Michael Kors started designing resort wear in 2008. Has the commercial appetite for it changed since then?
It’s all about clothes that make you smile in the middle of winter. The truth is, a lot of my customers are travelling for the holidays and throughout the winter months, and they need clothes they can take with them.
The Resort 2015 collection is like a garden in full bloom. Where did you draw inspiration from?
When we started working on it, I was really thinking about the attitudes of women who were romantic tomboys—it was very much Jane Birkin meets Brigitte Bardot. For me, the collection was about creating this hybrid that was sexy and feminine but at the same time sporty.
Pink and purple tie-dyed flare pants and floral-print blouses give the collection a ’70s vibe. What’s the significance?
I think fashion is very much plugged into the zeitgeist—fashion changes because it’s a reflection of the times we live in. Right now, everyone is moving at the speed of light, and I think sometimes people just want a chance to breathe. I think that’s why we’re seeing breezy, feminine shapes and floral and tie-dye prints come back in demand— they remind people to relax every once in a while.
Floral detailing can be found throughout this collection, right down to the accessories. Why do we see this element throughout the collection?
Well, we were re-planting our terrace and it had me thinking, “How do you take flowers and florals and make them work for a fast, city life?” We put them on these more structured bags and clogs because it gives you the best of both worlds—it’s that yin and yang of romantic sportif.
What unique qualities does a Michael Kors woman embody?
She knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to ask for it. My customers demand comfort, quality and luxury—and they deserve it all! They need clothes that can keep up with their fast, jet-set lifestyle, and that’s what we work to give them.
Where do you envision the Michael Kors woman wearing these pieces?
Everywhere. That’s the beauty of it. There are some looks, like Look 2 with the cargo jacket and the white cotton organdy skirt, that I see and instantly think, “The jacket stays in the city, the skirt goes to St. Barths.” It’s a lot of separates that you can mix and match and layer to work almost anywhere in the world.
How would you summarize this collection in two words?
Tomboy glamour.
Words by Lisa Felepchuk. Model: Logan (Spot 6 Management); styling by Stacy L. Troke; hair and makeup by Tami El Sombati using Michael Kors makeup and TRESemm. Tres Two hair spray (Judy Inc).