Designer Dossier: Michael Kors

His perfect muse is a Hitchcock ice queen.

By Joyce Caruso Corrigan

Aug 15, 2008

Dimitrios Kambouris

For the Project Runway judge and native New Yorker, the perfect muse is a Hitchcock ice queen with a twist of Amy Winehouse.

Dimitrios Kambouris

Designer Dossier: Michael Kors

OF FASHION VISION AND TELEVISION:
"If I learned anything from my retail days [Kors once fit boots on Jackie O], it's that American women value ease above all: Fashion has to feel good. For fall, we layered shapely coats over chiffon tops and sophisticated below-the-knee skirts. It's no longer about looking like baby dolls. Add a sleek pet greyhound as accessory, and the look says fast and rich... Project Runway has definitely made me a better designer. Like TV, style has become about smash-and-grab excitement. And now my fan base extends to 12-year-olds!"

mary kate olsen in black tie with feathers

Dimitrios Kambouris

Designer Dossier: Michael Kors

THE DAMES:
"The trick is to find the connective thread between all my favorite muses, from the Hitchcock heroines like Grace Kelly and Kim Novak to Mary J. Blige and Amy Winehouse [whose Back to Black plays constantly in his showroom]. Women have evolved to a point where they don't have the time or inclination to look perfect. It's the Olsens looking amazing at a black-tie event with completely messed-up hair."