Kors, Michael

(1959- )

   Born in New York, Kors graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. He first achieved success and recognition designing and merchandising for a New York City boutique. In 1981, Kors started his own label with a collection of womenswear. A true believer in the value of firsthand customer input, Kors loves the trunk show experience for the valuable feedback it provides. In 2003, Kors sold an interest in his company, Michael Kors LLC, to Sportswear Holdings Ltd., in an effort to turn the Kors label into a megabrand. The launch of Michael Kors, an affordable luxury label, is one venue for capturing additional market share. By 2004, Kors collections included accessories, fragrance, furnishings, menswear, and footwear. In the same year, he also signed a licensing agreement with Warnaco to manufacture, distribute, and market swimwear and related accessories. By 2005, the parent company announced its plans to drop its Michael Kors menswear line; key industry figures noted that the line did not meet a Kors label expectation and that Michael Kors was not a recognized enough brand to carry itself in a market other than the top luxury tier. A key figure on the hit television series Project Runway, Kors shared his industry experience as a critic and judge on the show. He was a recipient of his first Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Award in 1999.

   See also Brand identity