1959 Michael Kors is born on August 9, 1959. (Black and white photo of Joan Kors and MK) 1964 At 5 years old, Michael re-designs his mother’s wedding dress 1981 Michael designs his first collection (Michael with models) 1984 Michael shows his first collection 1994 Seminal Collections, Fall 1994: Helena Christensen wears a lavender tank dress 1997 Michael named ready-to-wear designer for Celine (August 1999 Vogue cover, Carolyn Murphy in Celine) 2000 First retail store opens, at 76th and Madison in New York 2000 Michael Kors launches signature fragrance. Latest fragrance launch in 2009 with Very Hollywood Seminal Collections, Spring 2004: Carmen Kass wears a white cashmere bra top and orange jacket, Gabriel Aubry wears a white trench and khaki pants. 2004 Mario Testino shoots first ad campaign for Michael Kors Spring 2004 Collection December 2004 Project Runway premieres on Bravo and is nominated for an Emmy. Project Runway is in its seventh season on the air. 2006 First lifestyle store opens, in Dallas. There are now more than 70 lifestyle stores in the United States. 2009 Seminal Collections, Fall 2009: Carmen Kass wears a Cross Fox coat, Banker Cashmere turtleneck and camel slit pencil skirt ©DAN & CORINA LECCA 2009 Michelle Obama wears Michael Kors for her official White House portrait. 2010 Seminal Collections, Fall 2010: Abbey Lee wears a barley cowl neck fishtail gown ©DAN AND CORINA LECCA