The allure of black and white combined with the Netflix series Ripley is what Michael Kors translated into his glamorous and intricate spring-summer 2025 collection.
The beauty of black and white is in its simplicity. It is by itself an art form that presents your subject in its purest state, leaving more room for drama and emotions that are often set aside when there is chaos in colors.
The charm of the monochrome palette cannot be overstated. This is why designer Michael Kors put it front and center in his spring-summer 2025 collection launched at the tail-end of this year’s New York Fashion Week.
In the show’s notes sent to the press, Kors said that the idea came to mind after watching Neftlix’s Ripley, a modern adaptation of the classic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.
“Seeing this romantic, moody, dark story shot all in black and white, I thought it brought something very different to the romance of it,” Kors told The Associated Press. “There was this sort of dark side of romance that’s not sweet, not insipid, and mysterious.”
The allure of black and white combined with that of the show’s setting, New York City, is what the fashion designer translated into his glamorous and intricate spring-summer 2025 collection. He also gave guests of his Sept. 11 show a feel of Italy’s breathtaking elegance which Highsmith visualized in her 1955 novel—as did the 1999 movie written and directed by Anthony Minghella, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Kors brought the Amalfi Coast to The Shed in Hudson Yards by decorating the runway and the sides of the cavernous space with black boulders similar to the rocky beaches of the Italian coastline.
It emulated the drama from the picture-postcard view of Mediterranean-inspired buildings against the towering green cliffs of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. This, in addition to the stark lighting and haunting instrumental score, set the Ripley-inspired tone of the show.
The collection features ensembles fashioned after the city and resort wear in the Netflix series. It came with a rich, neutral-toned palette comprising black, white, cream, taupe, brown, and a little blue and green.
The opening look is a perfect example of ravishing simplicity, with its black bustier halter dress with a thigh-high slit, followed by several dark and sultry ensembles, including a long-sleeve playsuit with a plunging neckline and a sleeveless blazer paired with a pleated sheer skirt.
Kors noted that no piece in the collection is artless, and that each one features various textures and dimensions. This is seen in the collection’s white Chantilly lace skirt, black oversized cardigan in shiny tinsel fur fabric, a blue pleated bandeau and matching skirt, and brown off-the-shoulder dress adorned with paillette sequins. Laces and floral prints were also scene-stealers at the show.
Of course, the collection was jazzed up with accessories, which the Michael Kors brand is also known for. These include dark oval sunglasses and belts—ones that are wide and cinched at the waist or knotted and hanging loosely—which were added to several pieces in the collection.
Leather bags also served as an accent piece, ranging from leather handbags to woven bucket bags and satchels with tassels.
Like any Michael Kors show, its NYFW 2024 program had Hollywood stars in the front row. The list includes Lindsay Lohan, Olivia Wilde, Suki Waterhouse, and Shailene Woodley. Another star who made the show trend on Wednesday is Kim Dahyun of globally popular K-pop group Twice. The Michael Kors global ambassador made her runway debut and stunned the audience with her brown belted off-the-shoulder dress.
Watch the entire Michael Kors spring-summer 2025 show below:
