Interview with Fashion Billionaire Michael Kors

Last year we met with the fashion designer Michael Kors shortly after he had become fashion’s latest billionaire. He launched his eponymous label in December 2011 and has since taken the industry by storm. He spoke to The Gentleman’s Journal about his inspirations, favourite holidays and his beloved cats Bunny and Viola.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?, My Grandfather’s wedding ring. I never take it off.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE CITY IN THE WORLD?, New York

WHERE DO YOU GO TO RELAX?, Anywhere with a beach. Right now, I love Big Sur, Phuket and Capri.

WHERE, REAL OR IMAGINED, HISTORICAL OR MYTHOLOGICAL, WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT?, I’d love to spend a weekend on the Christina— Aristotle Onassis’s yacht—with Jackie O. and Elizabeth Taylor.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT AND WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN THERE?, I love the steak at Peter Luger in New York and the pizza at Aurora in Capri.

WHAT’S YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE?, Ketel One on the rocks

WHERE DO YOU GO TO CELEBRATE?, Somewhere with a beach. For me, there’s nothing better than a day at the beach with friends and no cell phones in sight.

WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?, The sun

WHAT POSSESSION WOULD YOU SAVE FROM A BURNING FIRE?, My two cats—Bunny and Viola.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE IN YOUR WARDROBE?, My aviators. The way other men change their tie everyday, I change my aviators.

WHAT DO YOU TAKE WITH YOU WHEN TRAVELLING?, A black cashmere knit, Tod’s crocodile driving loafers, my iPad and Beats (by DR.DRE) headphones.

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR INSPIRATION?, Anywhere that combines the beauty of nature and luxury service.

WHAT ERA, TREND OF STYLE WILL YOU ALWAYS LOVE?, I’ve always been inspired by the jet setters of the 60s and 70s – the Jackie Kennedys, Robert Redfords and Steve McQueens of the world.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE OTHER DESIGNERS?, From the past: Halston, Yves Saint Laurent and Azzadine Alaia. And recently I’ve been liking Dion Lee.

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