Less than three months after Jerry's served its last meal, Michael Kors flung open the doors last Friday to his new Prince Street "lifestyle" boutique in what has to be one of the speediest full scale renovations that we have seen. Not a remnant of the diner remains, replaced by a gleaming white interior reflecting the designer's signature aesthetic: minimal classicism with a dash of glitz provided by the chrome trim and zebra patterned furniture. Considering how long it is taking for so many upcoming shops to get finished, we can imagine that there are more than a few retailers who would like to know who Kors' contractor is.
This new Kors outpost is not to be mistaken for an extension of his plush Madison Avenue collection boutique. It's a branch of his more accessible retailing concept that mixes all of his various women's collections under one roof. Though there is a small rack of apparel from the designer's better priced MICHAEL Michael Kors line, this is essentially an accessories store featuring shoes and bags from his top line, MICHAEL, and KORS Michael Kors. (That's an awful lot of repeating one's name). Sunglasses and a new watch line are also featured prominently here, and prices range from under $100 for small leather items to over $16,000 for a slouchy alligator bag. It's a clever merchandising scheme offering something at nearly every price point. Kors' design is consistent enough that most of the time you have to check the label to see which line you are looking at.
This past Saturday, lucky shoppers got a surprise visit from Michael Kors himself clad in jeans and a Patagonia down jacket, and looking thankfully less spray-tanned than he does on Project Runway (Returning this week. Mark your calendars). The genial designer casually chatted with friends and customers while adjusting the displays, and doubtlessly nudged more than a few sales along. Located between the Apple Store and J. Crew on what is now one of SoHo's busiest blocks, expect this store to be packed from now until Christmas and beyond.
Michael Kors 101 Prince Street, SoHo
