Secret Of Michael Kors's Success

At 22, Michael Kors staked his claim to fashion supremacy. Thirty-six years later, he sits atop a global retail empire. Rochelle Pinto unearths the secrets of his success

- Rochelle Pinto

Michael Kors is more machine than man. The namesake and creative force behind one of the world’s most wildly popular fashion houses just flew across the Atlantic from New York to London, and in less than 24 hours, has finished a whirlwind of media interviews and engaged in classic British hedonism at a party with the country’s young aristocracy before duly returning to his plans for world domination. It’s been a year since the opening of his biggest store in Europe, smack in the middle of London’s Regent Street, and judging by the crowds at the flagship, business is clearly booming. We managed to pin the master down for an exclusive interview on his favourite muses, his best business decision, and what nearly four decades in fashion have taught him.

ELLE: So, did you enjoy the party?

Michael Kors: We had so much fun. London is the city of people who like to go out and have a good time. New Yorkers actually don’t go out that much. They say, “Well, I have to get my kids to school…” Yeah, sorry, I don’t care. But people in London like to get dressed up when they go out, which is a good thing for designers.

ELLE: Let’s start off with a simple question. What do you love most about fashion?