Kors’ jet-setting muses land in Africa this spring

NEW YORK — Pack your oversized, distressed leather bag: Michael Kors plans to take his customer on safari next spring.

The heavily textured, mostly muted-colored clothes Kors offered for women and men at his New York Fashion Week show were inspired by the designer’s three safari trips to Africa.

“If I could, it would be my South Beach ... you can go direct from Atlanta,” Kors joked backstage.

Kors told his models to step out on the runway like chic globe-trotters. “You are the most glamorous, sexy couple in safari history,” read a sign that hung right where the catwalkers lined up in position. “Brad and Angelina are jealous of you.”

For their adventures, Kors suggests a womenswear wardrobe of hand-dyed caftans, ponchos and serape-style wrap skirts, worn with cashmere henleys and animal-print maillot swimsuits. For something a little dressier, Kors sent out dresses made of feathers hand-painted like leopard skin, and a tiger-print duchesse trench coat.

Calling the suede Bermuda-length jumpsuit with its slim, refined shape a “safari romper” didn’t do it justice, and the zebra-print linen shift is the kind of laid-back piece Kors said he strived to do. “I wanted dresses that feel as easy to throw on as a T-shirt,” he said.

The many textures and raw edges in this collection was purposeful as a follow-up to last season, which was a sophisticated homage to New York. He often mines favorite haunts of the jet-set for inspiration.

Few cut a dress quite like Kors, observed Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director for Neiman Marcus. “He celebrates women and femininity and curves. He understands the woman whose life goes from 8 to 8, coffee to cocktails.

Kors really listens to his customer, Downing said, and takes their opinions under advisement.

Wonder what his menswear client will say about those sarongs?