Michael Kors is a New York native, born and raised on Long Island. He attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, where he studied fashion design.

Kors began his celebrated career in fashion at the age of 19 designing and merchandising a collection for the renowned New York City boutique Lothar’s. The success of his clothes caught the imagination and attention of the fashion press, prompting Kors to strike out on his own. Michael Kors launched his eponymous label in 1981 with a womenswear line in NY stores at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, amongst other stores.

To date Kors’ has never strayed from his initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear. Michael Kors’ ethos earned him fashions’ most prestigious award the 1999 CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. 2002 saw Kors launch a full-scale menswear collection, to critical and market acclaim, earning him the 2003 CFD title of Menswear Designer of the Year. In 2004, Kors unveiled his diffusion line MICHAEL Michael Kors, the extensive range of ready made womenswear, menswear and accessories is available in over 350 stores across the US.

Kors’ celebrity fans include Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelica Huston, Sigourney Weaver, Liv Tyler and Rene Russo - who Mr. Kors worked with on the wardrobe for the 1999 remake of the “Thomas Crown Affair.”

Kors has won many awards for his clothes and contributions to the fashion industry. In July, 1996 he was named by Vogue magazine part of the “New Establishment” and referred to as one of the most influential designers of the decade. In February of 1999, Kors was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lighthouse International. In December of the same year Mr. Kors received The New York Award from New York Magazine, celebrating 10 people who epitomize the spirit of the city, as well as the E! Television Networks - Golden Hanger Award for best designer.

Michael Kors serves on the Board of Directors of The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and is an Executive Vice President. Michael Kors currently resides in New York City.