Designer Michael Kors Holds First Live Fashion Show Since Pandemic

Designer Michael Kors waves after presenting his collection during New York Fashion Week in New York, US, February 13, 2019. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Designer Michael Kors waves after presenting his collection during New York Fashion Week in New York, US, February 13, 2019. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
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Designer Michael Kors Holds First Live Fashion Show Since Pandemic

Designer Michael Kors waves after presenting his collection during New York Fashion Week in New York, US, February 13, 2019. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Designer Michael Kors waves after presenting his collection during New York Fashion Week in New York, US, February 13, 2019. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

Designer Michael Kors took over New York City's landmark Tavern on the Green in Central Park on Friday, his first live runway show since the pandemic began.

Although COVID-19 protocols restricted his guest list, Kors said it gave those in attendance an intimate experience.

"To be able to put on a live show to me is thrilling. I love people to be able to experience live fashion," said Kors, Reuters reported.

The brand required all guests to be double vaccinated, while staff, crews and press were given on-site testing before being admitted into the venue.

"Lots and lots of checking boxes and being so unbelievably strict with the protocols," he said.

Actress Kate Hudson, who is a friend of Kors, was thrilled to be at her first show in many months. "I'm so excited. And it's nice and small, intimate, which I think is going to be really lovely. But I haven't done this for a long time so it feels a little odd and wonderful all at the same time."

This season Kors decided to look at romance through a streamlined and urban lens. The New York native said his inspiration was not just romantic love, but love of friends, family, city, seeing people and more.

He said he created a collection that will help celebrate those moments that we've all been craving.

Models including Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner paraded through an outdoor garden, while Broadway star Ariana DeBose performed live.

Kors said the collection was filled with charm.

"Lots of black and white in the collection," the designer explained.

"A lot of gingham, which just puts a smile on my face, I'm not a picnic kind of guy, but I can have the fantasy. A lot of white embroidery, a lot of white laces and eyelet and things like that."

New York Fashion Week will end on Sept. 12.



ASOS Warns of $200 Million Hit from Atlanta Distribution Center Closure

A keyboard and a shopping cart are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. (Reuters)
A keyboard and a shopping cart are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. (Reuters)
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ASOS Warns of $200 Million Hit from Atlanta Distribution Center Closure

A keyboard and a shopping cart are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. (Reuters)
A keyboard and a shopping cart are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. (Reuters)

Britain's ASOS Plc flagged a one-time impairment charge exceeding $200 million in fiscal 2025 due to the "mothballing" of its Atlanta distribution center on Wednesday, as the online fashion retailer navigates a tough business environment.

Over the last couple of years, ASOS has been working to transform its business after losing popularity among its target audience of young customers and dealing with an inventory surplus.

This effort by the retailer, however, has coincided with the growing prominence of budget-friendly fast-fashion brands such as Shein and the Chinese online retailer Temu.

The decision to phase out the Atlanta facility comes after ASOS completes a multi-year warehouse automation project.

US customers will be served from the retailer's automated UK fulfillment center from the second half of 2025 and through a smaller local site, ASOS said.

Due to the shift, the retailer expects to take a one-time hit of about 190 million pounds ($231.91 million) on its reported profit in fiscal 2025, and then save between 10 million pounds and 20 million pounds annually in core earnings from financial year 2026.

ASOS intends to market the Atlanta site - seven employees will be offered new roles if possible, and many third-party logistics workers will be given opportunities at nearby locations, the company said.

The firm, which opened a local US office in 2024, said it will continue to grow and build its local presence.