by Joan Berkman and Grayling Holmes / Photos by Suzy Gorman and Saint Louis Fashion Fund

Famous fashion designer and former “Project Runway” judge, Michael Kors and St. Louis-born supermodel and former host of “Project Runway,” Karlie Kloss, were the talk of the town this Monday. Both fashion icons touched down in St. Louis for separate events as part of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund’s 10-for-the 10th Anniversary Celebrations.

The day began with a trunk show featuring the Michael Kors COLLECTION at the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum on Washington University’s campus. A portion of the trunk show proceeds will benefit the Fashion Fund in recognition of its 10th Anniversary.

Kloss glowed at the downtown St. Louis Fashion Fund event. She gave a speech before the gathered crowd as “Karlie Kloss Way” was unveiled. City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Saint Louis Fashion Fund Co-Founder Susan Sherman were on hand to present Kloss with the honor.

Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Fashion Fund.

KTVI-TV FOX 2 news coverage.

Later in the afternoon, the Mayor officially proclaimed that April 1st, 2024 was Michael Kors Day, at the Fashion Fund’s event, the “Speaking of Fashion, featuring Michael Kors.” About 850 guests packed the elegant Graham Chapel at Washington University in St. Louis to hear legendary American fashion designer Michael Kors talk about his career, stunning fashion program of work and, his philanthropic contributions to address world hunger.

KSDK-TV Channel 5 news coverage.

The event included a lively Q&A moderated by Derek Blasberg, a native St. Louisan, journalist, and fashion industry personality. The program was presented by Saint Louis Fashion Fund “Speaking of Fashion” series in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and Caleres. The event was free and open to all. Past programs have featured such American fashion legends as Diane von Furstenberg and the late André Leon Talley.

The hour-long program was kicked off by Saint Louis Fashion Fund Co-Founder and Board Chair Susan Sherman and Co-Host Stephanie Martin (wife of Washington University’s Chancellor Andrew Martin).

Saint Louis Fashion Fund Co-Founder and Board Chair Susan Sherman presents renowned fashion designer Michael Kors with the Fund’s Award. / Photo by Suzy Gorman.

Kors entered the stage with a rousing welcome by the audience to the tune of “New York, New York” and exited again to another electrifying round of applause with Alicia Keys “Girl on Fire,” which was used for his recent MK Collection Fashion NY runway show. Audience members also included twenty+ of Michael’s and his husband, Lance Le Pere’s New York team and family members from Belleville, Illinois. Other audience members included University fashion and business students including Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Dean Carmon Colangelo and Fashion Professor Mary Ruppert Stroescu.

Following Kors’ formal program, St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura O. Jones presented him with a proclamation declaring April 1 as “Michael Kors Day in St. Louis.” Susan Sherman then presented him with the “Saint Louis Fashion Fund Award,” for his global contributions to the industry. Past recipients of this award include Diane von Furstenberg, the late André Leon Talley, Dapper Dan, Iris Apfel and Karlie Kloss.

City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones presents acclaimed fashion designer Michael Kors with a proclamation. / Photo by Suzy Gorman.

He then headed to the Chancellor’s home for a champagne toast. Following his program at Graham Chapel, he ended his day with a reception with patrons and sponsors, including Penny Pennington, Managing Partner of Edward Jones, and Keith Duplain, President, Brant Portfolio-St. Louis Group of Caleres.

Michael Kors with Karlie Kloss at New York Fashion Week.

Two Fashion Icons Touch Down in the STL as Part of The Saint Louis Fashion Fund's 10-for-the-10th Anniversary Celebration