Michael Kors teaches Bella Hadid the rhythm of New Orleans.
Before the pandemic changed everything, we were lucky enough to attend the wonderful Michael Kors fashion show in New York. “When I think about that moment now –confesses the designer–, it is strange realizing that we had no idea how much the world would change in the coming months. that morning we were excited to share the new collection with the world. We felt like every time we have a show: a surge of energy, nerves and excitement."
the country singer Orville Peck put live music to a collection full of equestrian references, with touches of the Wild West, comfortable, sober and flattering. “I love a new take on something classic. I'm a big fan of country music, and when I first heard Orville, I thought he is a singular talent. I'm really interested in how he takes the style of Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash and gives them a very modern twist. His way of expression is completely new.”
Musician Orville Peck with designer Michael Kors.
Then came the successive confinements and, as they say, everything has had to change so that nothing changes. “In terms of the fashion industry, We've all had time to step back and really take a look at how we work,” Kors ponders. We are taking advantage of this situation to reset our calendars and take a look at what makes the most sense to us, both from a design and production perspective, and also for our customers, in terms of how and when they want the parts in the store”.
“The correct answer for us, right now, is focus on two collections a year that will be shown closer to when the clothes are available to buy. Regarding the consumer, I think we will see that people will continue gravitating towards things that give them comfort without sacrificing glitz and a little glamour." continue.
Model Bella Hadid in MICHAEL Michael Kors in New Orleans.
LET'S GET DIGITAL
"If we have learned anything during these times, it is that you have to be flexible," says the American. "For us, that has meant not taking part in a formal fashion week this season and instead we have presented our Spring/Summer 2021 collection in October with a multi-faceted digital experience. There have also been some face-to-face dates, very intimate and socially distanced, but the public presentation has been done virtually. October is also the month we focus on our philanthropic projects, and we're excited to share the next version of our Watch Hunger Stop campaign."
Lounge at the Maison de la Luz hotel, New Orleans, one of Kors' favourites.
Before all this, Kors confesses, he wasn't exactly the most technological type. "But we all learn to adapt and I spent many, many hours on video conferences during quarantine. Personally, I think we've all experienced firsthand what it's like to slow down. I'm hardly ever home in New York during the spring, We are always traveling so this was a very different experience for us. And we learned to appreciate the smallest things: the flowers that bloomed on our terrace, find a store that was open and had our favorite chocolate bars.”
DISCOVERING NEW ORLEANS WITH BELLA
The trip of his life (metaphorically and literally), as he tells us, was a safari to South Africa. “It is not comparable to anything. It is truly a unique experience." We ask him how he thinks the traveler of the 'new normal' will be and if you think that this situation will make us more socially and ecologically responsible. "I believe that we will see travel again as something really special, as it should be, ”he replies emphatically, and admits that he is excited about returning to Italy, both for work and for vacations.
Bella Hadid in MICHAEL Michael Kors outside Parkway Bakery in New Orleans.
Months before masks and social distancing, Kors traveled to New Orleans with Bella Hadid to shoot a campaign that captivated us with its freshness and good vibes. “I love the eccentricity and charm that New Orleans has, no trip there is the same”, tells us the creator, who acted as guide for the model.
Facade of Meyer the Hatter, in New Orleans.
“Since this was Bella's first trip to New Orleans, we visited some all-time favorites like Café du Monde and Parkway Bakery and Tavern. Maison de la Luz is one of the newest hotels, very chic and with a feeling of southern charm, in the heart of the French Quarter. Maskarade is modern and fun, and while we didn't get there with Bella, I love stopping at Meyer the Hatter."
MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, at Café du Monde.
“Bella has a very creative eye and she's not afraid to 'get her hands dirty.' As a designer, I think it's more interesting to work with someone who has a point of view and a sense of humor, and with Bella, you get both." he comments on her relationship with her. During his career, Michael has had the opportunity to deal with exceptional women. “Dressing Michelle Obama for her first official portrait was an incredible moment; I loved that she broke the rules and wore a sleeveless dress. It was a wonderful surprise."
"Earlier this year, before Covid-19, we had a special moment with Celine Dion in New York City. She was wearing a look from our Fall 2020 collection and it was one of the last important street style moments before we all went into lockdown. Another recent favorite of mine is a sequin dress from the Michael Kors collection that Nicole Kidman custom wore to the 2019 Golden Globes.”
The Broadway Color and Light Show begins before the performance.
NEW YORK, BY MICHAEL KORS
Who better than Michael to reveal the magical places of the city that never sleeps. We can't resist giving him a traveling quiz about his beloved city, And this is the result:
– His favorite neighborhood: “There is something to see in every neighborhood and they all have their appeal, but I am in favor of Greenwich Village, where I live. There are great restaurants and cobblestone streets they give it a sense of charm and history.”
– The perfect postcard: "The theater district, at night."
– A restaurant to go unnoticed: “When we're in New York, we see a show, at least we used to see it, about once a week. After, I like to go to Joe Allen, I always sit at the same table and order the same thing. It's like a home away from home. I also like Little Owl for a low-key dinner in my neighborhood.”
The Carlyles. Bemelmans Bar. Art-Deco Night
– A restaurant for a glamorous evening: “An evening at the Carlyle, enjoying dinner and a performance at Café Carlyle, before a drink at Bemelmans Bar. I love murals!”
– Your favorite building: "The Chrysler and Seagram Buildings."
– A store to return to again and again: "The Three Lives & Company Bookstore."
- A museum: “MoMA”.
– The hotel he always recommends to his friends: “The Carlyle again, for a glamorous old-school experience on the Upper East Side.”
Inside the museum.