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Michael Kors
Michael Kors Photo: Ed Kavishe, Fashion Wire Press
Born	(1959-08-09) August 9, 1959 (age 52) Long Island, New York, United States
Nationality	American
Education	Fashion Institute of Technology
Occupation	Fashion designer
Spouse	Lance LePere (since 2011)[1]
Awards	1999 CFDA award for womenswear designer of the year 2003 CFDA award for menswear designer of the year
Labels	Michael Kors

Michael Kors (born Karl Anderson, Jr.; August 9, 1959)^[2] is an American fashion designer. He is best known for designing classic American sportswear for women.

Personal life[link]

Kors was born Karl Anderson, Jr.^[3] on Long Island, New York, the son of Joan Hamburger, a former model, and her first husband, Karl Anderson, a college student.^[4][5] When his mother remarried when he was five, he was told he could change his name, and he chose to become Michael David Kors.^[6] He grew up in Merrick, New York and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, New York. Kors' mother is Jewish and his father was of Swedish descent.^[3][7][8][9] Kors currently resides in New York City and married his longtime partner Lance LePere in Southampton, New York on August 16, 2011.^[1]

Career[link]

Michael Kors began designing clothes at the age of 19 and studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.^[10] In 1981, Kors launched the Michael Kors womenswear line at Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Building on his success, Kors was named the first ever women's ready-to-wear designer and creative director for the French fashion house Celine in 1997. In his tenure at Celine, Kors turned the fashion house around with blockbuster accessories and a critically acclaimed ready-to-wear line. Kors left Celine in October 2003 to concentrate on his own brand. Kors launched his menswear line in 2002.

In addition to the Michael Kors runway collection, the MICHAEL Michael Kors and KORS Michael Kors lines were launched in 2004. KORS is considered the mid-tier line, between the runway and MICHAEL collections. The MICHAEL line includes women's handbags and shoes as well as women's ready-to-wear apparel. The KORS line contains footwear and Jeans. Currently, Kors has full collection boutiques in New York, Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, Manhasset, and Chicago. This year, Michael Kors celebrates 30 years in business.

A dress by Michael Kors, 2010

Among the celebrities who have worn Michael Kors' designs are Jennifer Lopez, Rachel McAdams, Michelle Obama, Elissa, Heidi Klum, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.^{[citation needed]} Joan Allen wore his gown when she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the The Contender. In addition, Jennifer Garner wore a custom creation as an Academy Award presenter in 2006. As Creative Director of Celine, Michael Kors designed many outfits for actresses to wear on screen. Gwyneth Paltrow wore Kors' designs in the movie Possession. Cate Blanchett also wore his clothes in the movie Bandits. In addition, he outfitted Rene Russo's character in the 1999 hit remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. Elissa wore his dress in the World Music Awards 2005. The ad campaigns for Michael Kors often reflects the jet-set sportswear that Kors fans are fond of. Previous campaigns include the model Carmen Kass on the tarmac of an airport, on a safari in Africa, and relaxing on a yacht.

Kors is a judge on the Emmy-nominated reality television program Project Runway, which aired on Bravo for five seasons; subsequent seasons aired on Lifetime.

Other honors[link]

In 2010, Kors received the Oliver R. Grace Award for Distinguished Service in Advancing Cancer Research, an annual honor bestowed by the Cancer Research Institute, a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing immune system-based treatments for cancer. He received the honor at a black-tie ceremony held June 16, 2010 at The Mandarin Oriental in New York City. In June 2010, Kors was the youngest recipient ever of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA and received the Fragrance Foundation’s FiFi Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Legal issues[link]

In January 2009, the estate of artist/designer Tony Duquette sued Kors for trademark infringement after Kors allegedly used Duquette's name and images in promoting Kors' 2009 resortwear collection.^[11]

Pop culture trivia[link]

Michael Kors was referenced in the film 'The Devil Wears Prada' by Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly. In the scene, Miranda sweeps into her office and gives a list of instructions to her personal assistant (Emily Blunt). Miranda commands Emily: "RSVP 'yes' to Michael Kors' party and I want the driver drop to me off at 930 and pick me up at 945 sharp."

References[link]

Further reading[link]

• Stern, Gary M., "Kors' Design Leads To More Outlets, Overseas Growth", Investor's Business Daily, May 25, 2012

External links[link]

• Michael Kors biography, Michael Kors Biography
• MichaelKors.com, Michael Kors Official Website
  • Company Mission Statement, Mission Statement
• Michael Kors designer profile at Fashion Model Directory
• Project Runway Season 5
• File:MICHAEL KORS 221.jpg#filelinks, Michael Kors dress

Kate Brosnahan Spade (born Katherine Noel Brosnahan; December 24, 1962) is the co-founder and namesake of the designer brand, kate spade New York.

