A moment with .... Michael Kors, fashion designer

Michael Kors, one of New York's hottest fashion designers, came to Seattle this week to formally launch his new "Michael" label for men and women at Bon-Macy's. (The women's apparel line is also available at Nordstrom.)

Although he's been in business since 1981 with his Michael Kors Collection selling in the $500-$2,000 range (but as high as $25,000), this is his first foray into more affordable, mass-market clothing with prices generally in the $40-$350 range. It includes both apparel and accessories.

He said it's possible for a designer to succeed by focusing on, say, evening fashions for a small group of clients. James Galanos, for example, dressed Nancy Reagan and her friends. "But I'm a sportswear designer. I make accessible clothes and it's great to be accessible to a larger audience," Kors said. Here's what else he had to say:

On fragmentation of fashion: It's how people live today. They might buy a table at Crate & Barrel and put a pre-Colombian statue on top. The chicest woman around is driving a "smart car" (hybrid). Sharon Stone wears a Gap top and a Vera Wang skirt to the Oscars. It's how I dress -- Levi 501s and a Saville Row jacket. People don't want to be pigeonholed anymore.

How do your two collections interact? Collections definitely influence each other. Michael Kors (the label) is about unlimited indulgence. Michael clothes are clothes we live in every day. Why should I wait for H&M or Zara (two international chains noted for selling designer looks at rock-bottom prices) to copy my designs? I know how to do Michael Kors better.

What are the bestsellers in the Michael line? I've visited nine cities -- St. Louis, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle. Every piece I love has been successful in every city. Sweaters, sexy silk knits, tweeds that don't make you look fat and old. Nothing's scratchy. Printed jersey dresses are selling very well. It's nice to see people wear the same things throughout the country.

Why are handbags such hot accessories? Women are bag and shoe obsessed. They set off your outfit. We have 14-year-olds buying our bags. They're ageless. It's easier to carry a green bag than to wear a green coat.

What's the biggest change in fashion since 1981? The speed of life. The speed of fashion. People watch fashion shows practically as they happen on style.com. They're much more sophisticated. They're in better shape. Everyone is now 35 years old, or looks it.

What's ahead for Spring 2005? Think colors from Greece -- greens, blues, lots of white. It's about an explosion of color for men and women. I'm a pop culture junkie. I don't go to museums for inspiration. I imagined a monthlong cruise, and tried to envision what Jude Law and Sienna Miller might wear. We've got to sell some fantasy. I like clothes that transport me. Clothes are like a good meal, a good movie, great pieces of music. A little escapism never hurt anyone.

-- Susan Phinney

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