Michael Kors celebrates new Madison Ave. boutique with Bemelmans bash
Michael Kors new Collection store is at the epicenter of taste.
After all, all of Manhattan knows that Madison and 61st St. is where flavor lives.
“Viand Coffee Shop is right here,” the designer told Alexa at a cocktail party in his marble-lined boutique, just steps from the iconic diner. “And it has the best turkey sandwich in New York!”
Of course, Kors’ elegant emporium has as many luscious looks as the diner has items on the menu. And with its huge windows and friendly staff, it has just as many regulars.
“We wanted this space to feel open, light, residential,” said Kors. “And for customers to feel that it was literally like going to a chic friend’s apartment.”
After welcoming fashion folk to his new flagship, Kors headed up to Bemelmans Bar, where he hosted an intimate party with an electrifying performance by Alan Cumming. Boldfacers like Jane Krakowski, Julianna Margulies, Sutton Foster and Nicole Ari Parker sipped craft cocktails, feasted on hors d’oeuvres and mingled with Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Katie Holmes, Ivy Getty, Patti Hansen, Theodora Richards and Iman in The Carlyle hotel’s fabled lounge.
Decked in gray Kors cashmere, Cumming belted out four songs, including his legendary “Mein Herr” from the musical “Cabaret” and “The Ladies who Lunch” from “Company.”
“The best way to deal with lack of kindness is to be even kinder,” he told the audience, after noting that quality is not as prevalent as it used to be in the U.S. “I know there’s a lot of kindness in this room.”
Indeed, many who have known Kors for years praised his altruism.
“He’s kind, he’s funny, and he’s an incredible humanitarian, so we all show up,” said Julianna Margulies. “And he’s talented, so it speaks for itself.”
The “Left on Tenth” star has long been a fan of his designs. “I think my favorite Michael Kors was this unbelievable black tuxedo that had sequins on the lapels, and it was so beautifully fitted. I think it was for God’s Love We Deliver Gala.”
Another longtime pal, Krakowski, told Alexa that Kors had outfitted her for many memorable events. “Back in the day, he dressed me when I won my Tony award,” she said, referring to her 2003 win for Featured Actress in the musical “Nine.” “It’s still, to this day, timeless and gorgeous. I feel like he was a good luck charm for me, too.”
“I love spending time with him,” added the “Name That Tune” host. “He’s one of the good guys. He’s the nicest person in fashion and beyond.”
“And Just Like That” star Parker, who attended the bash with husband Boris Kodjoe, said she doesn’t need an event to wear the brand. “I wear Michael Kors every chance I get, just to walk down the street.”
Maybe even to Viand Coffee Shop.
