American designer Michael Kors claimed his inspiration came from Africa this season. The show notes called it "Afriluxe ", an inappropriate aberration given the famine crisis in Somalia. But he didn't make that misstep with his clothes. This is, after all, territory Michael Kors has explored before. He demonstrated a mostly sure hand in this collection, synthesizing animal prints, hand-dyeing techniques, djellabas and accessories like crocodile-strap cross-body bags and gladiator sandals with the easy American sportswear that he owns no matter what the season. Cashmeres, sporty swimsuits -this collection had many of the designer's signatures. Only this time around, the sweaters came holey, as if they'd been stuffed into the bottom of a rucksack (OK, maybe better to leave them in there); and the tank suits were accessorized with utilitarian belt bags. Morocco ? Montauk ? Out of Africa, by way of SoHo. A green and red tie-dyed cover-up will look just as right on the sands of either place. Sarongs might be a tougher sell with the Michael Kors man, but there were other pieces that delivered the look in less obvious doses : long dip-dyed scarves, slouchy cargos, chunky loose-knit sweaters and washed leather safari jackets. In other words, easy breezy-cut clothes that are made for getting noticed at those exotic watering holes on the savannas of East Hampton, St Tropez or Ibiza. Definitely way cool anyhow.
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