Michael Kors Fall 2012 Collection

THERE were lots of browns, blacks and reds in Michael Kors Fall 2012 Collection showcased recently in a private function solely for the media. Held at Whitebox, MAP Publika in Solaris Dutamas the collection was showcased on mannequins with two giant TV sets screening the catwalk, which was probably done in the States.

It was a simple affair – icy fruit drinks were served to guests. They helped quenched the thirst on a hot late afternoon especially when the weather has been so unkind. Valiram’s big guns were around to greet the afternoon batch of journalists and photographers. Their Manager of Marketing, Carmen Tan and her girls showed me around the displays as I was one of the early birds and was probably looking a bit ‘lonely’.

See anything you fancy?

Michael Kors does not believe in providing press release. A good move, I thought. Carmen provided some details of the collection. She actually pointed out this lovely simple dress, which she said looks even more stunning on a woman’s body than a stiff mannequin.

“The thing about Michael Kor’s clothes is that you don’t need to be super skinny to wear them,” Carmen said.

It seems the trick is in the fabric choice, which has the qualities to hide your love handles.  Looking at the pieces showcased I do not think body size is the issue. My curiosity, as with other journalists who viewed the collection, is how in the world does one wear the totally flimsy and see- through pieces made from the gorgeous Chantilly lace?

Mohair, fur, Chantilly lace and seduction.

“It all depends on how daring the wearers are,” said Joanne Teh, Assistant Brand Manager of Michael Kors, Malaysia.

Michael Kors has a good following among Malaysians and his collections are snapped up very fast with the jeans and jeggings being the hot items among Malaysian women. This season’s collection features some Bohemian feel to the designs and the “hard and soft combination” in material like the use of leather, lace, mohair and sequins. Though colours are earthy, bold stripes and checks are dominant in some of the pieces.

“Michael Kors love details like the visible stitching on the clothing,” said Joanne. “And Michael loves belts as they give a slimming effect to the waist,” she added.

The WOW factors - Joanne Teh shows us what they're all about.

Two of the pieces from the collection have been worn before by celebrities like Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada and Queen Victoria) and Liu-Wen, the new face of Estee Lauder.

In October last year, Michael Kors opened its Flagship store in Kuala Lumpur at the Pavilion. The store has been doing well since, embraced by the Malaysian market in a big way, says Deepak Sharma, Regional General Manager of Fashion Division, Valiram Group.

Before the end of this year, Michael Kors stores will open in 1Utama, KL Sentral and Johor before spreading its wings to the other states within Malaysia. New businesses will open in Jakarta, Indonesia between July and August this year while Sydney will see hers in November.

“Michael Kors is growing from strength to strength regionally and globally,” said Deepak. “It will open flagship stores across the world, in Madrid, London, Taiwan, Shanghai and the largest of it being in New York, housing the biggest selection of Michael Kors products.”

My favourite colours.

“Michael is always talking about being fashion forward but also making sure his clothes are comfortable. For those who follow Michael, and know Michael, know what his fashion is about and what his lifestyle is about, will know he is a very relaxed guy. He is really into having a life as well as a balance of work and family. A lot of his clothing has a fine balance between fashion being comfortable as well as wearable.”

“I hope you will also see these reflected in the clothes showcased today,” said Deepak.

Amidst the flurry of clothing all lined in rows on mannequins accessorised with stoles made of rabbit fur, long gloves and thick winter jackets, one cannot miss the beautifully burnish leather finished handbags, shoes and boots.

Love the look, touch and feel of everything in the collection.

Michael Kors’ collections come in several ranges, with each range carrying different pricing but quality is its biggest asset.  The flagship store in Malaysia carries almost 90% of what the stores in the US have. There is a good stock of Michael Kors’ retail as well as wholesale range. And when more Michael Kors’ store opens in Malaysia, fans can easily find a bigger selection of the more affordable wholesale range as well.

According to Joanne a plain Michael Kors top can cost about RM200+ and that’s not a bad bargain seeing that clothes these days, even those without significant labels, can easily go up to about RM180+ a piece.

But here’s the sad news, well for the guys at least, there is no Michael Kors gents’ selection in Malaysia as yet. So if you’re a guy and a Michael Kors fan, you can shop till you drop for your women instead.

Hide your bulges in this stunning piece, girls.