Michael David Kors is a prominent American fashion designer known for his luxury brand, Michael Kors. His brand encompasses a wide range of products, including men's and women's apparel, accessories, watches, jewelry, footwear, and fragrances. Kors gained significant recognition during his tenure as the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the French fashion house Celine from 1997 to 2003. In 2019, Michael Kors Holdings Limited underwent a name change to Capri Holdings Limited, solidifying its position as a global fashion conglomerate. Capri Holdings Limited is notable for housing three founder-led brands: Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, and Versace.
August 9, 1959: Birth of Michael Kors
Michael David Kors, originally Karl Anderson Jr., was born on August 9, 1959. This marks the beginning of the journey of the iconic fashion designer.
1977: Michael Kors enrolls at FIT
In 1977, a young Michael Kors decided to pursue his passion for fashion by enrolling at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. However, his time at the institution was short-lived.
1981: Launch of the Michael Kors Label
Marking a pivotal moment in his career, Michael Kors launched his very own Michael Kors women's label in 1981. The label made its debut at the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, a testament to Kors' growing reputation in the industry.
1990: KORS Michael Kors Launch
In 1990, the company took a step further in expanding its reach and accessibility by launching KORS Michael Kors as a licensee.
1993: Chapter 11 Filing
Michael Kors faced a significant setback in 1993 when the company underwent a Chapter 11 filing. The filing was prompted by the closure of the licensing partner for KORS Michael Kors, leading to financial difficulties. As a result, Kors made the difficult decision to put the KORS line on hold.
1997: Michael Kors Joins Celine
In 1997, Michael Kors made a significant career move by becoming the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the renowned French fashion house, Celine.
2002: Launch of Menswear Line
Expanding his creative vision and catering to a wider audience, Michael Kors launched his much-anticipated menswear line in 2002. This marked a significant milestone for the brand, solidifying its presence in the menswear market.
2003: Departure from Celine
After a successful tenure at Celine, Michael Kors decided to leave the fashion house in October 2003. This decision allowed him to focus on building and expanding his own brand.
2006: Kors Referenced in "The Devil Wears Prada"
Michael Kors received a notable mention in the popular 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada." In a memorable scene, Meryl Streep's character, the formidable Miranda Priestly, mentions Kors while giving instructions to her assistant, played by Emily Blunt.
January 2009: Tony Duquette Estate Sues Kors
Michael Kors faced legal trouble in January 2009 when the estate of artist-designer Tony Duquette filed a lawsuit against him for trademark infringement. The lawsuit alleged that Kors had used Duquette's name and images without permission in the promotion of Kors' 2009 resortwear collection
August 16, 2011: Michael Kors Marries Lance Le Pere
In a joyous celebration of love and commitment, Michael Kors married his longtime partner, Lance Le Pere, on August 16, 2011. The beautiful wedding ceremony took place in Southampton, New York, in the picturesque Hamptons.
December 18, 2012: Kors Leaves Project Runway
After five successful seasons, Michael Kors announced his departure from the popular reality television show "Project Runway" on December 18, 2012. He was replaced by designer Zac Posen.
January 21, 2013: Alicia Keys Performs in Kors at Obama Inauguration
Alicia Keys made a powerful statement at Barack Obama's inaugural ball on January 21, 2013, by donning a custom Michael Kors gown for her performance. The choice of a Kors design highlighted the designer's growing influence and recognition within the entertainment industry.
July 2013: Kors Sues Costco
In July 2013, Michael Kors took legal action against retail giant Costco for false advertising. Kors became the second luxury brand, after Tiffany & Co, to sue Costco for claiming to sell his products in their advertisements, which was not accurate.
January 2014: Kors Becomes a Billionaire
In January 2014, Michael Kors achieved a significant financial milestone as Forbes reported that his personal fortune had surpassed $1 billion. This accomplishment solidified his status as a fashion icon and a successful entrepreneur.
2015: Emily Blunt wears Kors to the Golden Globes
Actress Emily Blunt, known for her roles in films like "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Into the Woods," wore a custom-designed gown by Michael Kors to the 2015 Golden Globes, where she was nominated for her performance in "Into the Woods."
2015: Michelle Obama wears Kors for State of the Union
Former First Lady Michelle Obama chose to wear a Michael Kors design for the 2015 State of the Union address, showcasing her support for American designers and her timeless style.
2016: Celebrities wear Kors to the Golden Globes
Actresses Kate Hudson and Olivia Wilde both chose gowns designed by Michael Kors for their appearances at the 2016 Golden Globes, further solidifying his influence in the world of celebrity style.
2016: Kors returns to Project Runway
In 2016, Michael Kors made a highly anticipated return to "Project Runway," this time as a guest judge for the season 15 finale. His return was met with excitement from fans and showcased his continued involvement in the fashion industry.
January 2, 2019: Michael Kors Holdings Limited Becomes Capri Holdings Limited
On January 2, 2019, Michael Kors Holdings Limited underwent a significant transformation, officially changing its name to Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE: CPRI).