AMERICAN DREAM
Ready, set ... glamour in Singapore, where Mughni Che Din checks in for a jet-set experience like no other. Discover the Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer ’20 with its diverse inspirations, from classic Hollywood glamour to the designer’s personal his
Nothing says jet-set more than a whirlwind 48 hours fuelled by champagne brunches, on-the-hour spa sessions, and bacchanal soirées. And indeed, no one does it better than American visionaire, Michael Kors. After all, who better to give a crash course on all things OTT, other than the man who had dressed the generation’s greatest style icons, from Michelle Obama to Jennifer Lopez? So leave it to the designer to pull out all the stops for his latest Spring/Summer ’20 collection presentation, in the heart of buzzing Singapore. Amid gleaming skyscrapers and with endless views of rooftop pools, it almost feels as if you’ve stepped onto a set of Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians, where glitzy dresses and martini cocktails are the everyday norm. A cosmopolitan fantasy to say the least, but it is this exact über-glam narration that paints the Michael Kors dream.
In the case of yours truly, that vision of glitz had been re-appropriated for the chic Asian clientele in mind, bringing his Spring/Summer ’20 runway set to the Lion City. Lined with real-life lemon trees, the sprawling exhibition space on Orchard Road’s The Luxe Art Museum was transformed into the designer’s Ellis Island-like setting from New York Fashion Week. As it turns out, it was there in Ellis Island that the designer discovered his immigrant roots. “The experience made me feel more patriotic, more open,” he said in an interview. And for that reason alone, Kors did not have to travel far for his inspiration. “The collection explores the balance of pragmatism and charm and power and romance that is at the core of American fashion” said Kors in the show notes.
This was translated into ’40s-inspired suiting in neutral hues, classic construction, varsity stripes, and nautical details. Timeless separates like trousers, trenches, blazers, and cable-knit sweaters were updated with ruffled trims and ’70s punk studs offered a fresh take on the American preppy style. What’s more, flashes of emerald green, cherry red, and canary yellow offset the palette of muted ensembles. Kors also reimagined classic patterns—floral and argyle, plaids and polka dots—remixing them in eye-catching shapes and combinations that resulted in entirely new and vacay-friendly ensembles. As a bonus, standout pieces came in the form of an embellished pinstripe romper (adorned with approximately 54,000 mini crystals) worn by Bella Hadid on the runway, and dazzling Old Hollywood dresses that looked like they were designed for Studio 54 elites like Diana Ross or Bianca Jagger.
From rugged wicker totes to star-spangled studded shoulder bags, Kors made sure that there was something for everyone. A highlight was the Simone shoulder bag which paid homage to fashion jet-setters of the past, echoing the nonchalance of Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. “You’ll see that all of the bags this season have that juxtaposition of a little preppy, a little punky,” Kors enthused. Going down as one of his best collections to date, the collection served as a reminder of what Kors does best: knowing exactly what women want to wear, no matter the occasion, without compromising his vision. It's no wonder then, that the 60-year old designer has amassed an empire with over 1000 stores worldwide, spanning out to include ready-to-wear, accessories, and fragrances designed for the modern-day globe trotter. So if you are planning a summer getaway or attending a red carpet event, you can bet he’s got you covered ... of Kors.