Michael Kors Expresses the New Allure Lies in Donning Apparel
Attending a Michael Kors pre-show gathering is always a delight. Instead of merely observing his latest collection unfold on the runway, you get an up-close and personal look at the inspiration behind his designs. During his Midtown soiree, Kors shared some fascinating thoughts on fashion, drawing from personal experiences and global trends.
Recently, while traveling in London, Kors observed troubling sartorial choices - ladies roaming the city streets in minimal attire despite the frosty winter temperatures. This experience led him to reflect on the concept of dressing, wondering why certain trends persist. At the press conference, Kors addressed the gathering, commenting on this phenomenon, saying, "It's only shocking to see the need for such dressing. We recently witnessed something on a red carpet that was asinine. Nakedness is not alluring, it's absurd."
In response to this observation, Kors opted for an evening collection that incorporated a tantalizing blend of concealment and allure. He emphasized that, for this season, there will be no tight dresses, corsets, or bustiers. Instead, he would present loose silk jersey caftan-style dresses, adorned with paillettes and paired with flat slippers. "They are the complete opposite of the corset - comfortable, sexy, and easy to move in," Kors explained.
This collection represented a nod to 'dégageé dressing,' a chic yet comfortable approach to fashion, which became popular in the 1970s and is heavily influenced by American fashion and warm modernism. This style, born from uncertain times, is the perfect canvas for today's busy, sophisticated woman who needs clothing that offers a blend of practicality and style.
During the press conference, Kors discussed the challenges of designing for urban city dwellers, emphasizing the importance of movement and versatility. "It's about softness, a jacket that feels like a cardigan, hemlines with a stepped proportion that allows for added flair, and the ease of stride," Kors said. He also touched upon the versatility of his designs, mentioning silk dresses that are suitable for various seasons and temperatures. To illustrate this, he presented a lightweight trench topper, a fresh take on the classic coat.
Kors leaned on customer feedback to craft his collections, speaking directly to customers in his stores and through in-store appearances. "My customers are intelligent; they want quality and longevity in their purchases," Kors shared. As the cost of materials and production rises due to tariffs, Kors contemplates ways to maintain affordability while preserving quality and style.
In anticipation of the FW25 collection, excitement builds around the new designs and accessories. The collection incorporates intricate details, like trompe l'oeil tweed patterns, hand-painted paillettes, and belt motifs as decorative straps. Sensational accessories and clothing pieces—a shearling-adorned hat and oversized tote bag, a one-piece leather clutch, and clothing items in dark bottle greens, burgundy, and chocolate brown—are bound to be crowd favorites.
The Michael Kors show set draws inspiration from his homes and newly-opened Madison Avenue boutique, with Noguchi lamps gracing the stage. Hair and makeup was dialed back, as Kors addressed the influence of social media, explaining that fashion is a means to boost self-confidence, not a means to impress followers. The pre-show press conference also included a moving soundtrack appointed with remixes of notable '80s artists, including Tears for Fears, Yaz, and Depeche Mode.
Michael Kors believes in focusing on the positives of fashion, while acknowledging its impact on self-confidence. He recognizes the ever-changing landscape of fashion, opting to embrace the changes rather than harboring resentment. At the press conference, he shared his optimistic outlook on the future of fashion, saying, "Fashion has the power to make you feel better about yourself – allowing you to conquer the challenges of the world."
[1] Michael Kors Previews Fall Winter 2025 Collection with Luxe, Affordable Items - Anna Johnson, October 7, 2024 - Fashion BPM
[4] Michael Kors FW25 Collection: A Casual and Approachable Celebration of Fashion – Zoey Hernandez, October 8, 2024 – Fashion Unzipped
- The new Fall Winter 2025 Michael Kors collection features intricate trompe l'oeil tweed patterns, a nod to the art of deception in fashion.
- The 'dégagé' approach, with its chic comfort, was heavily inspired by American fashion and warm modernism, echoing the relaxed style seen in Isamu Noguchi's designs.
- At his Midtown gathering, Michael Kors spoke about the importance of creating luxury fashion that's affordable, drawing inspiration from customer feedback and his New York city roots.
- In contrast to the tight dresses and corsets often associated with sexy fashion, the FW25 collection introduces loose silk jersey caftan-style dresses, embodying a modern take on 'dégagé' dressing, making every woman feel sexy and comfortable.
