It’s been a busy season for luxury sportswear king Michael Kors. He showed a well-received spring 2008 collection in September. Opened a lifestyle concept boutique in New York’s hip-again Soho in early November. And he’s currently reprising his role as judge par excellence on the just-debuted fourth season of Bravo’s fashion reality show, Project Runway. With a schedule like that, is it any wonder his favorite pastime is lying on the beach reading trashy fiction?
The Fashion Informer caught up with the perennially tan jetsetting designer just before Thanksgiving, when he was en route from Korea to St. Bart’s (you know how you do).
So, Michael…
What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
Lying on the beach with a trashy novel or celebrity biography.
What’s the last book you read?
“The Grand Surprise” by Leo Lerman.
What’s in heavy rotation on your iPod?
Madonna, Abba, Prince, Mika, Rolling Stones.
What did you do last weekend, and what are your plans for this weekend?
This past weekend, I flew back from a work trip in Korea and did press for my new store in Soho and Project Runway. Next weekend, I’m flying to St. Bart’s for rest and relaxation.
Favorite getaway spot?
Capri, Italy.
Tea or coffee?
Iced tea, all year round. I don’t drink hot liquids.
What was your first job out of school?
Salesperson at Lothar's boutique, then I was the in-house designer of their signature label.
What’s your favorite store in the world?
G. Lorenzi in Milan. They have the most fantastic things and I buy something every time I go there.
What is your favorite work of art?
Ron Galella paparazzi photographs from the 1970's; they are a constant source of inspiration for me.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Iced tea and a slice of cheese.
What’s your dream job (other than your current occupation)?
Movie or theatre producer.
What's the most challenging part about being a judge on Project Runway?
Having people on the street telling me I’m mean. If these designers think I’m tough, try reading a review from Suzy [Menkes], WWD or the Times.
When are you happiest?
Lying on the beach with no appointments.
Project Runway airs on Bravo Wednesday at 10PM EST. For more info on Michael Kors' new stores, visit http://www.michaelkors.com/.
Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For…Be & D.
He's not mean. I don't watch PR much but saying that he's mean is mean.
Posted by: Marko | December 03, 2007 at 01:53 PM
glad to know he listens to ABBA, i still listen to them and have recently gotten my 5 year old hooked on ABBA too
Posted by: Ed K | January 01, 2008 at 11:32 PM