Michael Kors wants to put an end to the reign of the princess look.

In fact, the storied fashion designer predicts a new trend will emerge on the red carpet at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Sept. 14 that will allow the stars to have more fun with their fashion choices. 

“People wearing things that are a little bit more experimental,” Kors exclusively told E! News' Keltie Knight at his Spring Summer 2027 show at New York Fashion Week on Sept. 11. “Break the rules. Wear a pair of pants. Wear something short. Do something different.”

“This whole concept of old Hollywood glamour?” the 67-year-old said. “Well, it's old.”

And of course, any unorthodox design should also take into account how the outfit will move on the red carpet and—most importantly—how comfortable it will feel. 

“If there's some sense of comfort, you're going to have a better time,” Kors explained. “And when you're on the red carpet, you want to feel as confident as possible.”

As for trends the celebrated designer hopes the public will embrace this season? Bringing out a pop of animal print. 

“I, of course, wear black every day,” he noted, “but the perfect punctuation point definitely is something in an animal print. It could be a fabulous leopard handbag, a leopard coat." 

“If you're in neutral clothes every day and if in the winter you're fearful of wearing too much color—something in an animal print,” Kors added, “it pops.”

Since launching his fashion line in 1981, the Project Runway judge has found himself working in every aspect of the fashion industry, building a brand and even a TV persona that is known throughout the world. Still, there is one dream he has yet to fulfill. 

“I would love to do the entire travel experience,” he confessed. “I would love to design the plane, design the hotel, work on the restaurant, do the whole shebang. Travel is always such an inspiration for me.”

“So who knows?” he mused. “Michael Kors Airways could happen.”

For all the stars taking flight at New York Fashion Week 2026, keep reading. 

Paris Hilton, Stacey Bendet, Jessica Alba & Nicky Hilton

At the ALICE + OLIVIA by Stacey Bendet show on Sept. 10.

At the Amazon Fashion NYFW Party at the Nine Orchard on Sept. 9.

At the Chanel Party to celebrate the debut of Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu at Balthazar on Sept. 10.

At the Bad Binch TONGTONG afterparty at the Balloon Museum on Sept. 10.

At RE/DONE's launch of Kaia Vol. 1 with AFTER HOURS on Sept. 10.

Walking in the Tommy Hilfiger fashion show on Sept. 10.

Walking in the Tommy Hilfiger fashion show on Sept. 10.

At the Diane von Furstenberg fashion show on Sept. 10.

At the BVLGARI "Serpenti Infinito" Celebration on Sept. 9.

At the opening night of Target by Design on Sept. 9.

At the Atlas New York Fashion Week kick-off dinner on Sept. 9.

At the opening night of Target by Design on Sept. 9.

At the opening night of Target by Design on Sept. 9.

At the Atlas New York Fashion Week kick-off dinner on Sept. 9.

At the launch of MZ Wallace's New York Icons campaign on Sept. 9.

At ALO's New York Fashion Week celebration on Sept. 9.

At ALO's New York Fashion Week celebration on Sept. 9.

At ALO's New York Fashion Week celebration on Sept. 9.

At Hunter Boots and Page Six's New York Fashion Week dinner on Sept. 9.

Helena Christensen, Iman, Katie Holmes & Jason Bard Yarmosky