The exhibit Michael Kors Designs from Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter Collection at the Kent State University Museum receives more recognition on opening day with the release of the first official portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama in a Kors dress.

Wearing a sleeveless black shift dress from Kors' 2009 spring collection, the First Lady is once more encouraging America's top creators. On inauguration day, she wore an ensemble by Isabel Toledo, whom the KSU Museum also featured in a 2000 exhibition. At the forefront of fashion, the Museum's exhibition on the work of Michael Kors will be on display until November 8, 2009 .

Among the garments on exhibition is a dress very similar to Michelle Obama's: a double-faced sleeveless navy wool dress-a classic Kors design. The collection is drawn from the wardrobe of the late Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter.

Also on display in the Museum's alcove are three Resort 2009 loaned ensembles from Michael Kors. Best known as a judge in the reality TV show "Project Runway," Kors is one of America's preeminent sportswear designers and entrepreneurs.

To view images from the exhibit or view the new release on its debut, visit the Kent State Museum Web site.

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Kent State University Museum Explores
the Work of American Designer Michael Kors

What: The exhibition — Michael Kors Designs from the Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter Collection

When: February 26, 2009, to November 8, 2009

Where: Kent State University Museum, Alumni Gallery, in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln Streets on the Kent State University campus.

Background: The Kent State University Museum is proud to present the first museum exhibition on the work of American fashion designer Michael Kors. Known for his role as a judge in the critically acclaimed television show Project Runway, Michael Kors is recognized as one of America's preeminent sportswear designers and entrepreneurs.
   
In 2010, Michael Kors will celebrate thirty years in business. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of award-winning products through his multiple labels and includes women's and men's ready-to-wear, women's accessories as well as fragrance and beauty products. He has already established himself in America, Europe and Asia and hopes to have one hundred stores worldwide by 2010. In addition to his own labels, he designed for the French fashion house Celine between 1997 and January 2004. The fourteen ensembles featured in the exhibition will include garments produced for both his labels and for Celine.
   
The collection presented in the exhibition is part of the legacy of Wendy Zuckerwise Ritter. This native New Yorker moved to Ohio in 2000 after a long career in fashion retailing. Between 2000 and her passing from cancer in 2008, she commuted between Dayton and the newly established Michael Kors flagship store on Madison Avenue. Her commitment to customers, knowledge, passion, and generosity was valued and, for the last eight years of her life, Michael's success was also her own.
   
High resolution photographs are available on request. Contact Dr. Anne Bissonnette at museum@kent.edu or (330) 672-0302.

The Kent State University Museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4:45 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The Museum is located in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln Streets on the Kent State University campus. Special guided tours are available for groups by reservation. Free on-site motor coach parking is available.

For additional information about the Kent State University Museum, go to www.kent.edu/museum, or call 330. 672.3450.

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