Michael Kors Fall Winter 2024-2025 “Timeless”. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY. Photo Courtesy: Michael Kors.

Michael Kors, the emblematic American designer known for epitomizing the chic, slinky silhouettes of the quintessential New Yorker, has taken a bold step in a new direction with his Fall-Winter 2024-2025 collection, aptly named “Timeless.” Presented today in the iconic, albeit now repurposed, former Barneys New York store, Kors has signaled a shift that has left the fashion world both intrigued and reflective.

This season, Kors has deviated from his signature style that has defined the brand since the 1990s—a look characterized by sleek, body-hugging lines, substantial shoulders, oversized jackets paired with skinny jeans or leggings, all exuding a confident, urban appeal. Instead, the “Timeless” collection unveils a pivot to more classical designs, with a color palette that speaks to understated elegance: grey, black, dust pink, and beige.

What’s particularly surprising about this collection is its apparent resonance with Dior Menswear by Kim Jones. This parallel, while unexpected, showcases a blending of aesthetics that raises questions about the evolving landscape of fashion where borders between distinct styles and houses become increasingly fluid.

The transition away from the slinky silhouettes to a more classical approach marks a significant evolution for Kors. This new direction, while maintaining elements of luxury and sophistication inherent to the brand, suggests a reimagining of what constitutes the “New Yorker” look—a concept that Michael Kors has championed and reshaped over the past three decades.

The “Timeless” collection, with its emphasis on classical elements, does not merely represent a departure from the past but rather an expansion of the Michael Kors ethos. By incorporating broader influences, including echoes of Dior’s refinement under Kim Jones, Kors is not diluting his brand’s identity but enriching it. He invites his audience to embrace a more diversified interpretation of elegance and style, one that transcends traditional boundaries while maintaining a connection to the brand’s core values.

This move by Michael Kors may initially puzzle loyal followers accustomed to his iconic 1990s New Yorker aesthetic. However, it also opens the door to a wider audience seeking timeless elegance that merges the best of American and European fashion sensibilities. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Michael Kors’ “Timeless” collection stands as a testament to the designer’s willingness to explore, adapt, and redefine what it means to dress the modern individual.

Was it a new directive from Tapestry, Inc, the new owner of Michael Kors brand? It’s never wise to blur or erase brand identity and try to chaise aesthetics which don’t in particular belong to the house.

Michael Kors remains at the forefront of fashion, guiding the narrative forward with an eye toward universality and timelessness. As we look back on this collection in the years to come, it may very well be remembered as a pivotal moment when Michael Kors, once again, captured the essence of the era, albeit through a lens that many did not anticipate.

A Disturbing Trend: The Decline in Michael Kors’ Couture Quality

Amidst the evolution of Michael Kors’ aesthetic, another critical aspect that demands attention is the noticeable decline in the quality of couture that has long been synonymous with the brand’s luxury appeal. As a devout aficionado of Michael Kors, my personal experience echoes a broader sentiment of disillusionment that has crept into the loyal customer base.

My wardrobe, a curated collection of high-end labels including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace, bears witness to a disconcerting trend over the last six months.

Notably, a pair of shoes that swiftly became deformed and unwearable, necessitating their return, and a sophisticated marine blue jacket marred by the perplexing choice to sew buttons with red thread across the inside pockets, effectively rendering them unusable.

This peculiar oversight suggests a disconnection from the meticulous craftsmanship that once defined the brand. The transformation hints at a possible shift in production ethos under Tapestry Inc., with speculations arising about a pivot towards more cost-effective, albeit lower quality, manufacturing processes.

By the way, only 2,430 people watched LIVE Michael Kors show online. And this is very sad that public lost so much interest in Michael Kors brand.

This development, if left unaddressed, threatens to erode the brand’s storied reputation. As I prepare to don my Michael Kors jacket, now distinguished by its oddly placed buttons, to attend another sparse season of fashion shows, one can’t help but wonder about the future trajectory of a brand that once epitomized the pinnacle of American luxury fashion.

See All Looks Michael Kors Fall 2024-2025