First-class Fashion Michael Kors parties with high-fliers in Shanghai
Michael Kors celebrates the opening of his biggest store in China, with a private party for 1,000 VIP guests in Shanghai. By Cai Mei Khoo.
Fresh from walking the red carpet at the Met Gala in NYC with Jennifer Lopez, Michael Kors was in China. Held at the Hongqiao International Airport, the Shanghai Jet Set Experience saw some 1,000 VIP guests, including Hollywood stars Hilary Swank and Freida Pinto. It was a total 360-degree environment that allowed guests to experience the Michael Kors lifestyle – energetic, sexy, and glamorous!
“Shanghai is the epicentre of the fast life,” said the designer at the launch of the first Michael Kors flagship store – the largest in China – at Jing An Kerry Centre. “The jet-set lifestyle is all about a busy life. It’s about feeling and looking glamorous 24/7, whether for work, an afternoon of shopping, a black tie party or travelling the world. True jet-set is luxury style and the sex appeal of a man or a woman who’s always on the go. It’s about a rich sensibility and a wardrobe that can take you everywhere.”
High-definition video projections, on huge screens that spanned almost half the 30,000-square-foot hangar, took guests from Capri to Aspen to Shanghai. The never-before-seen runway show featured the signature Michael Kors Jet Set collection on models Miranda Kerr, Karmen Pedaru, Ming Xi, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
“Photographer Ron Galella was one of the first to capture the original jetsetters of the ’60s and ’70s. His images of Jackie Kennedy, Robert Redford, and the Bianca Jaggers of the world were a huge influence
on me. It’s that lifestyle that I wanted to create for women all around the world,” said Kors. “This is the largest fashion event the company has ever undertaken,” shared John Idol, CEO of Michael Kors, whose impressive private jet (emblazoned with the designer’s name) was parked within the hangar. “Our customer is international, so we are currently embarking upon an exceptional experience that is global in scope.”
New York-based DJ collective, The Misshapes, spun party tunes late into the night. Top of Leigh Lezark’s playlist: Giorgio Moroder’s sensual remix of “Love To Love You Baby” featuring Chris Cox, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” by the legendary Prince, and “Jealous (I Ain’t With It)” by Canadian electrofunk duo Chromeo.