Michael Kors returns to NY Fashion Week with urban romance

NEW YORK (AP) — Love and romance were the dreamy threads that bound together Michael Kors' Spring/Summer 2022 collection, presented in Central Park in a show that emphasized the forced intimacy of the pandemic and the optimism of love in New York City.

Kendall Jenner opened Friday's show in a timeless sleek black pencil skirt with a thin leather belt fastened around the waist and a simple bra. Other looks included an oversized pink fuzzy sweater with a wide turtle neck, a modernized circle skirt, a monochromatic checkered blazer and mini skirt, with each piece embodying romantic silhouettes and fabrics in a sophisticated and charming way.

Held at Central Park's Tavern on the Green, the show highlighted a cozy and warm environment with lush green arches adorned with blush pink roses and whites peonies. The structured and sharply tailored clothes mirrored the venue in its light and nostalgic vibe.

Models like Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Imaan Hammam, and Precious Lee were draped in gowns and skirts in subdued color palettes of black, white, pink, tan and a dash of baby blue and prints — keeping the collection right on par for the spring and summer season.

Hadid closed the show in a black ankle-length cross-front gown with hand-embroidered sequins.

Kate Hudson, Hailee Steinfeld, Lucy Hale and Olivia Holt were among the stars at the show, which included a performance from Arianna Debose, who sang classic jazz love songs like Nat King Cole's “L-O-V-E."

Kors recalled names like Sophia Loren, Ingrid Bergman and Jackie Kennedy as inspirations for the timeless line.

But most of all, Kors emphasized that style is back after a year of coronavirus-related shutdowns plagued the city's arts and culture venues.

“I started seeing people getting dressed up to just go out and have a hamburger, just the joy of expressing yourself through fashion," he said. "Comfort is a big part of American fashion always. So how do we combine feeling polished, glamorous and dressed up but never give up comfort?”

To Kors, regardless of what chaos is happening in the world, he says he hopes his work and latest collection helps people feel comfortable regardless of their size or age.

“I think everyone just wants to feel good about themselves, wants to have fun, and also wants to buy something that makes them feel great but lasts, something that stands the test of time,” he said. “Because the idea of something disposable, to me, is just, it’s an affront, you know, fashion is not meant to be disposable.”