FOR spring, established master of mainstream American sportswear, Michael Kors endeavoured to take us on a sartorial safari with wares inspired by a recent a jaunt to Africa.
And, with a celebrity-studded front row boasting some of the biggest names to attend Fashion Week so far in tow - including Michael Douglas, Courtney Love, Zoe Saldana and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - Kors’ travel-inspired collection hit the Lincoln Center runway – and what an impact it made. Though it must be said, perhaps not as positive an impact as we are used to with the iconic brand.
An African Safari, as exotic a holiday destination it may be, proved a little rugged, uncomfortable even, for a collection of clothing – sported by intrepid models exhibiting excessive tans. While it may not have been his strongest yet on all counts (surprising after his triumphant 30-year anniversary collection of last season), the subtle earth tones throughout proved endlessly flattering, and one intriguing play on the classic Khaki button down shirt as a dress was a knock-out, as was the chic and easy saffron cashmere sweater, cardigan and loose-fit trouser ensemble. For the boys, cream Bermuda shorts and loose waffle knit sweaters exuded effortless style.
It was in the more adventurous tribal tie-dyes, dip dyes and animal print pieces that the road on this summer safari became a little rocky to navigate. A patchwork, multi-animal print swimsuit paired with leather pouch belt and a green tie-die jersey dress were somewhat unexpected additions to the Kors archive, as was dip-dyed cream linen trousers, with orange from hem to knee and a matching orange roll-neck sweater for men.
SEE THE MICHAEL KORS SHOW ARCHIVE