accessories. Kors, who grew up in Merrick, Long Island, studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. In 1981, he launched his own line and later also served as creative director of the renowned French brand Céline. In 2010, he was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with the Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the youngest designer to be granted the honor.
In addition to the conversation with Kors, a trunk show will be held on April 1 and 2, at the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Fashion Fund in recognition of its 10th anniversary celebration.
We spoke to the designer about his upcoming visit to St. Louis, the fall 2024 collection, and the power of giving back.
What is your impression of St. Louis? What are some of your favorite places to visit when you come to town?
I haven’t been in many years, but I’m excited to see the city again when I’m in town for Speaking of Fashion.
Tell us about the fall 2024 collection. What is the inspiration behind the clothes? What pieces stand out to you?
My fall collection was inspired by the idea of timelessness and pieces that endure. It mixes the sharp tailoring and lingerie dressing of the ‘30s with the streamlined luxury of the ‘90s and the laid-back casual attitude of today. It’s incredibly hard to pick favorite pieces. I always say we work on each collection for nine months, so they all sort of become your favorites. I’m a coat addict, so I love all the outerwear—these aren’t your usual black puffers. And then the last look, the tuxedo blazer with the satin charmeuse skirt with train, was inspired by my grandparents’ wedding photo, so it’s very special to me.
What does it mean to be a luxury clothing brand today? How does the Michael Kors brand live that ideal?
It’s about creating a lifestyle that inspires and engages your customer, and that creates a connection and builds trust—because that’s what it all comes down to—your customers have to trust you to help them look and feel great. I’m constantly having a dialogue with my fans around the world, whether it be through social media or in-person trunk shows, about everything from our products to our philanthropy. And then of course, we’re reinforcing the lifestyle with our ad campaigns and store environments.
Who is the Michael Kors client? How has she evolved throughout the years?
Our customers are cool, confident and always up for adventure. The women and men who wear our clothes are plugged into the zeitgeist, they’re always evolving and, like the original jetsetters who have always inspired me, they love travel, they love discovery, and they want to look chic and sophisticated wherever they are in the world.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers? What skills outside of traditional design skills are important for young designers to develop?
Get to know your customers and their lives—spend time in a store, learn how people shop, and define what it is you want to design and who you want to design it for, then stick to it! Empathy and authenticity are two of the most important things for success.
Tell us about your involvement in the Watch Hunger Stop program. How did you become involved? Why is this initiative providing meals to schools in developing countries important to you?
I wanted to take the work I was doing locally to fight hunger and raise it to a global level. I’m a results-oriented person, and when I learned about the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the work they do on the ground, I was instantly drawn to them. As we started working together and I saw the impact their school meals program has, especially on girls and women, I became even more dedicated to helping them in their life-changing work.
