As the fashion industry grapples with trends and identity, Michael Kors emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, customer needs, and a balance between luxury and accessibility.

Michael Kors, the 44-year-old brand known as America’s Armani, is experiencing a global rise, driven by its inclusive approach and a focus on mainstream appeal. With the recent sale of Versace to Prada, Capri Holdings, Kors’ parent company, has shifted its focus more heavily toward Michael Kors, which accounted for about 70% of its sales in the last financial year. Speaking ahead of the launch of his new flagship store on London’s Regent Street, Kors expressed concerns about the fashion industry becoming overly focused on entertainment and spectacle, rather than addressing customer needs. He criticized the industry’s aversion to the terms “wearable” and “commercial,” which he believes are unfairly stigmatized.

Kors’ brand is not just about clothing but embodies a glamorous, aspirational lifestyle. His designs have been worn by a wide range of high-profile individuals, from first ladies to celebrities. However, it is the more mainstream off-shoot, Michael Kors, that serves as the brand’s economic foundation. This line, with its recognizable MK logo, is a staple on high streets, offering designer-style products at more accessible prices. Alongside Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors remains one of the last major heritage designers still designing under their American namesake brands.

In an industry that has seen a noticeable return to extreme thinness on the catwalks, Kors continues to cast a range of sizes, emphasizing inclusivity. He finds it frustrating that some brands have reverted to using only straight-sized models, despite the diversity of people in the real world. Kors believes that fashion should be inclusive, welcoming people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.

Kors’ journey began in 1981 with a collection featuring sports-inspired pieces, laying the groundwork for what would become known as athleisure. Today, his empire spans watches, shoes, eyewear, and fragrance. His designs have also been favored by notable figures such as Michelle Obama and Melania Trump, though Kors acknowledges the challenges of political dressing.

Capri Holdings’ increased interest in Michael Kors comes after a series of setbacks, including a failed merger with Tapestry and pricing missteps. Part of Capri’s strategy is to target the mid-tier market, where luxury prices have risen significantly since 2019. Kors’ products, such as the Quinn tote and Hamilton bag, offer a balance between luxury and affordability, appealing to the aspirational customer.

Kors emphasizes the importance of staying curious and connected with customers, whether through high-profile events or visiting malls to meet them directly. At 66, he remains focused on the present, enjoying the creative process and the energy it brings. While he is not nostalgic, he continues to seek out pieces from his earliest collections, which are now highly sought after and difficult to find.

Kors started his label in 1981 with a debut collection featuring sports-inspired pieces such as loosely tailored trousers and knitted polo shirts, laying the foundations of what would later become known in the industry as athleisure. His brand has evolved significantly over the years, with the launch of MICHAEL Michael Kors in 2004, which became a key part of his strategy to reach a broader audience. Kors has also been recognized for his role as a judge on the TV show *Project Runway*, which has contributed to his public persona and brand visibility.