Early life and beginnings[link]

Spade was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from St. Teresa's Academy, an all-girl Catholic high school after spending some time at Notre Dame de Sion all -girl Catholic prep school with her sister Rhetta. She attended the University of Kansas and then transferred to and graduated from Arizona State University, where she majored in journalism, worked in a motorcycle bar,^[1] and is a member of the Omega chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

In 1986, Spade worked in the accessories department of Mademoiselle in Manhattan, where she was credited in the magazine's masthead with her maiden name as Katy Brosnahan. While at Mademoiselle, she met and moved in with Andy Spade (brother of actor and comic David Spade), a native of Scottsdale, Arizona; the two were working side-by-side as salespersons in a men's clothing store, Carter's Men Shop in Phoenix, Arizona.^[2] Together, they were featured in the magazine as part of a photo story on couples and love.

She left Mademoiselle in 1991, with the title of senior fashion editor/head of accessories. While working for Mademoiselle she noticed that the market lacked stylish and sensible handbags, and decided to create her own. With this in mind, Spade browsed local flea markets, began researching different styles, fabrics, production costs, and created a line of handbags with classic shapes, colors, and fabrics.

Career[link]

Kate Spade and Joel Franklin launched their New York-based design company "kate spade handbags" in January 1993. As the name implies, they initially started out selling mainly handbags, but eventually extended to include stationery, personal organizers, address books, shoes, beauty products, perfume, raincoats, pajamas, and eyewear. In 2004, "kate spade at home" was launched as a home collection brand. It features bedding, bath items, china, and various items for the home and wallpaper.

In 1996, Spade's company opened its first shop in New York City's SoHo.

Awards[link]

Spade has won numerous awards throughout her career. In 1996 the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded Kate "America's New Fashion Talent in Accessories" for her classic designs. In 1998, CFDA once again honored her for "Best Accessory Designer of the Year". Kate Spade's home collection won her three design awards in 2004, including, House Beautiful's "Giants of Design Award for Tastemaker", Bon Appetit's "American Food and Entertaining Award for Designer of the Year", and Elle Decor's "Elle Decor International Design Award for Bedding".

Personal life[link]

She married Andy Spade in 1994. The couple's only child, a daughter named Frances Beatrix Spade, was born in 2005.^[3]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Kate Spade's biography at katespade.com

Tory Burch
Burch in India
Born	(1966-06-17) June 17, 1966 (age 46) Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Residence	New York, New York
Nationality	American
Education	University of Pennsylvania
Occupation	Fashion designer
Known for	Bohemian chic accessories
Awards	2005 Rising Star, Fashion Group International; 2007 brand launch award, Accessories Council of Excellence; CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year, 2008
Labels	Tory Burch

Tory Burch (born June 17, 1966; née Robinson) is an American fashion designer, business woman and philanthropist who was born, raised and educated in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

She attended the Agnes Irwin School in Rosemont, PA, and the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta. After graduation, she moved to New York City, where she began a career working with fashion designers, including Zoran, a Yugoslavian designer.^[1] She worked at Harper's Bazaar magazine.^[1][2] She was a copywriter for Polo Ralph Lauren and worked for Vera Wang.

She began a fashion label in February 2004. The label was an immediate success and was endorsed by Oprah Winfrey the following year. The label has stores in several large American cities and has lines that are sold in several upscale specialty department stores. Burch has won several fashion awards for her designs. The company has since grown to 36 stores, four of which are outlet stores in Woodbury Commons, NY; San Marcos, TX; Camarillo, CA; and Orlando, FL Premium Outlets. Her fashion label known as "TRB by Tory Burch"—later as "Tory Burch"—began as a business operation in her Upper East Side apartment and quickly blossomed into free-standing boutiques,^[3] now numbering 68.^[4] In February 2004, Tory Burch opened a flagship store in the NoLIta neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City.^[5][6] The store was almost completely sold out on the first day.^[6] Stories about her and her fashion line have been in a broad spectrum of magazines and newspapers,^[7] and in April 2005, Winfrey endorsed her line on The Oprah Winfrey Show.^[3]

Personal life[link]

