On September 4, 2013, the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Couture Council honored Michael Kors with its 2013 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, celebrating his decades-long influence on American style. The benefit luncheon, held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, traditionally marks the start of New York Fashion Week, making it one of the season’s most anticipated events.
The award was presented by Hilary Swank, who embraced the animal-print trend in an aqua leopard-print fit-and-flare dress paired with black python sandals, both from the Michael Kors Resort 2014 collection. She finished her look with a sleek black reptilian clutch from the designer’s Pre-Fall 2013 line.
Hilary Swank, chic in an aqua leopard-print fit-and-flare dress with black python sandals and a reptile-embossed clutch from Michael Kors, joins the designer at the Couture Council Award luncheon honoring him at Lincoln Center on September 4, 2013, in New York City (Credit: ACE / INFphoto)
Adding to the milestone moment, Michael Kors announced a $1 million gift to FIT to establish the Michael Kors Endowed Scholarship, designed to provide a full ride to an exceptionally talented Fashion Design student facing financial challenges.
The first recipient, Kim Nguyen, a third-semester FIT student, was also recognized during the luncheon, further underscoring the event’s celebration of both established and emerging talent.
As we move forward in time, Michael Kors continues to leave his mark on the runway and red carpet, with celebrities showcasing his timeless footwear and fashion designs.
Michael Kors & Fashion Shoe Moments on Your Next Shoes
👠 Michael Kors & Fashion Shoe Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- 📏 Michael Kors Fall 2025 NYFW Front Row: Kerry Washington, Leni Klum, Ella Hunt & More Serve High Fashion — Celebrities at the Michael Kors show, with details about their shoe styles (e.g. black slingback pumps, etc.).
- 🌟 Celebrities Outshine Runway Looks at Michael Kors F/W 2024 — Front row fashion highlights, including boots, pumps, and other shoes worn by celebrities at a Michael Kors show.
- 💃 The Best Celebrity Shoes at The Serpentine Summer Party 2025 — Lady Amelia Windsor stepped out in Michael Kors “Blaire” sandals from a past collection.
- 🎤 Sasha Pieterse Embraces 2025’s Color of the Year in Mocha Mousse and Michael Kors Mules on GMA — The actress styled croc-print mules by Michael Kors with a mocha corset look.
- ✨ NYFW Shoe Moments: Sophisticated and Sexy Heels at Michael Kors — Celeb shoe spotting outside Michael Kors shows during New York Fashion Week.
The star-studded luncheon drew an impressive guest list, from fashion icons to Hollywood A-listers. Among those in attendance were Hilary Swank, Anna Wintour, Iman, Aerin Lauder, Lily Aldridge, Doutzen Kroes, Alexandra Richards, Patti Hansen, Nina Arianda, Martha Stewart, Nina Garcia, Harley Viera Newton, Sandra Lee, Karolína Kurková, designer Dennis Basso, style legend Iris Apfel, FIT President Dr. Joyce F. Brown, and Dr. Valerie Steele, Director of The Museum at FIT.
Chanel Iman was also present, and her look stood out as one of the event’s most striking fashion moments.
Chanel Iman Stuns in Rose Michael Kors Dress, Taylor Clutch & Strappy Sandals
Chanel Iman elegantly pairs a sleek Michael Kors matte jersey dress with a matching Taylor clutch at the FIT Couture Council event
One of his recent muses, model Chanel Iman, made sure to honor the designer by slipping into a red Michael Kors number for the luncheon.
Chanel Iman graces the Lincoln Center, celebrating Michael Kors at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014, NYC, September 4, 2013 (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
Other high-profile attendees include Martha Stewart, Hilary Swank, Lily Aldridge, Iman, Nina Garcia, and Anna Wintour.
Chanel Iman showcases a chic Michael Kors Taylor clutch, complementing her ensemble with understated elegance
Chanel Iman paired her Michael Kors stretch matte jersey dress with a Taylor clutch from the same designer.
Chanel Iman carried the sleek Michael Kors Collection ‘Taylor’ elongated clutch, a black reptile-embossed accessory that added a bold finish to her rose-colored dress
She kept her hair pin-straight and parted in the middle, holding her natural-looking glow within the paparazzi’s sight. She finished the look off with a pair of black strappy heels.
Chanel Iman steps out in sleek black patent strappy sandals, epitomizing understated elegance
Michael Kors is renowned for being a designer who loves dressing the modern woman, whom he defines as a well-rounded blend of beauty, brains, class, and impeccable style.
This stretch jersey dress from Michael Kors’ Pre-Fall 2013 collection perfectly embodies his design direction, with its classy neckline, elegant length, and a back that brings a pleasant surprise with its crisscrossed straps. The shade of red is also perfect for the woman who aggressively pursues her dreams, but the color is not so bright that it represents sexuality too strongly.
Spotlight on Chanel Iman: Celebrating Michael Kors’ artistic achievements at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014, Lincoln Center, NYC on September 4, 2013 (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
As this article draws to a close, it’s clear that Chanel Iman’s influence extends far beyond a single event. Over the years, she has continued to captivate with bold shoe choices and standout fashion moments that keep her at the forefront of style conversations.
Explore More of Chanel Iman’s Shoe & Fashion Highlights
👠 Chanel Iman’s Best Shoe & Fashion Highlights on Your Next Shoes:
- 📏 Chanel Iman Towers at 5’9″ in Designer Heels That Elevate Her Style — A profile on her height, footwear choices (brands & styles), and how heels play into her overall fashion identity.
- 🌟 Chanel Iman Transitions to Fall Fashion in Sophia Webster ‘Delphine’ Sandals — Showing how she uses sandals from Sophia Webster to bridge summer-to-fall fashion.
- 💃 Power Dressing Done Right: Chanel Iman in Elisabetta Franchi and Stella Luna — A red carpet look styled with luxe heels, ankle-strap sandals, and elegant accessories.
- 🎤 Chanel Iman Wears Dark Hair Down With Smoky Eye — Giuseppe Zanotti Ankle Boots — Highlighting a bold shoe choice: asymmetrical zip boots under runway-worthy styling.
- ✨ Chanel Iman Shines in Suede Nude Boots and a Chic White Ensemble at Pepsi’s World Emoji Day Exhibit — Nude suede boots with wraparound ties, showing how she uses footwear to elongate the leg line.