September 9, 2007

The anti-fur protest outside the tent at the Michael Kors show failed to put a damper on the exuberant mood inside. Between the neon-spiked palette, bold metallic detailing, and relaxed jackets, dresses, and skirts, the collection felt very “summer in Sante Fe in the 1970s,” as Hamish Bowles phrased it. 

Kors masterfully incorporated one of the week’s must-have looks: the wide-brimmed, oversized hat, which suavely complemented the buoyant feel of the collection. Gold found its way onto most of the models in belts, buttons, visors, and thick bangles and chokers. Kors interpreted another big spring trend—the return of the waist—with thin belts and gathered fabric. With a nice mix of floral prints, flowing rainbow stripes, and crisp navy, black, and khaki combinations, the show was a juxtaposition of breezy femininity and charged athleticism that had everyone looking forward to next summer. While the show was certainly upbeat, Kors may have gone a little too far with a glitzy sequined-bubblegum gown that was more razzle-dazzle disco than New York class.