Michael Kors seems to always have fun at his own parties. The legendary designer was certainly in good spirits at a fashion week soiree launching his new Michael Kors Access smartwatch, sharing laughs with starlet Zendaya and models Martha Hunt, Nina Agdal, and Soo Joo Park in the VIP section of his SoHo store.
The Veuve Clicquot bubbly was flowing and the high-energy music from model and DJ Harley Viera-Newton blared as guests roamed the three-story store, taking in demonstrations of the new watch, which is part of the Kors wearable technology accessories line.
Compatible with iPhone and Android phones using Google's Android Wear platform, it features all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch along with such fashion features as interchangeable leather, silicone, and leather straps in several colors and 25 customizable watch faces, including cascading pavé diamonds.
"A girl can't change her shoes five times a day, but she can change her watch," Kors explained.
The watch faces can be switched with a swipe of a finger or can be programmed to automatically alternate to something flashier after the workday is over.
The Kors Access smartwatchs come in two versions, the sporty Dylan and the showier Bradshaw, a bulky watch with a metallic casing that looks much like traditional Kors watches that are current best sellers. Both versions retail for $350 and are available at all Michael Kors stores or online at michaelkors.com. A smaller activity tracker that can be worn around the wrist costs $95.
While the wearer remains plugged in with a touchscreen display that allows for social media updates and text and email alerts, app notifications, and built-in fitness tracking, it's the look of the watch that pleases Kors the most.
"I can't give up fashion for technology," he said.
To emphasize the fashionable nature of the evening, the celebs all were decked out in Kors creations. Zendaya swayed to the music in polka-dot palazzo pants and navy striped tube top with a matching collar and her hair in a topknot, while Hunt appeared in a gold metallic trench coat before removing it later in the evening to reveal a black lace slipdress that looked more like a slip than a dress. Park sported the Scout handbag that looks like a camera case.
The host wore his trademark black pants and black T-shirt, along with dark sunglasses that he kept on during the entire evening.
Michael Kors and Zendaya at the launch party for the new Michael Kors Access smartwatch.
