Few designers capture the essence of New York quite like Michael Kors. Each season, his shows become love letters to the city — celebrations of timeless glamour and effortless confidence with a modern twist. This New York Fashion Week, Kors presented his Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2026 collection at the Terminal Warehouse, and the atmosphere was nothing short of cinematic.
As a dramatic violin score filled the space, models swept down a minimalist runway framed by clean, open staging. The stripped-back set allowed the collection to shine: crisp tailoring, fluid drapery, and earthy neutrals that blended Manhattan sophistication with a touch of Mediterranean romance.
Front row, model Kelsey Merritt was taking it all in — taking GRAZIA USA with her for an exclusive look inside her day with Michael Kors.
A Cinematic Kors Moment
Merritt, who has graced international runways and campaigns for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, admits that Michael Kors shows always feel special. “It was such a beautiful show! Michael Kors always nails that balance of effortless glamour with a modern-day twist. There’s always such amazing energy walking into his shows, and I love seeing how he brings those timeless silhouettes into today’s world,” she tells us.
For SS26, it wasn’t just the clothes that caught her attention but the mood of the presentation itself. “This show felt so cinematic with the strong violin score giving it this dramatic yet warm atmosphere that fit perfectly with the collection and the Terminal Warehouse venue. I also loved the clean, open set design; it felt so chic and really let the clothes take center stage.”
The Kors Woman, SS26
The collection itself reflected Kors’ enduring vision: clothing that feels powerful without being overstated. “It all felt so powerful yet still feminine, which is exactly how I love to dress. It gave a Manhattan meets Morocco vibe, with gorgeous drapey-over-sleek silhouettes,” Merritt observed.
Neutral tones dominated the palette, with blacks, whites, and earthy browns layered in sleek, wearable combinations. “I could honestly see myself wearing so many of the looks straight off the runway,” she adds. Among them, Look 28 stood out. “The use of textures for the accessories added edge to the luxe and wearable look. I love doing this with my own style so that it doesn’t feel like following trends, but keeps it interesting and inspired.”
What resonated most with Merritt was Kors’ ability to evolve the familiar. “Michael has such a gift for making classic silhouettes feel fresh and modern. He’s always captured this idea of jet-set glamour that resonates with me — confident, cool, but never overdone. His shows always feel like a tribute to the vibe of New York City.”
Dressing the Part
For her own front-row look, Merritt turned to stylist Georgina Downe. The goal, she explains to GRAZIA, was to strike the balance between personal style and Kors’ DNA. The result was summer suiting with a twist: masculine-inspired tailoring softened with feminine fabrics and seasonal textures. “We wanted something that felt true to my personal style but also very Michael Kors — chic, polished, and wearable. This MK look did just that, balancing masculine shapes with feminine materials, soft/summery textures.”
Her beauty look tied everything together. Makeup artist Georgi Sandev and hairstylist Stefano Grecco crafted a polished but natural glam, accented by a soft, bouncy blowout. “We wanted to feel like the New York City woman MK often embodies,” Merritt says. “It tells a story of the woman on the go, always chic and put together, without trying too hard. Natural glam and a soft/bouncy blowout — ready to take on anything in her day.”
When asked to sum up her outfit in three words, Merritt didn’t hesitate: “Tailored, timeless, and elevated. Summer suiting is always in.”
Beyond the Runway
Of course, fashion week isn’t only about what happens on the catwalk. For Merritt, the best moments often come in between. “Catching up with friends on the front row and seeing everyone’s reactions to the collection in real time — those candid moments are always my favorite,” she shares.
That sense of community has defined her fashion week experiences. Since first rising to prominence as the first Filipino model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2018, Merritt has used her platform to represent both inclusivity and global style.
A Whirlwind With Kors
By the end of the week, Merritt described her NYFW as “a whirlwind!!” — but one she wouldn’t trade. “It was great to spend my New York Fashion Week with Michael Kors!” she exclaims.
