Michael Kors honors NYC nightlife and Broadway with his 40th anniversary runway show
A fashion presentation that truly deserves a standing ovation
As the “City that never sleeps,” New York City offers infinite ways to spend the night. One can find happiness in dim-lighted bars and toast the night with glasses of Cosmos. The wild and free-spirited ones can party until late hours in an artsy loft in Soho. But for theater fanatics, it is along the theater district where one can discover new worlds behind marquee lights.
That is what Michael Kors’s 40th anniversary runway show is all about—the wonder that comes from Broadway and NYC in the dark. A self-confessed theater lover, the American fashion designer took his career milestone to the heart of Manhattan, and orchestrated a fashion presentation that truly deserves a standing ovation.
“My favorite art form, aside from fashion design, of course, is theater,” Michael says. “There is no greater experience in the world than taking in a Broadway show. It’s pure magic.”
Dubbed as “Michael Kors Lights Up Broadway,” the show is best described as a “fantasy night out,” encapsulating what Michael have contributed to the fashion industry from his early beginnings in the ’80s upto our pandemic time. The 63-piece collection is all about glamor and opulence, an optimistic view that says we will be stepping out again and discover stories and plays of the new world.
Among the stand out looks from his fall-winter 2021 parade are graphic animal prints that’ll make you think of “The Lion King.” Ladies from “Chicago” would definitely swoon over his pieces in shimmering gun metal and gold. Bold reds in dresses and suit provided a “Hello, Dolly!” moment.
Mirroring the comfort that comes from pandemic dressing are oversized puffer coats, cozy shearling, and cashmere pieces elevated with structured clutches and minaudières. While menswear piece in plaid, pinstripes, and houndstooth exude a sense of luxe and ease.
Helping the fashion stalwart open the show are Broadway superstars such as Bette Milder, Chita Rivera, ans Billy Porter. While supermodels Ashley Graham, Bella Hadid along with the originals Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Carolyn Murphy, and Shalom Harlow are among that walked the runway. The night’s “angel of music” is ballader Rufus Wainwright singing the hits “City Lights,” “New York State of Mind,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business” inside Shubert Theatre.
Michael is also used the occasion to show his support for the theater industry by making personal donation to The Actor Fund. The initiative helps provide a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan.
“These incredible artists been devastated by the shutdown that pandemic has caused,” Michael says. “So I’m here today to give back to a group of people who have given me so much. I know we’ve been really struggling since COVID began.”
“2021 marks the 40th anniversary of my career,” he continues. “I’ve been fortunate to travel the world seeking inspiration. But no matter how far I go, I always come home to New York City. The city that shaped me as a young designer, and continues to nourish and inspire me.”
Text by John Legaspi
This article first appeared in Manila Bulletin
