MICHAEL KORS

(b. 1959)  Michael Kors started his womenwear label in 1981.  From the beginning Kors has made classic interpretations of American sportswear.  In 1990, Michael Kors started a lower priced line, Kors.  This line was phased out in a reorganization of the company in 1996, but was reinstated in 2004.  At that time, an even lower tier label, Michael, was added.

In 1997, Michael Kors was hired by French luxury good maker Celine, to design their women's line and to be creative director.  While at Celine, Kors produced handbags that were huge hits.  Kors left Celine in 2003 in order to spend more energy on his own labels.  He has gained fame as a judge on the television reality program, Project Runway.