Opulent Simplicity Takes Center Stage at Michael Kors’ Fall Winter 2024 Show
This spring, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art inaugurates “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” an exhibition set to revisit garments that can no longer be displayed on mannequins due to their fragility and long history. Fittingly — and most likely coincidentally — American designer Michael Kors found inspiration in a “sleeping beauty” for his Fall Winter 2024 collection.
The piece in question — his grandmother’s wedding dress — prompted a runway that melded dress codes from the 1930s, classic tailoring and streamlined silhouettes. Creating a harmonious lineup of looks made for the modern woman, Kors steered away from trends and runway gimmicks and instead focused on building a wardrobe that would transcend the fleeting nature of today’s trend cycle. “One of my hallmarks has always been fashion that stands the test of time,” the designer shared in a press statement. “And when we talk about what’s timeless and what endures — it’s quality, it’s simplicity, it’s sophistication, it’s clothes that make you feel confident and powerful.”
Indeed, Kors’ Fall Winter 2024 collection belonged in the wardrobe of an assertive, practical and cosmopolitan woman — the kind who sports a faux-fur coat without making it seem like an attempt to recreate the latest TikTok fad. The muse Kors designed for was also subtly sensual and just the right amount of daring — unafraid of stepping outside in a slip lingerie-inspired piece or naked dresses adorned with oversized fur trims.
As another nod to dormant beauties, Kors staged its show in one of New York’s fashion landmarks — Barney’s former store in Chelsea. With some of the designer’s favorite tracks playing in the background, from Alicia Keys’ “No One” to “I Happen to Like New York” by Bobby Short, models gracefully descended the iconic spiral staircase, sporting what could be described as Kors’ reintroduction to opulent simplicity.
Photo courtesy of Michael Kors
A Packed House
It wouldn’t be a Michael Kors show without a star-studded guest list. From style icon Blake Lively to the newest front-row sensations — the stars from the Asia Pacific — the event welcomed a glamorous crowd. Brand ambassador Dahyun, member of K-pop group TWICE, stunned in a suntan monochrome look while Charlotte Lawrence, Rachel Zegler and Thai actor Suppasit Jongcheveevat (best known as Mew) opted for all-black fits.
See all the front-rows looks below:
Blake Lively made a case for the rising animal print trend, dressed in a giraffe-print balmacaan, matching skirt and a pair of high-knee boots in the same color scheme.
Brie Larson stuck to the black dress code predominant on the front. The actress sported a one-shoulder bodysuit and flared trousers, both from the Michael Kors’ Spring Summer 2024 runway.
Katie Holmes wore a black relaxed-fit blazer layered over a sheer bodysuit and long skirt.
Gabrielle Union offered springtime inspiration, dressed in a matching set featuring a floral lace shirt and a hand-embroidered lace skirt.
Rachel Zegler stepped out in New York in a black gabardine worn over a baby doll top and briefs set. The West Side Story actress made a case for the ‘90s headband and contrasted her look with gold jewelry and a chic cherry red manicure.
Dahyun turned heads in a suntan sequined dress adorned with rings across the waistline. The TWICE singer and Michael Kors brand ambassador carried the Bardot shoulder bag taken straight from the brand’s previous runway.
Filipino-American social media personality Bretman Rock was clad in a chocolate fringe serape, worn atop a turtleneck sweater and matching trousers.
Social media personality Mary Leest channeled the mob wife aesthetic with a get-up that combined a black dress cinched at the waist with a large belt and a fur coat. Leest accessorized with gold accents and wore subtle rose-toned glam.
Noah Beck showed up at the event decked up in a houndstooth jacket, a gray sweater, slim-fit pants and trendy Chelsea boots.
Rachel Brosnahan wore a matching bra top and mini-skirt under a relax-fit jacket — all in black to keep up with the monochromatic theme.
Thai actor Mew Suppasit played with textures to create a stylish all-black look that featured sequined pants, a wool turtleneck sweater and a fringed shawl.
Tul Pakorn also opted for a monochromatic front-row fit, consisting of chocolate-tailored trousers, a crewneck and an elegant overcoat. The Thai star complemented his look with a modern spin on the classic side part.
Interested in more New York Fashion Week coverage? Check out the highlights of Coach’s Fall Winter 2024 show here.
