Review of Michael Kors Fall 2023 Fashion Show
Urban Bohemia
By Obi Anyanwu
Michael Kors used many phrases and themes to describe his Fall/Winter 2023 collection.
‘Urban bohemia’ and ‘timeless glamour,’ ‘a new proportion play’ and ‘oversized menswear tailoring,’ as well as ‘moments of merlot and forest’ and ‘the season of the boot.’
Kors continues to lean on the 70’s for his inspiration, and pop culture is circling around to his collections.
Of course, these phrases could describe every collection the designer has put forth and shared with the public. They’re essentially brand codes and a connecting line for each collection, as is the 1970’s, the true inspiration for this collection.
Kors ahead of the show shared that he “was inspired by strong, confident women with their own sense of style” when he was growing up in the 70s. Women like Tina Turner, Gloria Steinem, Yoko Ono and Jane Fonda were a huge influence on him and the women today that carve their own path inspire him today.
Pronounced outerwear and capes, and chic, effortless tailoring complimented by large necklaces and sunglasses represent these women, or the “original influencers,” as the brand refers to them.
Kors continues to lean on the 70’s for his inspiration, and pop culture is circling around to his collections. Just this year, Beyonce made a Grammy’s record with her 32nd win for her latest effort, Renaissance, that pulled from many eras of Black music but a focus on the 70’s and 80’s. The songstress leaned on queer culture for the album’s dance and house tracks but closed with track Summer Renaissance that sampled Donna Summer’s I Feel Love. Summer is perhaps a diva that Kors and Bey can agree is iconic?
Women like Tina Turner, Gloria Steinem, Yoko Ono and Jane Fonda were a huge influence on him and the women today that carve their own path inspire him today.
This connects to Kors’ continued outputs that hearken to the disco clubs that he would frequent in his younger years. People turn to nostalgia for comfort and to live out moments they may not have had the opportunity to experience. This is why East Village lounge Joyface can attract patrons every night to experience the disco and house eras of the 70’s and 80’s.
But since Kors lived it, his reminiscing is fully authentic. Look no further than the maestro for the real thing.