Michael Kors
Born: 1959, Long Island, New York

Michael Kors was born and raised on Long Island, a suburb of New York City. He attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, where he studied fashion design.

Michael Kors began his career in fashion at the age of 19 designing and merchandising a collection for the renowned boutique LotharÕs in New York City. The success of these clothes caught the attention of the fashion press prompting Kors to strike out on his own. In 1981 the Michael Kors label was formed; his first womenÕs collection was launched at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, amongst other stores. Since his collection was established, it has never strayed from KorsÕ initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear. In June of 1999 Michael Kors received the most prestigious award in the fashion industry the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year.

Born: 1959, Long Island, New York

First break: Designed an attention-grabbing collection for Manhattan’s Lothar boutique at the age of 19.

Company founded: 1981

Based in: New York

Men’s line: MICHAEL Michael Kors (2004)

Selected awards: Lifetime Achievement Award from Lighthouse International (1999), CFDA Award for Women’s Designer of the Year (1999), The New York Award from New York Magazine (1999), CFDA Award for Men’s Designer of the Year (2003)

Signature quote: “I am the oldest young designer in New York City.”

Worn by: Jason Lewis, Nick Lachey, Brad Pitt