Fashion Week: Michael Kors goes on safari

By Samantha Critchell/AP Fashion Writer

NEW YORK — Pack your oversized, distressed leather bag: Michael Kors plans to take his customer on safari next spring.

The heavily textured, mostly muted-colored clothes Kors offered for women and men at his New York Fashion Week show Wednesday were inspired by the designer’s three safari trips to Africa.

“If I could, it would be my South Beach … you can go direct from Atlanta,” Kors joked backstage.

Kors told his models to step out on the runway like chic globe-trotters. “You are the most glamorous, sexy couple in safari history,” read a sign that hung right where the catwalkers lined up in position. “Brad and Angelina are jealous of you.”

For their adventures, Kors suggests a womenswear wardrobe of hand-dyed caftans, ponchos and serape-style wrap skirts, worn with cashmere henleys and animal-print maillot swimsuits. For something a little dressier, Kors sent out dresses made of feathers hand-painted like leopard skin, and a tiger-print duchesse trench coat.