Born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania,^[5] Burch was raised with her three brothers (Robert, James and Leonard) ^[8] in a Valley Forge farmhouse where her mother, Reva Robinson, still lived in 2008.^[9] The house is a 250-year old Georgian near the Valley Forge National Historical Park.^[1] Her mother is a former actress who dated Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando.^[1] Her father, Buddy Robinson, who was a wealthy investor, is now deceased.^[9] Her father inherited a stock exchange seat and a paper cup company. He dated Grace Kelly and Joan Bennett.^[1] Tory's father was fourteen years older than her mother.^[1] Burch is ethnically half Jewish from her mother's side.^[10]

Burch in Porto Ercole, Italy, wearing a Tory Burch tunic

Tory served as captain of the tennis team and rode horses while at the Agnes Irwin School.^[1] Tory attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She majored in art history, and graduated in 1988.^[1]

In 1993, she married William Macklowe, son of real-estate tycoon Harry B. Macklowe.^[11] They divorced within a year.^[12] In 1997 she married Christopher Burch,^[9] an investor in Internet Capital Group, a venture capital firm founded by Walter Buckley and Ken Fox. They had three children: twins Henry and Nick (b. 1997) and Sawyer (b. 2001). They divorced in 2001.^[13] Burch also has three stepdaughters from her marriage to Christopher Burch: Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Louisa.^[9]

She dated Lance Armstrong in 2007^[14][15] and more recently, she has been linked to Lyor Cohen.^{[16][17][18][19]}

Business[link]

Shoe with Tory Burch medallion

Her company produces caftans, sequined cardigans, tunics, children's swimwear, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and sunglasses.^[3] The style has been described as Preppy-boho and Preppy-bohemian luxe.^[3] Some select styles of sunglasses, such as the Rounded Aviator, have the signature logo printed on the lens.^[5] Her styles are popular with the viewers and fans of the television show Gossip Girl, which they often appear on,^[20] and her style transcends generations.^[21] Her style is known for being easy to wear.^[2][22] In 2007, there were wait lists to buy her fashions,^[23] which are hallmark representations of and homages to 1950s and 1960s fashions.^[1][24] Her fashions are known for including her T-logo medallion.^[2] Her clothing is versatile enough to be part of the wardrobe of a clientele ranging from working women and soccer moms to socialites and wealthy women.^[1][25] Burch named her popular line of Reva ballerina flats after her mother.^[1] Burch is known as one of the leaders in turning the t-shirt into a fashion item.^[26]

In 2008, she beat Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, as the accessories designer of the year.^[27] In 2007, she won the Accessory Brand Launch of the year award from the Accessories Council of Excellence.^[5][28] In 2005, she won Rising Star Award to Burch for best new Retail Concept from the Fashion Group International.^[5]

In 2009, Burch appeared in the fourth episode of Gossip Girl season three as herself.^[29]

Burch at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

As of April 2012, there were 68 Tory Burch stores worldwide, 48 in the US and 20 internationally.^[30] Her fashion line is carried at over 1,000 department and specialty stores worldwide,^[31] including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus^[32] Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.^[33] In 2009, Tory Burch sold a minority stake in her company to a Mexican private equity firm, Tresalia Capital.^[34]

Philanthropy[link]

In 2008, Burch founded the Tory Burch Foundation, which provides "economic opportunities to women and their families".^[35] The Tory Burch Foundation is currently partnered with ACCION USA to provide domestic microfinance to low income entrepreneurs in the United States.^[36] ACCION USA is a non-profit domestic microfinance provider founded in 1991.^[37] Burch explained the reason for her focus as “I like microfinance in particular because it isn’t charity in the traditional sense. It’s about investing in people who might otherwise not have the chance to pursue their goals and helping families lift themselves out of poverty…It’s also incredibly important to the economic recovery of our country.”^[36] Burch’s stores sell several products whose proceeds support the Foundation’s work.^[38]

Burch is on the board of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and, in 2006, chaired the spring gala for the American Ballet Theatre which raised an estimated $1.8 million. In 2008, Burch was honored at a Colleague Helpers in Philanthropic Services (C.H.I.P.S.) luncheon that benefited the Children’s Institute, Inc.^[39]

Socialite[link]

Burch at 2007 Accessories Council of Excellence awards

Her parents were part of Philadelphia high society.^[9] Now, she is a socialite and businesswoman. She was co-chair of the American Ballet Theater Spring Gala in 2007 along with Caroline Kennedy, Carolina Herrera, Susan Fales-Hill (Misty Copeland's sponsor), Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, and Sloan Lindemann Barnett.^[40] She is also active in a variety of socialite activities such as the passing out gift bags at The Lung Cancer Research Foundation's "Strides for Life" Race.^[41]

Filmography[link]

Notes[link]

External links[link]

• Tory Burch main website
• Tory Burch Foundation website
• Tory Burch designer profile at Fashion Model Directory