112 |Harper’s BAZAAR|September 2014NORMAN WONG. JASON LLOYD-EVANSNEWS
The
You’ve met and dressed so many amazing women. Which one
exceeded your wildest expectations?
The truth is that they all surprise you. Meeting Michelle Obama and
getting to know her has been such a joy. She proves my theory
that ‘smart,’ ‘stylish,’ and ‘warm’ can actually coexist. I met
her at a fund-raiser during the ’08 campaign, and little did
I know that in addition to all of her other fabulous qualities
she could dance like nobody’s business.
Who’s on your ideal-dinner-party guest list?
I’d like to throw a birthday party for my fellow Leos:
Andy Warhol, Jackie Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Lucille
Ball, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Madonna,
President Obama, Bill Clinton, Jennifer Lopez, Julia
Child, Mick Jagger and Whitney Houston.
What’s your favourite piece you’ve designed?
When you work on a collection, it really takes nine
months – it’s like having a baby. It’s very personal, and
it sort of all becomes your favourite at that moment.
That said, the grey cashmere sweatshirt and khaki
beaded chinos from my spring 2011 collection are
up there.
What should every woman buy this season? And
throw away?
For autumn it’s all about statement-making knits,
anything with a lush texture – either mohair, cashmere,
or alpaca – and a piece with fringe. I’d store the neoprene.
What’s your funniest Studio 54 memory?
I went for the fi rst time on the night of my senior prom.
I skipped prom and wrapped a girlfriend of mine in hot
pink gauze – a strapless pareo, harem pants – and a fl ower
behind her ear. I wore a piece of raw silk jersey, wrapped into
a diaper pant, with a Panama hat and a burlap jacket. I took
three luggage straps and wrapped them around my waist and
my thighs – which were considerably smaller then. We got to
the door at Studio 54, and I’m sure they were like, “These kids
are fabulous.” They didn’t realise we had to get back in the car
and drive to Long Island at the end of the night.
What do you look at on the internet?
I browse travel guides and vintage furniture. Indagare and 1stdibs
are always at the top of my list. I usually look when I’m stuck in
traffi c – it’s an instant escape.
What do you think about twerking?
They say Kate Moss is the only one who can look good
smoking. Well, Miley Cyrus is the only one who can look
good twerking.
You’ve been friends with Vera Wang for a long time.
What’s your funniest adventure with her?
No one remembers, but Vera and I collaborated on
a bridal collection once, when she fi rst opened her
bridal shop. I made little stretchy minidresses and
big silk crepe blazers. Needless to say, they didn’t
become that season’s must-haves. The trunk show
ended up being Vera and me drinking
champagne and eating too much cake. We were
a little ahead of the curve.
Who are you obsessed with right now?
Angelina Jolie. She’s the consummate
elegant juggler.
I heard that you do Pilates. Is it true you
wear your sunglasses during class?
I’ve always said that head-to-toe black and black
aviators can work in any situation, from the red
carpet to the gym. But I usually have my
instructor come to the house, so you’ll
never know.
What has been your most embarrassing
moment?
Getting caught in a torrential downpour in
my tissue-thin Lothar’s tie-dye jeans and western shirt
sans undergarments. It reminded me to always check
for transparency.ASK
ANYTHING
From sunglasses to Miley Cyrus to
see-through trousers – the designer
answers Bazaar readers’ questions
THE INSIGHT
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Michael KorsMichael Kors
A/W14MICHAEL
KORS