SF Opera Guild's Exclusive Michael Kors Fashion Presentation & Luncheon

Click to watch our highlights from the show!

“San Francisco is, for me, a very, very special place… this city is full of remarkable people!”, Michael Kors said as he kicked off the Michael Kors Collection Fashion Presentation and Luncheon presented by San Francisco Opera Guild and Neiman Marcus. 

This week marked a monumental moment in the Bay Area as legendary Michael Kors personally presented his 2024 Spring/Summer collection in partnership with San Francisco Opera Guild to raise proceeds to go towards the continuation of their award-winning music education programs for thousands of students in the Bay Area. Chaired by Farah Makras and ​France Szeto, this sold out event was a coveted affair and we were so excited to attend!

San Francisco Opera Guild President Courtney Labe underscored the impact of these programs, highlighting the engagement with 492 classrooms and reaching 52,631 students this year alone. Since 1939, the Guild's music education initiatives have played a vital role in nurturing essential life skills such as confidence, compassion, and critical thinking among K-12 students in the area.

This year marks Michael's impressive 43rd anniversary in the fashion industry, a testament to his enduring influence and innovation. Over the decades, he has captured the hearts of fashion-forward individuals with his signature blend of versatility and style, catering perfectly to today's dynamic and on-the-go shoppers. From chic everyday essentials to statement pieces that elevate any look, Michael Kors' clothing embodies effortless sophistication and modern allure.

While both Michael Kors and San Francisco Opera Guild boast rich and storied legacies in their respective realms, this exclusive event represents a historic moment as they join forces for the first time. This powerful union of arts and fashion underscores a shared commitment to enriching the community through creativity and culture. “Bravo for this city supporting the arts,” said Kors. “It is so important!”

As these esteemed institutions come together, their collective influence extends far beyond the runway and the stage. This collaboration serves as a beacon of unity, demonstrating the transformative power of the arts in fostering community engagement and nurturing future generations of artists and enthusiasts alike.

Michael Kors’ curated collection exuded the allure of holiday escapism, embodying the essence of sunny days and carefree glamour and the best part was, Michael Kors was there to provide a special look and share the inspiration behind his designs. We even got to meet him ourselves!

Some of the standout looks included the glamorous gold dress adorned with golden flowers (worn by Coco Gauffin on April’s Vogue cover), a tuxedo dress paying homage to Michael's grandparents' wedding attire, and a versatile white blouse paired with a chic sequined skirt—perfect for any occasion, from casual outings to fashionable dinners. 

We were fortunate to receive an exclusive preview of Michael Kors' upcoming Fall/Winter 2024 collection, which embodies a theme of "timelessness'' through luxurious cashmere pieces, striking leopard prints, intricately carved jackets, and impeccably tailored bags. A prominent trend for this season was "lingerie dressing," drawing inspiration from the satin fabrics of the 1930s that continued to resonate into the 1990s.

Michael Kors characterized it as a trend that has evolved seamlessly from style icons like Carole Lombard during her era with Clark Gable, to present-day figures like Kate Moss and Carolyn Bessette, and is now manifested in contemporary fashion trends.

As the show came to an end, the Honorable Mayor Willie Brown Jr. (on behalf of Mayor London Breed) declared April 16, 2024, as Michael Kors Day in San Francisco, CA, acknowledging Kors' contributions to the arts and fashion communities.

Brown praised Kors for capturing the essence of San Francisco style in his collection and expressed gratitude, stating, "Your description of this collection was absolutely fascinating... thank you. We love you!" This proclamation underscored Kors' meaningful influence on the city's fashion landscape.

After the show, we had the opportunity to speak with Blake Charles from the Blake Charles Salon, who was recently featured in SF Magazine for his dedication to bringing San Francisco culture back to the Bay Area and received the North America 40 Under 40 Award this year.

Blake and his team were responsible for the hair and makeup showcased by the models. "It has been an honor to partner with San Francisco Opera Guild for this exciting event!" said Blake. "Brittany and I are very excited about this season and we’re looking forward to the Opening Night Ball!” 

This special afternoon showcased the vibrant synergy between arts, fashion, and philanthropy, leaving an indelible impression on all who participated. For those unable to attend but eager to contribute to this important cause, the Guild has curated an exceptional Online Auction featuring exclusive arts, travel, and cultural experiences. Explore the offerings and contribute to the Guild's invaluable work by clicking here for more details!

To learn more about San Francisco Opera Guild, visit www.sfoperaguild.com/programs

For details about SF Opera’s upcoming season (including the Opera Ball!), visit www.sfopera.com

Photos by the Drew Altizer team.