Iconic fashion designer Michael Kors, who is Jewish, is coming to St. Louis this spring for St. Louis Fashion Fund’s “Speaking of Fashion” series in partnership with Washington University and Caleres. The speaker series is free and open to all. Last year it featured another Jewish fashion legend, Diane von Furstenberg.
The “Conversation with Michael Kors” talk will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Derek Blasberg, a native St. Louisan, journalist, author and fashion industry personality.
“When I was growing up in St. Louis more than two decades ago, Michael Kors was the sort of fashion name I hoped one day I’d be able to meet,” Blasberg said in a statement. “That’s why it’s especially thrilling to come back to my hometown and have the ability to speak to this undisputed icon of American style at Washington University.”
The hour-long program, slated for 4 p.m. on April 1 in the 800-seat Graham Chapel at Wash U., sold out minutes after registration opened. However, organizers will livestream the talk for those unable to get tickets or attend at that time.
In addition, a Michael Kors COLLECTION trunk show will be held on April 1 and 2 at the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum on campus coinciding with his visit. A portion of the trunk show proceeds will benefit St. Louis Fashion Fund in recognition of its 10th anniversary celebration.
Kors will also receive the Fashion Fund Award, which is presented to individuals making major contributions in fashion. In addition to von Furstenberg, past recipients include the late André Leon Talley, Dapper Dan, Iris Apfel and Karlie Kloss.
For Kors, the honor is professional and personal. The designer said, “I’m honored to take part in this extraordinary program that has, for a decade now, been a leading voice for local designers, students and fans of fashion alike. My husband, Lance Le Pere, hails from the St. Louis region so it is a welcome opportunity to pay homage to this community.”
Michael Kors’ luxury brand produces high quality ready-to-wear pieces, accessories, footwear and fragrance for men and women. In 2010, he was the youngest-ever designer to win the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2004, he was asked to be a judge on a new reality television show “Project Runway.” The show premiered on Dec. 1, 2004, and became an immediate hit with fans and critics. Kors was on the show for 10 seasons, stepping away in 2012. By that time, the series had garnered several Emmy Award nominations and other top honors.
“Thanks to our generous partners at Washington University and Caleres and their signature sponsorships, Kors’ St. Louis visit promises to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the region’s fashion and design community,” said Susan Sherman, co-founder, and board chair of St Louis Fashion Fund.
For more information about Kors’ visit or becoming a program partner, go to www.saintlouisfashionfund.org A portion of the event patron ticket proceeds will benefit ticket sales will benefit Women’s Society of Washington University.
