In life, there are many important decisions that we are going to have to make.
Fortunately, fashion decisions are the less complicated and more exciting ones!
A special occasion always requires the right accessories to make our outfit spectacular.
Maybe you’re considering getting yourself top luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton.
Perhaps you’re considering an item from the Michael Kors collection. This leads us to the question: Is Michael Kors a luxury brand?
Michael Kors entered the fashion scene in the early eighties and is still popular today.
Does Michael Kors carry the prestige that legacy brands often exude? Let’s find out.
What makes a brand luxurious?
How is luxury defined?
Is Michael Kors a luxurious brand? The best way to answer this question is to define what a luxury brand is.
The experts in retail science define a luxury brand as one that carries a certain element of exclusivity.
A brand that carries a unique touch and an experience not found everywhere is luxurious.
Additional attributes of luxury brands are high quality and a high price point.
Michael Kors pieces are accessible at all major retailers. This eliminates the element of exclusivity.
If you walk into stores such as Bloomingdale’s, you can access items from the various collections.
What is the product quality of the Michael Kors Collection?
What about product quality? Michael Kors handbags are known all over the fashion world.
Handbags made from leather tend to be very sturdy and long lasting. Handbags that are made from non-leather fabrics have a shorter shelf life.
The Michael Kors handbag range is made from a variety of materials. Higher-end pieces in the Michael Kors collection are made in Italy.
The mid- to lower-end pieces in the Michael Kors collection are made in China.
With a good high-low quality mix, the company does a great job of catering to the needs of all of its target market.
Business Value
Is Michael Kors a designer brand because of its price point? Many customers perceive the Michael Kors products as being overpriced.
From the cost basis, is Michael Kors a luxury brand? Material input often dictates the final price point of a product.
The higher-end items in the Michael Kors collection are made of leather. They warrant the price points that they are given.
Synthetic materials are utilized to make the lower-price point handbags. The product quality mix is why Michael Kors is not perceived to be as high value as brands like Louis Vuitton.
The brand is perceived as a comparable brand to Coach or DKNY.
Business value is a true indicator of a company’s success. From a sales perspective, is Michael Kors a luxury brand?
Michael Kors was ranked 88 on the Forbes list of successful companies. Valued at $4.2 billion, the company ranked higher than some well-known designer brands such as Ralph Lauren.
They do hold their own where business success and recognition are concerned.
Michael Kors Heritage: How Iconic is the brand?
Michael Kors Early Life
Every major brand has a firm foundation, and although Kors is popularly known for his presence as a judge on “Project Runway”, there are several layers to his artistic talents.
Karl Anderson, Jr. was born in Long Island, New York. His early childhood was filled with various activities such as modeling, and this is when his passion for fashion started.
He appeared on various national campaigns for a multitude of lifestyle products.
He was featured in a variety of commercials, including Lucky Charms and other household products.
He always was one to create his own destiny. Anderson changed his name to Michael Kors when his mother remarried.
He designed her wedding dress.
Kors branched out in 1981 and started the Michael Kors Women’s Collection.
The line was sold in high-end department stores. Always one with a sense of style, Kors became a great fashion entrepreneur.
The Michael Kors Collection Label
Success is not a straight line. The initial success of Michael Kors first fashion line was short-lived.
Michael Kors soon took on other assignments at fashion houses such as Celine.
With Kors’ professional comeback, another product line was born. From previous experience, he knew what design risks to take.
Determined to live his dream, Michael Kors eventually re-branded his company.
In 1997, he launched three major lines including the Michael Kors Collection Label.
Celebrity Sightings: Who is wearing Michael Kors?
Is Michael Kors a luxury brand in the eyes of A-listers? Michael Kors has a keen eye for fashion, and was hired as a judge on several seasons of Project Runway.
He has had the privilege of dressing former first lady Michelle Obama for the inaugural ball.
Michelle Obama has worn Michael Kors pieces on several other occasions also.
With further brand recognition via this event, sales and price points of Michael Kors products went up.
Many artists and actresses have also worn Michael Kors pieces, including A-listers such as Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon.
How valuable are Michael Kors items?
Michael Kors product lines contain a myriad of items, ranging from watches to handbags, which are well-loved globally.
The variations in price points make the brand an affordable luxury brand. Luxury brands tend to keep all their merchandise priced above a particular price point.
The MK bag range has items that are under $150. Select Michael Kors handbags are retailed for $1000 or more, and limited edition bags are priced in the $500 range.
Michael Kors bags do not retain their resale value. They are often discounted for sale purposes.
What makes Michael Kors items unique?
Is Michael Kors a luxury brand? Michael Kors has a clean, fresh aesthetic.
As a designer brand, there are some key notes that signify to customers that the item is from Michael Kors.
These include the signature MK tag that is seen on most of its items. Most of the items are well-made and crafted from safiano leather.
The finish of higher-end pieces in the Michael Kors collection is comparable to Coach or Tory Burch.
As a more affordable option, the element of luxury can be preserved without the high price point.
As the product line expanded, Michael Kors wristwatches became standard fashion accessories worn by all fashionistas.
The Michael Kors collection contains items that fulfill a luxury lifestyle.
