Michael Kors

Michael Kors is a fashion designer best known for founding the global luxury brand Michael Kors and serving as a judge on Project Runway. Born Karl Anderson Jr., Kors spent his childhood in Long Island, New York. He designed his mother’s wedding dress at age five and showed interest in fashion early on. He briefly attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City but left after two semesters to work in the industry.

Kors began his career working at the boutique Lothar’s in Manhattan, where his designs caught the attention of fashion insiders. In 1981, he launched his namesake label and quickly gained recognition for his sophisticated sportswear. He became the women’s ready-to-wear designer at Celine in 1997, where he was credited with revitalizing the French fashion house before stepping down in 2003 to focus on his own brand.

His designs have been worn by celebrities including Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Lopez. In addition to expanding his brand globally, he served as a judge on Project Runway from 2004 to 2012. Kors has received numerous honors, including the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

Kors tied the knot with longtime partner Lance LePere in August 2011.