Michael Kors
by Marilyn Kirschner | photographed by Yannis Vlamos

Michael was inspired by 'Sporty American Luxury' and his program notes said it all....sportluxe! And who after all, does 'sportluxe' better than Michael Kors, who practically 'invented' the genre over a decade ago?

The high energy, upbeat collection for men and women he showed today was definitive Michael from start to finish; he was truly in his element. From its color palette relying on rich earthy neutrals, (typically fall shades) used tonally (loden, oatmeal, coffee, heather, truffle) to the rich gutsy fabrics like tweed, herringbone, Donegal, heather cashmere, melton which showed up in fabulous coats (this is shaping up to be another big coat season), which ranged from pea coats and cardigan coats to swing coats, and an array of jackets.

Then there were the fabulous cable stitch hand knits done in luxuriously voluminous shapes; there were serapes and generously cut scarf sweaters. Furs were flying down the runway—fur hats in a variety of shapes and pelts; lavish fur trims on cuffs, collars, and hems; fur vests, abbreviated shrugs, jackets, and coats. There was fox, mink, rabbit, sable, and broadtail. There was even a pailette fox coat and a crowd pleasing knee length black lacquered cheetah brocade coat.

There bags were statement makers, from large structured handbags with metal handles, to enormous metallic duffels. The footwear was generally very urbane: high heeled boots and pumps, which counterbalanced the somewhat sporty, country feel of the clothes. For evening, there were short paillette and fringed dance dresses in addition to several floor length entrance making gowns: a coffee strapless chiffon, a coffee crystal beaded jersey asymmetrical gown, and a black crystal beaded jersey one shoulder 'Goddess' gown. I could easily envision Melania Trump (sitting front row center with 'The Donald') wearing any of those to a big gala in New York or Palm Beach.