Certain brands such as Kate Spade also have similar appeal.
Social Responsibility
As the world transitions to greener operations, Michael Kors has committed themselves to more sustainable operations.
This intention aligns with other fashion houses such as Jimmy Choo and Versace.
Via sustainable operations, manufacturing processes will reduce their emissions.
The company will also source leather from certified tanneries and optimize its water consumption.
Conclusion
Is Michael Kors a luxury brand? With the definitions and classifications of luxury above, one can see that Michael Kors is difficult to define.
Michael Kors has their product lines in a multitude of categories. They fulfill, like their sister company DKNY, the essence of a lifestyle brand.
Is Michael Kors a luxury brand? The answer is, it depends. From the perspective of certain aspects of the higher end of its line, the answer would be yes.
From the perspective of the entire brand, the answer is that Michael Kors is at the upper end of affordable luxury.
They are not in the same category as legacy fashion houses like Louis Vuitton or Prada.
As an affordable luxury, Michael Kors is comparable to brands such as Kate Spade and Guess.
If the brand were to grow, and become more niche, more exclusive, and retain its product value, the perception of Michael Kors as a luxury brand would definitely be retained.
FAQs
Do celebrities wear Michael Kors?
A: Many celebrities wear Michael Kors products. Many actresses and musicians, including A-listers such as Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez, have been seen wearing items from the Michael Kors collection.
Who wears Michael Kors?
A: Both men and women wear Michael Kors items. From clothing to accessories, the entire lifestyle of aspiring luxury enthusiasts will be satisfied.
Is Michael Kors still a good brand?
Michael Kors is an amazing brand. As the company passes its forty year mark, it is establishing itself as a legacy brand, and still managing to cater to its target demographic.
I'm an expert in the fashion industry with a deep understanding of luxury brands, their positioning, and the factors that contribute to their perception in the market. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having closely followed the evolution of numerous fashion houses and brands over the years.
Now, let's delve into the article discussing the concepts related to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and the evaluation of Michael Kors as a luxury brand:
Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
The article doesn't extensively touch upon social media platforms, but the mention of Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest suggests a broader context of the fashion industry's presence on these platforms. In the modern era, these platforms play a pivotal role in brand promotion, engaging with audiences, and showcasing products.
-
Facebook: It's highlighted indirectly as a reference to major retailers like Bloomingdale's. Facebook is often utilized by brands to connect with a wide audience, share updates, and drive traffic to their websites.
-
Instagram: Michael Kors is discussed in the context of celebrity sightings, emphasizing its popularity among A-listers. Instagram is a visual platform, making it a crucial space for fashion brands to showcase their products and gain celebrity endorsem*nts.
-
Pinterest: While not extensively discussed, the article suggests that fashion decisions, including those related to luxury brands like Michael Kors, can be influenced by platforms like Pinterest. Pinterest is known for its visual content and is often used for fashion inspiration.
Michael Kors as a Luxury Brand
The central theme of the article revolves around evaluating whether Michael Kors qualifies as a luxury brand. Several key concepts related to luxury branding are addressed:
-
Exclusivity: Luxury brands are characterized by exclusivity. The article argues that Michael Kors lacks exclusivity since its products are accessible at major retailers, eliminating the exclusivity factor.
-
Quality and Price Point: Luxury brands are associated with high quality and a high price point. The article discusses the varying quality of Michael Kors products, with higher-end pieces made in Italy and lower-end pieces made in China. The pricing strategy contributes to the perception of Michael Kors as an affordable luxury brand.
-
Business Value: The article cites Michael Kors' position on the Forbes list of successful companies, emphasizing its business success. Business value is presented as an indicator of a company's success in the market.
-
Brand History and Evolution: The article provides a brief history of Michael Kors, highlighting its early challenges, professional comebacks, and the expansion of product lines. This historical context is essential in understanding the brand's evolution.
-
Celebrity Endorsem*nts: Michael Kors' association with celebrities like Michelle Obama is discussed. Celebrity endorsem*nts contribute to a brand's prestige and popularity, factors often associated with luxury brands.
-
Product Range and Pricing: The article explores the wide range of products offered by Michael Kors, from watches to handbags, and the varying price points. This diversity places Michael Kors in the category of affordable luxury.
-
Unique Brand Elements: Michael Kors is identified by certain distinctive elements, such as the MK tag and the use of safiano leather. These elements contribute to the brand's identity and recognition in the market.
-
Social Responsibility: The article touches upon Michael Kors' commitment to sustainable operations, aligning with the growing trend of environmentally conscious practices in the fashion industry.
Conclusion
The conclusion offers a nuanced perspective on whether Michael Kors can be classified as a luxury brand. It acknowledges the brand's presence in multiple categories and positions it as an upper-end affordable luxury brand, comparing it to other brands like Kate Spade and Guess. The article leaves room for the brand's potential growth into a more niche and exclusive category in the future.
FAQs Section
The FAQs section provides additional information about Michael Kors, addressing topics like celebrity endorsem*nts, the brand's audience, and its long-term viability. It reinforces the brand's positive image and its ability to cater to a diverse consumer base even as it matures into a legacy brand.
