Michael Kors stands tall in the popularity contest and when compared to other luxury brands like Coach. Even so, a look at their product range, pricing, and history shows that Michael Kors sells most of their products at significantly lower prices when compared to other brands like Louis Vuitton, among others. So, what makes Michael Kors a very popular luxury brand?
Well, this article explores and lets you in on everything you need to know about Michael Kors and the reasons behind the immense success and the popularity of the brand. But first, let’s take a look at some of the basics you should know about Michael Kors.
About Michael Kors
Michael Kors has been growing at an exponential rate over the years, something that its founder, Michael Kors, attributes to not just the tenacity and flexibility of the fashion house but also FOMO. Yes – The Fear of Missing Out. This is the thing that keeps the brand moving, and it’s why you may have spotted or read about Michael Kors on Jennifer Lopez, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Viola Davis, Michelle Obama, and Nicki Minaj, to name just a few of the big names that have worn Michael Kors’ ensemble. Behind FOMO, however, the growth of this brand can be attributed, to a large extent, to Michael Kors’ ability to easily appeal to fans across the divide. The appeal of his designs is what has solidified his top status as a quintessential American Fashion designer, something that has resulted in the growth of the company he built.
Today, Michael Kors (the individual and brand) owns a large enterprise known as Capri Holdings that is worth at least $4billion in market capitalizations. This is the reason why this giant fashion brand runs not just three brands with variations of the Michael Kors name, but more recently, Versace and Jimmy Choo. Such acquisitions have played a huge role in making sure that the brand keeps growing. According to insiders, these two acquisitions are just part of the brand’s ambitious plan to be the next biggest luxury conglomerate, or rather, the American Version of France’s LVMH powerhouse that owns a big number of luxury brands, including Tiffany & Co.
Then there is the fact that consumers want everything they can find, preferably under one roof. Which is what Michael Kors is doing is it offers not just bags and shoes but also ready-to-wear ensembles for men and women, jewelry, Michael Kors Watches, and other accessories. By being a one-stop shop for all fashion needs for men and women, it is easy to see why and how Michael Kors is now one of the biggest luxury fashion brands on the market.
What other reasons drive the popularity of Michael Kors?
1.Excellent PR
It is safe to say that Michael Kors has been able to safely navigate the PR world, and whether you like or hate him, Michael Kors has hacked PR, which is what has made the brand one of the most popular brands that are in the limelight today.
And it all started with Project Runway – think about it – what better way to reach the masses than to have your MK-branded products showcased on a stage watched across the world?
Project Runway is, without a doubt that one thing that really pushed the brand to the top, making it easy for people to remember the brand.
His wit was also well appreciated by the show’s viewers, which only led to his bigger success.
2.Clever Ads
After Project Runway, you have the fact that Michael Kors prides itself in offering some of the cleverest ads.
Although Michael Kors is not as big as Prada or Gucci, their Ads are just as clever and slick as those of these other giant luxury brands.
By investing in ads and getting the best photographers, the brand has positioned itself as one of the giant brands.
MK’s campaigns stand out, and they make the brand look nothing like a lesser brand.
This way, Michael Kors has been able to level the playing field, which means that it is just as popular as the other ‘big’ brands.
3.Affordability
If you are serious about your bags and other accessories, but you don’t wish to pay the exorbitant prices, the designer items as priced by the other luxury brands like Hermes, Gucci, Chanel, Dior, or Prada, Michael Kors is your answer.
If you think about it, this is a smart move by MK – most of the designer brands sell their products at a premium, but MK is offering ‘similar’ items for less. Similar, in this case, refers to the kind of prestige or status associated with the products sold by Michael Kors in relation to what the other designer luxury brands offer.
That said, it is worth noting that die-hard fans and fashionistas that understand and critique fashion have been up in arms against Michael Kors, who they claim has been blatant, copying fashion designs. But then again, the logo and the brand name are what separates most brands as they end up with most similar products. With this in mind and the lower pricing angle, Michael Kors wins against most of the bigger high-end brands.
