Michael Kors in Dallas for Crysal Charity luncheon 2009:
Interview by Rhonda Sargent Chambers
(Published October 10, 2009)

In 1981 Michael Kors designed his first collection. Before he was even twenty years old, he knew his calling. In 1984 he made his first trip to Dallas. Michael told me that he has been to Dallas thirty-seven times since then! Yes, he counted! Becoming fast friends with Shelle Sills at Neiman Marcus Downtown, formerly with The Gazebo and Ultimo in Highland Park Village, together they keep Dallas women shopping!  Photo by Rhonda Sargent Chambers

Crystal Charity 10 Best Dressed: Front row left: Joyce Mitchell, Hall of Fame Honoree; Aileen Pratt; Michael Kors, featured designer; Robyn Conlon; Di Johnston; Lee Ann White. Back row: Ola Fojasek; Nancy C. Rogers; Kelli Ford, Charlotte Anderson; Amy Turner; Claire Emanuelson. Photo by Lisa Stewart.

In this recent interview with Michael, he had an amazing memory and total recall of our beautiful Dallas women.  What keeps him coming back for more?  Shelle said it was his girls here, his love for southern barbeque and Tex-Mex food!

His adjectives for us girls?  Gracious and Good Looking!

At Neiman's downtown for the Chrystal Charity Luncheon and Fashion Show, we were pleasantly entertained by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Editor-in-Chief of Town and Country, Pamela Fiori, http://www.hearst.com/magazines/towncountry.php.

Being at Neiman Marcus downtown makes me feel like a little girl again; the store was beautiful, the NM staff on their toes and the valet was flawless!

Mrs. Fiori's sentiments about Dallas women paralleled those of Michael Kors.  She said that regardless of the weather or economic times; Dallas women shine with their sunny disposition.  He said simply that he loves coming here, regardless of his hectic schedule with Project Runway!

It was wonderful to have the time to speak with Mrs. Fiori once again. She actually remembered that she and I were presenters together two years ago for the Dallas Fashion Awards at the Dallas Market Center.  She has a new book, "In the Spirit of Capri," which my family and I will visit once again next June, so we had much to discuss!

Michael Kors contributed with a few words and pictures for this fantastic book because their favorite place in the world is Capri ... with Dallas being a close second, I am sure.

Michael expressed his learning about how to design sexy comfort clothing from Halston and that Chanel "changed the world!"

Every designer has a favorite current "designer's designer." His is Azzedine Alaia, simply because of his extraordinary garment fit and his genius.

Listening and watching such a humble designer makes all of us want to wear Michael Kors!  In my opinion, his most dynamic piece shown for winter was the leather cocktail dress.

WOW ... It was a show stopper and the room fell silent!  As long as he does not discontinue his "leg shine" body product, I will be happy!
 
Rhonda Sargent Chambers
SocialWhirl.com Contributing Editor
Passion for Fashion
www.rscshow.com