Michael Kors orchestrated a memorable getaway on a Monday morning at the scenic Domino Park along the Brooklyn waterfront.
Set to a backdrop of Burt Bacharach melodies and framed by the passing jet-skiers and ferry commuters, models graced the scene in ensembles fit for a resort, reminiscent of the iconic fashion moments from the 1960s and 1970s, a time when Jackie O, Jane Birkin, and the designer's beloved mother and everlasting fashion muse, Joan Kors, thrived. Sadly, Joan Kors passed away last month, leaving a profound impact on Michael.
During a preview, Michael Kors recounted the plans he had with his mother, sharing that they were scheduled to fly to Los Angeles the following day and then head straight to the Polo Lounge. He expressed gratitude that he had the opportunity to speak with her before her peaceful passing.
“All those cliches, quotes, and sayings about life's unpredictability are true,” Michael mused, pointing to his inspiration board adorned with a heartwarming photo of a young Michael, with his towheaded hair, seated on a pool lounger beside his mother during a vacation.
The message is clear: seize the moment, take that mental escape, or enjoy a leisurely day at a park along the Brooklyn waterfront.
Even before Joan's passing, Birkin had already been on Michael's mind, inspiring him to design a leather basket bag reminiscent of her iconic tote. He reflected on the British woman living in France, noting how her laid-back style was quintessentially American in spirit.
The collection beautifully echoed the spirit of Birkin in its Chantilly lace, hand-crocheted cotton cashmere caftans, minidresses, low-slung pants, crop tops, often paired with boyfriend jackets, and universally comfortable flat sandals.
Kors, renowned for his expertise with neutrals, made sure to match them with every skin tone in a range of fabrics, though some could have been a touch more luxurious.
Recognizing the evolving nature of resort fashion, Kors introduced swimwear into the mix, emphasizing that the bathing suit has effectively become the bodysuit of today. A standout piece was a white one-piece with captivating gold o-ring accents at the cutout waistband.
In keeping with current trends, transparency played a role, but Kors was considerate in his approach. He revealed, “While I've never dabbled in the lingerie business, this season we're shipping bras and panties with many of these looks. Because, yes, you can find anything online, but who wants to spend hours on the phone searching for the perfect bra or panty? So, we're making it convenient.”
Returning to the memory of Joan, Michael Kors remembered her various fashion phases. “She adored HotPants and very short dresses,” he recalled, but by the 1980s, she had transitioned to wearing chic pants daily. “Once, we had a show filled with ultra-short garments, and I asked her opinion. ‘Oh, it was spectacular. I loved it,' she exclaimed,” Michael recounted. “But you wouldn't wear most of it,” he remarked. Her reply was simple, “That's not the point. I sat there and thought, ‘Boy, I wish I could.'”
