It's comforting to know that once, even Michael Kors was scraping together Saturday job pennies for his first Cartier Tank watch (been there- although most of us were probably saving for something a little less luxe).
Ever wondered where he got his big break? We discovered the man behind the mogul and chatted career highs, the next big supermodel and how he got into drawing caricatures...
Profession (As On Passport)
Fashion designer
First Job
Caricatures for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and Sweet 16s when I was a teenager. I saved up the money and spent it all on a Cartier Tank watch—because that's what every 16-year-old needs, right?
Big Break
Dawn Mello, former fashion director of Bergdorf's, seeing my designs in the window of Lothar's when I was 21. She stopped in one day while I was dressing the windows and told me that if I ever started my own collection, to give her a call. I went home that night and got started.
Current Project
Our new Sexy Ruby perfume, which we launched in London and you can get your hands on now.
Dream Job
The one I have. No day is ever the same, so I never get bored, which I love. That's what has kept me going for the last 35 years.
Signature Skill
Impersonations
Career High
The CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award
Industry idol
Halston
Who's the next big thing?
[Ex- face of Burberry and Keith Richards' granddaughter] Ella Richards.
Back-up Plan
Broadway! I can't sing or dance, so I would do something more behind the scenes, like producing.
Hobbies and interests
I love to travel, I find it to be an endless source of inspiration. And when I can't actually get out of town, I think a trip to the theatre is the next best thing because it totally immerses you in another time, place and lifestyle. My work with the United Nations World Food Programme and locally with God's Love We Deliver is also important to me.
My Kit
Michael Kors for Men fragrance because it has a clean, masculine scent. I like La Mer lip balm, especially on long flights, for banishing chapped lips. Regularly, I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated, and then Jergens natural glow for the face when I need to stretch my tan. I think Klorane's chamomile shampoo is every blonde's best friend. And I like the lemon soap from Carthusia because it transports me right back to Capri.
