Michael Kors Handbags

Behind the Brand

Born in the hip city of London, it is no surprise that Michael Kors developed interest in fashion at a young age. Fortunately enough, his mother was supportive of Michael's penchant, and in time he enrolled in New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology as a fashion design major.

By age 19, this up-and-coming designer was already sketching and merchandising a collection for Lothraraes, a well-known New York City boutique. These early endeavors granted him the attention of the fashion media, leading Kors to adopt an air of independence. The Michael Kors label began in 1981 and was quickly picked up by several major department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and the upscale Bergdorf Goodman. Kors' lines consisted mainly of sportswear that offered consumers a luxury feel. Women's ready-to-wear was next on Kors' list, as his designs soon took hold of Celine, a Parisian fashion house. In February of 1999, Kors received the esteemed title: Creative Director of Celine.

Still, Kors was set to expand. By 2002, he had already launched a menswear collection. Two years later a smaller line labeled, MICHAEL by Michael Kors, hit department stores, offering the same contemporary styles as his luxury line, but at far less cost.

In July of 1996, Vogue magazine hailed Michael Kors one of the most influential designers of the decade. To this day, the Kors name marks the leading brand in luxury sportswear.

What to Expect

Michael Kors handbags are far too edgy to be considered timeless. It is common for any Kors design to feature:

• Multiple pockets
• Decorative Grommets
• Plentiful Hardware
• Chain Designs

However, these handbags are remarkably easy to work into any ensemble. Unlike the more flagrant styles of Italian designers, a Michael Kors handbag is not intended to dominate an outfit; rather, its purpose is to accentuate and update one's wardrobe.

Whereas designers like Chanel focus on grace and feminine luxury, Kors' emphasis on buckles and hardware provide his handbags with a trendy, almost masculine, but always fashionable, effect. His liberal use of chains in the crafting of the straps is both brazen and impudent, and absolutely perfect for providing one's classic business-wear with a chic sharpness.

How to Wear

Featuring chains, grommets, pockets, and a whirlwind of gleaming hardware, the only aspect of Michael Kors handbags that remain restrained are the colors. The popular Roadie Satchel from his Fall 2006 line serves to emphasize the casual extravagance of these bags. The muted olive color is perfect for an everyday trip to the mall, yet the avant-garde design will lift any uninspired outfit into the extraordinary.

Kors' creative styles will provide even the most sensible consumer with a look of nonchalant originality; and this nonchalant edginess is exactly what defines high fashion. With prices ranging into the mid thousands, you'll look every bit as remarkable as you are unaffordable.

Styles of Michael Kors Handbags

Michael Kors has provided his fans with a vast array of handbag styles that include:

• Hobos
• Satchels
• Clutches
• Shoppers
• Flap Bags

Naturally, past seasonal lines have featured many more styles than those listed above. However, the more recent Michael Kors line places a special emphasis on satchels and shoppers of various sizes.

Where to Purchase

In order to avoid the purchase of a designer replica, consumers should purchase their Michael Kors merchandise from Kors retailers and fine department stores such as:

• Nordstrom
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Neiman Marcus
• Bergdorf Goodman.

Authentic Michael Kors handbags can also be found at Bluefly.