At French Cuff Consignment, we believe knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the better choices you make. And the better choices you make, the happier you are!

When it comes to designer labels, things are no different — being knowledgeable about your favorite designers and their many lines of clothing could make you a very happy secondhand shopper. But only if you know what you’re looking for. So once again, FCC stylists are here to the rescue and happy to help you learn a thing or two about one of our favorite designer labels: Michael Kors.

From department stores to his own thriving boutiques in major cities to starring as a judge on Project Runway, Michael Kors has surely become a household name. A favorite atop the red carpet, Michael Kors creations have been worn by superstar celebrities including Heidi Klum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez and Joan Allen. Even First Lady Michelle Obama loves the Kors!

Since the launch of his Michael Kors Collection womenswear line in 1991, Kors has been a major influence in American fashion. His clothes, definitively comfortable and glamorous without being too edgy, came superbly tailored in rich fabrics that appealed to a wide market. Stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman carried the high-end Michael Kors Collection label.

In 1997, he became creative director of Celine, the French fashion house he single-handedly revitalized with sensational ready-to-wear lines and megahit accessories. After leaving Celine in 2003 to focus on his own lines, Kors had established two more lower-priced lines: KORS by Michael Kors, and MICHAEL by Michael Kors.

The KORS by Michael Kors label is the mid-tier line that includes accessories, footwear and denim. MICHAEL by Michael Kors was originally launched as a sportswear ready-to-wear line, but has evolved into a full-fledged “affordable luxury” line including ready-to-wear womenswear, handbags, accessories, shoes, jewelry, eyewear and fragrances. This is considered the lowest tier of Micheal Kors labels and can be found at various department stores like Macy’s, Marshall’s, Ross or Nordstrom Rack.

At French Cuff Consignment, we have lots of Michael Kors items from each of his three lines. Check them out in our online store today! Though we do list these hot items at prices significantly lower than retail value, we consistently hear customers say, “This much? Really? I can get Michael Kors at Ross for much less!” as they’re holding up a dress from say, the high-end Michael Kors Collection line. Sure, Ross carries the MICHAEL by Michael Kors label at affordable prices, but it crushes our hearts when customers can’t recognize the higher end piece they’re currently holding. When customers know better, they recognize steals from a mile away — and French Cuff is here to be an accomplice.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this mini label lesson! We love our labels here at French Cuff Consignment, and every month we’ll explore someone new. Until next time, fashionistas!

Did you know?: Michael Kors was born Karl Anderson, Jr. When he was five years old, his mother remarried and he was told he could change his name!