Michael Kors Ends Fashion Week With Barry Manilow and a Disco

The first clues were the disco balls hanging in between the chandeliers at Cipriani’s in downtown Manhattan. Michael Kors was going full-on disco for his fall 2019 collection, and the looks that followed-fluffy-collared wrap coats and slinky one-shouldered sequin dresses-were an on-the-nose ode to Studio 54. Fashion has long been obsessed with the ‘70s, but this season Kors doubled-down.

According to show notes, the Fall's Kors woman was a dancer on Broadway by day, and Studio 54 gal by night. For the former, there were wrap sweaters that looked plucked off the set of Fame, hooded bodysuits, fishnet tights, leg warmers, and all-around drapey layers. For the latter, sequin halter dresses and jumpsuits made for the dance floor, satin dresses with feather trim, and the kind of faux fur coat you’d need to top all your going-out looks.

Most shows end with a finale walk and a quick bow from the designer. But this is Michael Kors and the ‘70s were his era. Patti Hansen closed the show. And as the models started their finale walk, a sequin curtain in a corner of the space lifted to reveal Barry Manilow performing 'Copacabana' (which sounds as strange and amazing as it actually was). Unexpected at 10:30am, but after a week straight of shows it was a nice way to energize sleepy show-goers, this one included.