NEW YORK, Feb 17, 2003/ FW/ --- Last January 30, LVMH confirmed the transfer of its holding of one third of the capital of Michael Kors to Silad Chou and Lawrence Stroll.

Last Wednesday, the two new partners of Mr. Kors sat front row at his show at the Tent in Bryant Park.

Wheter it was to impress his two new business partners or he is just being his brilliant self, Michael Kors sent a slick collection which he has characterized himself as "high society meets hip-hop at Mr. Chow."

Mariacarla Boscono looked dazzling in an ash doubleface cashmere herringbone jacket and ash stretch herringbone tube dress while Naomi Campbell cannot be outdone in her sable crocodile parka and walnut crocodile mini skirt.

Echoing the leather brilliance of 1980's triumvirate of Thierry Mugler, Azzedine Alaïa and Montana, one notable piece is a sherling long coat worn over low-waisted cigarette pants which is very reminiscent of biker chic, uptown style.

Though the collection stayed within Michael Kors uptown clientele, the spirit and influence of hip-hop cannot be denied.

Like Anna Sui, Michael Kors has recognized that hip-hop has crossed over the mainstream.

And like Anna Sui, Michael Kors had cut it to match for his clientele.

One great thing about both Ms. Sui and Mr. Kors - not one of them claimed that they invented hip-hop, unlike Marc Jacobs who up to now is credited with the creation of grunge, when grunge like hip-hop came from the music underground.

Grunge is part of the Seattle sound movement and Eddie Veder of Pearl Jam was sporting it long before it reached the New York runways. Mr. Jacobs, a good designer in his own right has been mistakenly given the credit.

Another thing that Mr. Kors did not succumb to is go with the already staid MOD trend happening in Bryant Park.

That was a good decision by Michael Kors. His collection turned out to be as slick as it could be.

Michael Kors

Michael Kors