Unfortunately, the bulk of America probably only know of Michael Kors as a judge on Bravo's Project Runway. But this man is so much more. There are very few designers who epitomize "American sportswear," but he is certainly at the top of that list. Actually, he also finds himself at the top of the list for shnazzy evening wear and "sexy mama oh please can I have me some of that" wear. Of course, without the gaudiness. Michael was born in Long Island, NY (pronounced longeyeland), and his mother, Joan, was once a Revlon model. He started his career at FIT in New York (hilarious, then, that Project Runway partners with Parsons) when he was 19-years-old. The minute he started designing, the fashion world took notice. In 1981, he started the Michael Kors label and debuted his first women's wear clothing line at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. Not too shabby, if you want my opinion. In 1997, Michael became the first women's ready-to-wear designer and creative director for Celine, and he stayed with the company for seven years. During that time, he took home several awards including the CFDA Women's Wear Designer of the Year in 1999.

The people who do know Michael Kors outside of the Bravo TV world tend to think of him as a women's clothing designer. Surprise - he also designs for men. In fact, the reason why he started designing for men is because Michael himself couldn't find a decent pair of pants that he liked. Or a cashmere sweater. You know the situation is dire when you can't find a good cashmere sweater. In 1998, he sent a few male models down the runway with the ladies and then sold a trial line at Bergdorfs - you know, just to see how it would do. Well, the gents ate it up, and in 2002 Michael officially launched the Michael Kors menswear line.

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In 2001, Michael expanded his namesake brand beyond the clothes we all craved to wear on our backs. In came the accessories including handbags, shoes, belts, and glasses. Then in 2004 he introduced MICHAEL by Michael Kors. Although MICHAEL is still super chic and classy, it's a little more affordable, allowing more people to enjoy his classic, hip, and "I have to have it" styles.

When he's not dressing uber celebs for the Oscars, you may find Michael at one of his flagship stores on Madison Avenue in New York, the Americana Manhasset Mall on Long Island, or on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

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