The captivating miniseries ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ has left its mark on more than just viewers – it has even inspired fashion designer Michael Kors. Kors, like many, was initially skeptical about the Netflix series’ ability to live up to the iconic 1999 film and the earlier ‘Purple Noon.’ However, the series quickly won him over, and it’s not hard to see why. The mood board in Kors’s showroom is a testament to his fascination, featuring images of Dickie and Marge from the series alongside black-and-white photos of the Italian landscape.
Kors was drawn to the darker and more romantic tone of the series, contrasting with the sun-drenched aesthetics of its predecessors. He was particularly impressed by the series’ noirish cinematography, which set it apart and influenced his collection.
The Michael Kors spring/summer 2025 show, while not entirely dark, reflected the series’ essence with its focus on ‘rustic opulence.’ Kors, inspired by his recent travels to Ischia and Procida, infused the collection with a blend of city and country elements.
The show opened with a striking 1950s maillot paired with a high-slit skirt and a leather basket bag, setting the stage for a captivating display of contrasting styles. Raffia played a key role throughout the collection, embellishing everything from a ribbed knit tunic sweater to a lace dress, while also adding a touch of sophistication to a cocktail shaker-style skirt paired with a maillot.
While the collection embraced craft and texture, Kors didn’t abandon his signature polish. He engineered shirts with a flattering stand-away shoulder design and crafted sequin and lace party dresses with elegant portrait necklines.
Kors even paid tribute to Dickie’s style, incorporating a navy top coat, black trousers, and brown turtleneck with white accessories. The attention to detail extended to the iconic basket bags featuring copies of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, highlighting Kors’s playful nod to the series’ setting.
In a world where print media is often overlooked, Kors boldly declared, “Print isn’t dead.” His spring/summer 2025 collection, inspired by the darkness and romance of ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley,’ is a testament to his innovative approach to fashion, blending classic design with contemporary influences to create a truly captivating collection.
