| Michael Kors and Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter: The Dream Team of Fashion |
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| Fashion |
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 OHIO In the everyday world, most people are familiar with the theory of six degrees of separation. In the field of fashion design, this theory plays out in every style, on every catwalk, and in every house in the market. It is with this in mind that Kent State Museum of Fashion is exhibiting the work of a man named Michael Kors and a socialite fashion designer Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter. With 30 years of fashion design at the French house Celine to his credit, Kors is more popularly known in casual circles as one of the judge on the television show “Project Runway”. But Kors has been designing elegant fashion since before his models were born. One of his more significant pieces is the sheath worn by First Lady Michelle Obama in her official White House portrait. His women’s wear line has been featured by Bergdorf Goldman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition, the list of stars who have worn his designs is extensive. Rene Russo wore nothing but Kors designs in 1999’s Thomas Crown Affair. Jennifer Garner wore a custom Michael Kors design as an Academy Award presenter in 2006, and Joan Allen wore one of his creations when nominated for best actress in 2000. It is with this resume in mind that Kors struck out on his own in 2004.  Michael Kors In the meantime, Wendy Zuckerwise, a fashion force to be reckoned with in her own right at Bergdorf Goldman, decided to give up the Manhattan rat race and settled down in Dayton, Ohio with a man named Nat Ritter. When Kors opened his store on Madison Avenue, he immediately remembered his friend Wendy from Bergdorf and with much coaxing, convinced her to work in his house for one week per month. The resulting designs were better than any that either of them could have imagined. But unfortunately, the mastery was short lived.  Michael Kors, Photographed by Ed Kav Wendy was diagnosed with cancer and succumbed to the disease in 2008 at a very young 53 years old. Knowing how well they worked together, Nat contacted Kors and the Kent State Museum of Fashion. As a tribute to Wendy, and for the gift of fashion students beginning their careers, the two men enlisted the help of museum curator Anne Bissonnette to create an exhibition of Kors work that was inspired by Zuckerwise Ritter. The exhibit includes the First Lady’s sheath, as well as those designs that Wendy had chosen to wear herself, being an expert at sales and wanting to show off to clients. In addition, Kors has dedicated his 2009 spring line to her memory.  Michael Kors, Runway Spring It is strange sometimes how things work, in and out of the world of fashion. Works of art can bring people together in ways no other medium can. The Kent State exhibit attests to the spirit of friendship and the kindred spark that designers and clients share. The exhibition runs until August 2009, and is expected to draw thousands. Michael Kors and Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter will always be synonymous with great fashion, and will now be linked also by dedication to each other. Bookmark us: 
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