To feed Michael Kors Fashion, first ladies and the hungry

  At Michael Kors is not airkissing his fashion empire or multi-million dollar celebrities started to tanned, the American superstar designer is often the task without ambition, fight against hunger involved. His connection with the cause has deep roots, having started with his support for a new non-profit based in New York City in the 1980s, we love God, which offers meals to people with life-threatening illnesses.

These days, however, the designer wants to expand its efforts considerably, to fight through the partnership with the World Food Programme of the United Nations (and Halle Berry) against hunger in the world. Their first joint venture: the launch of a limited edition Kors watch to fund nutrition programs for children in need.

During a trip to Toronto this month Kors spoke with Globe style campaign STOP Hunger Watch and many other issues, eco-impact of fast fashion and his encounters with some of the most elegant First Ladies of Amercia what really happened in the taping of Project Runway , which he left at the end of 2012.

How did you get involved with the World Food Programme?

I am not a politician or a scientist, and I can not heal or to end the war the disease, but hunger is a solvable global dilemma. So I think we looked at the World Food Programme of the UN, which we [with God's love that we] could do and do it globally in New York.

They asked personally Halle Berry, to promote this initiative. Why her?

When people ask me who is the Michael Kors woman is, I would say it is a glamorous juggler, the woman who makes it all look easy. And it's Halle Berry. [It is] talented, successful in his career and still look fabulous. But it is also a grandparent and very compassionate. It was obvious.

Why you have decided to design a clock as the first design?

I've never seen anything for philanthropic reasons before done so because, as a consumer, I've always been a little skeptical of where the money goes [the points made available for this purpose] with am. But once we worked with WFP us, I thought we should have something concrete. The [$ 25 donation for each new] shows the 100 series, part of the STOP Hunger campaign provides 100 school meals observe that each clock shop. Without these meals available, children can not go to school, and the cycle of poverty will continue.

How is against your social conscience in your clothing collections

We are constantly pushing the textile and thread on sustainability - and we are always slow. Unfortunately, we now have a generation of young women who grew up with the idea of ​​disposable fashion. Something that you only buy once or twice carry, then throw the least green thing you can do. We do not have closets full of clothes and bags, especially since many women eventually reach the same bag or even black pants. I try pieces that you design wear all the time.

What is the one item that every woman needs this fall?

A jacket or coat unbelievable. They are the ultimate look changer. You can do everything from jeans wear yoga pants, but put on a great layer adds polish.

Is there something you can live with himself?

The black color. If you tell me that I do not wear bright colors or patterns, I'd probably stay in the house.

What is the best piece of fashion advice you've ever received?

My grandfather, who was a great lover of fashion, thinks you should buy the best quality and buy less.

What was your greatest professional achievement?

When I started drawing, I was doing a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman and Jackie Kennedy bought a few pieces. That was exciting for me because it was such an innate style. It was the highest honor.

Speaking of First Ladies, did you know that Michelle Obama would wear your sleeveless dresses for her first official portrait?

No, we were for it a dress that was similar to one of our designs they did was contacted. But they asked us to change the color and some other small changes. I had no idea what I do. And it is interesting to see how the world changes. I never grew up with the idea that the first lady is wearing a sleeveless jersey dress with no jacket. When I saw the picture, I thought: This is really a new era. And of course, everyone suddenly wanted his arms.

What kind of drama behind thescenes Project Runway you can share with us?

Frankly, we are all goofballs, but we never got to happen. Once we ate Cheez Doodles and since everyone always joke that [another judge] Nina [Garcia] and I are most tanned man in the world, I say we should use Cheez Doodle dust like a highlighter tan. So we smeared on our faces.