A stunning waterfront runway show
Michael Kors, the American fashion designer and owner of the eponymous luxury brand, honored his late mother Joan Kors with a stunning waterfront runway show at Battery Park City in New York on Wednesday. The show, which was part of the New York Fashion Week, featured a live performance by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, who sang some of the greatest hits by Burt Bacharach, one of Joan’s favorite composers.
A tribute to Joan Kors’ style and spirit
Joan Kors, who was a former model and a design influencer, passed away at the age of 84 in Los Angeles in August 2023. She was a strong supporter of her son’s career and a fixture at his shows. Michael Kors shared the news of her passing on his Instagram page, writing: “I am at a total loss over the sudden passing of my beloved mom, Joan Kors. She was my undying supporter, full of strength, smarts, and style. My mom was a true one-of-kind. With a heavy heart, MK”.
The runway show was a tribute to Joan’s style and spirit, as well as a celebration of life and optimism after the pandemic. The collection featured bright colors, floral prints, sequins, and feathers, inspired by the glamour and joy of the 1970s. The models including Gigi Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Irina Shayk, walked along the Hudson River with the Statue of Liberty in the background. The show also has a diverse and inclusive cast with models of different ages, sizes, and ethnicities.
A Live Performance by Rufus Wainwright
Wainwright, who is a longtime friend of Michael Kors, serenaded the audience with some of Bacharach’s classic songs, such as “What the World Needs Now Is Love”, “Walk of By”, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”, and “The Carpenters”. Joan Kors was a fan of his music and often played his tunes at home when Michael was growing up,
A standing ovation from the guests
The show ended with a standing ovation from the guests, who included celebrities like Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson, Hailee Steinfeld, and Beanie Feldstein. Michael Kors took his final bow with Wainwright and thanked everyone for coming. He also dedicated the show to his mother, saying: “She taught me that life is an adventure and that you should always follow your dreams”.
