Kors Célèbre
Chief creative officer of his eponymous, billion-dollar brand, Michael Kors shares the style essentials and career inspirations he couldn’t live without
01 Shades Of Cool I have more than 100 pairs of aviators and I switch them out with my mood. The obsession goes back to some of my favourite photographs by Ron Galella. He took amazing shots of Robert Redford, Steve Mcqueen and Ali Macgraw in the ’60s and ’ 70s and they all wore aviators. They are the epitome of classic cool and a godsend after a red- eye flight. 02 Ring Binder I never take off my grandfather’s wedding ring. I grew up in a family that encouraged difference, and my grandparents were at the heart of that. My grandfather worked in textiles and my grandmother was a high school principal whose favourite thing to say was that she never wore the same thing twice. My family was fashionobsessed and travel- obsessed. 05 Timeless Style Growing up I would draw caricatures at bat mitzvahs for cash, and I even sold a few jean designs to a denim company. With the money I saved I bought a Cartier Tank watch. It was the first really extravagant purchase I ever made, and that rush is something you never forget. But the truth is, I’m a pragmatic shopper and that watch has stood the test of time. I still wear it today, 40 years later.
06 Gold Standard I discovered Bain de Soleil Transpare tanning spray on holiday a few years ago and it quickly became one of my travel essentials. I’m a sand-and-sun kind of guy, and I love places that combine beach, natural beauty and good restaurants. This has just the right amount of SPF, it sprays on easily and smells divine. If I’m heading somewhere hot, it’s always in my travel bag. 07 Head Trips My passport is my ultimate accessory. I love to travel; I find it an endless source of inspiration. From the people you meet and the different cultures you experience, to the sights, foods, colours and textiles – one trip can fuel a million ideas. I think everyone should expand their horizons and go somewhere new at least once a year. Right now I have my sights set on Ayers Rock in Australia.