Michael Kors

Michael Kors: Career Highlights

Kors' career in fashion began during his teenage years when he started designing clothes and selling them from his parents' basement. Despite enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Technology, he dropped out after nine months to pursue his passion for design.

He gained valuable experience working at Lothar's boutique in Midtown Manhattan, where he eventually rose to become the designer and visual display head. This experience laid the foundation for his successful career in the fashion industry.

In 1981, Kors launched his Michael Kors women's label at Bergdorf Goodman, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, financial difficulties led him to launch KORS Michael Kors as a licensee in 1990. Unfortunately, he faced bankruptcy in 1993 but managed to recover and launch a lower-priced line in 1997.

Kors achieved notable success when he was named the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the renowned French fashion house Celine. His tenure at Celine was marked by a remarkable turnaround, with successful accessories and critically acclaimed ready-to-wear lines. He left Celine in 2003 to focus on his own brand.

In 2002, Kors expanded his brand by launching his menswear line, further solidifying his position in the fashion industry.