On The Scent: Michael Kors

Michael KorsAmerican designer Michael Kors is a global fashion sensation, who most recently dressed Debra Messing in vivid floor-length red for the Emmys and Angelina Jolie in iconic strapless leather for the Inglourious Basterds premiere.

He talks to Sky Showbiz about his inspirations, his secret London address book and his latest fragrance, Very Hollywood Michael Kors, which launches this month.

Q: What was the inspiration for your new fragrance?

A: "The sparkle and shine of the papparazzi, the glitz of jewels and the glamour of Hollywood."

Q: What type of woman embodies the Michael Kors sense of style?

A: "Well there are many - but I think that Angelina Jolie continues to keep me on the edge of my seat. Whether she is taking the kids to get art supplies or on the red carpet she has such an innate sense of style."

Q: Describe a typical day in your life.

A: "I don't have many 'typical' days because I travel so much - I love to keep moving and seeking out ideas for inspiration. I am a pop culture sponge: I read every magazine, book, I am movie and theatre obsessed and watch lots of television. I really only truly unwind when I escape to a beach - then I can really shut down and relax. I try to get away for a couple of days or a long weekend once a month. But I run a busy calendar and am very ADD - so I really need to pack it all in to keep me going."

Q: Who else do you admire in the fashion industry and why? Michael Kors' Very Hollywood range

A: "Strong people with strong singular visions - Azzedine Alaia, Yoji Yamamoto come to mind, and in the past it was Blass & Halston."

Q: Who would be your dream person to dress?

A: "I have been very lucky with dressing a wide array of women - most recently my having Mrs Obama wear my clothes was so major. But the one woman in history that stands out is Jackie Kennedy."

Q: What’s next in your calendar?

A: "I just finished fitting my pre-Fall collection in Milan this week - I have been travelling for two weeks, so getting home is what's exciting for me right now. Fall 2010 is the next big chapter for me."

Q: Where do you like to visit when you’re in London?

A: "I always stay at Claridge's. I love seeing shows in the West End - this trip I saw Breakfast at Tiffanys and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I love stopping in to see my tailor at Kilgour - then there is the trifecta of Bond Street (I have a store there), Sloane Street & Mount Street. I love a fabulous stall on the Portobello Road that sells vintage items - I just cannot tell you which one - it's my secret. If the weather's right, I love lunch at the River Cafe. For dinner you can never go wrong with The Ivy, Wolesley or China Tang."

Q: If you could give the savvy Showbiz woman one piece of advice about making the best of herself, what would it be?

A: "Exude confidence and remember that a smile is the best accessory a woman can have."