American
designer Michael Kors has built one of the most commercially successful fashion
labels currently in business today, but it wasn't always easy and Kors once
even had to file for bankruptcy. Speaking on the difficult period, Michael
commented that in 1993, his huge business was still turning negative numbers
and he was advised to begin making conventional cocktail style dresses to help
make up numbers in the hopes of making a profit.
Michael
turned down the idea and instead launched his lower price line, Kors by Michael
Kors, which in a few months completely changed everything and the business
began to turn a profit naturally with a surge in sales. Michael commented on
overcoming the financial problems, saying that he had to continue on the path
he felt was right for the company: ''Sometimes things are not in your control.
You can control what you design ... If there's a question and the ground is
moving, more than ever you have to stand your ground and be who you are. Within
eight months [of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection] we were back full
steam.''
In
2011, the company went public and the designer says that ringing the bell at
the New York Stock Exchange was his ''proudest moment'' to date. He adds that
when it comes to fashion, he always aims to do something fresh, different and
with the ultimate aim of making people feel good: ''My plan has always been to
stay curious, to make people feel great when they get dressed and to know what
people want before they know it themselves.''