But even at the lower prices, Michael Kors still prides itself in the delivery of high-quality items. If you look at their bags, for instance, you will be happy to know that their bags have been constructed to last a long time, and they are made using high-quality materials, which is why the brand is able to hold its end against the bigger high-end luxury brands.
Generally, Michael Kors products are not as expensive as Christian Louboutin or Chanel’s, although you will find that these three brands will likely have the same bag, for example. So, thanks to this lower price point, Michael Kors is attractive to a bigger percentage of the luxury goods target audience/ market.
4.They offer a great product variety.
As mentioned above, one of the top reasons for the exponential growth level seen with Michael Kors has to be the fact that Michael Kors has FOMO. At the same time, they wish to meet the needs of their customers/ target market, which requires that they find the best of everything, preferably from under one roof. With this in mind, Michael Kors has deeply diversified their product offerings, and you’d be able to enjoy the best quality and functional designs for different people.
A look at their bags, for example, reveals that there is a large style and color options for you to choose from, and there is always more than one beautiful bag that you like. With this and the relatively lower prices under consideration, it makes sense that more people are into this brand. So, if you are looking to buy from a designer brand and don’t want to go above budget, Michael Kors would be a great brand to start with.
To understand exactly what we mean by the great variety offered by Michael Kors, it’s worth noting that since its establishment in 1981, Michael Kors has always made pieces that are enthralling in the lady’s fashion world across the globe. This has been the case for these past years, with women of all ages able to understand the products offered by this brand. In India, for example, Michael Kors is the biggest and well-known luxury brand.
Over the years since its establishment, this brand not only offers the widest array of accessories and ready-to-wear clothes for men and women but also watches, jewelry, eyewear, fragrance, and footwear.
5.Good Quality Products
Noe one wants to spend their hard-earned money on poor quality items, and Michael Kors understands this all too well. With this in mind, they not only offer largely affordable products but also spend quite a good chunk on the production of the best quality bags, shoes, clothes, and accessories.
MK products are made of good quality products whose features correspond to the high price tag. The craftsmanship is seen in all their products.
That said, their high-end bags made of python or crocodile hide, for example, are made quite costly because such exotic materials are hard to come by, and they make unique pieces.
You will be happy to know that the rest of their jewelry options are made following high standards of quality and craftsmanship, making each item from MK worth the price. Also, the materials used to make different Michael Kors products are specified in the descriptions, and you won’t have to worry about buying a wrongly advertised item from the brand.
A look at Michael Kors bags, for example, reveals that the joints, stitches, and seams of the offered bags have been made with a high level of thoroughness, and the workmanship of the involved teams shines through. You can easily see that the design and crafting teams are very knowledgeable in what they are doing – there are no traces of glue or uneven edges for you to worry about. The indelible sputtering and the use of the best quality materials make the brand stand out and easily recognizable.
6.Products represent the perfect blend of style and function, and they are very much worth the money.
You don’t always get all these from one brand, but it seems that Michael Kors is able to deliver all these in this perfect blend that offers great value for money while offering great styling.
Their pieces are fashion-forward but also comfortable and durable – everything you’d be looking for before spending your money.
With these in mind, and also the practicality and functionality of Michael Kors, it makes sense that this brand is quite popular.
7.Michael Kors offers something for every occasion.
A look at Michael Kors website and their collections tell you that the brand has something to offer to everyone, for all occasions.
Whether you are dressing for work or a party, Michael Kors will have something (everything) for you.
8.Logo
The Michael Kors brand is easily recognizable thanks to their elegant MK logo and the Michael Kors name on their products.
Customers who are into brands are definitely attracted to such design details.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why Michael Kors is quite popular, but the relative affordability, the great product variety, good quality pieces, and top-notch advertising/ marketing strategies are the top reasons for the popularity of Michael Kors.
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Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.