Michael Kors channels ‘70s New York chic for latest line

NEW YORK (AP) – Channeling classic ’70s style for its latest collection, Michael Kors took inspiration from powerful women of the era like Tina Turner, Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem and even his mother.

Steinem sat front row during Kors’ New York Fashion Week show on Wednesday, which featured models wearing a variety of classic New York looks from the decade, including coats and thick leather belts and bell sleeves and dramatic flared pants, oversized sunglasses, Suede boots and fringe area.

“You never gave up looking fabulous,” the designer said of his mother and Steinem. “It’s timeless.”

The show was packed with high-profile guests: actresses Mindy Kaling, Katie Holmes and Kate Hudson had front-row seats, as did New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Vogue Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.

West Side Story star Rachel Zegler said the show’s appeal is obvious because “nobody dresses women like Michael Kors.”

Staying true to his love of New York City style, Kors opted for neutral colors while still incorporating his signature black and adding shades of brown.

Fringes were woven all over shawls, clutches and mini dresses. Kors also took inspiration from Greenwich Village and what the designer called his “mixture of urban and bohemian”.

“There’s this Politur, which is a very big city, but then definitely a warmth and down-to-earthness,” he said.

Kors’ looks weren’t just seen on the runway. Actress and dancer Maddie Ziegler wore a Kors suit — one of several stars to wear Kors pieces — and said the designer has a knack for creating a bespoke power suit for women.

“It’s so sexy when a woman wears a suit,” she said.

With this collection, Kors took a twist with the women’s blazer adding slits on the sides of each arm to give the jacket sleeves more movement.

Despite the neutral tones throughout the collection, Kors didn’t shy away from adding sparkle. He balanced a glittery silver flared jumpsuit with a gray coat that hung off his shoulders.

The designer ended the show with a striking shimmering black cape that actress Molly Ringwald adored. Ringwald said she appreciates how Kors’ clothes can be worn by any body type.

“I really feel like it’s classic American in the best sense,” she said of his collection.

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Associated Press Writer Brooke Lefferts contributed to this report.

Beatrice Dupuy, The Associated Press