Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors

Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors

      "Feeling anxious," Ashtin Earle jokes when asked if she has any pre-fashion show habits. While it may sound cliché, tune into any of the 21-year-old's genuine "get ready with me" videos, and you'll immediately notice the unique blend of bubbly charm and relatability that has garnered her 1.2 million followers on TikTok. If you're one of them—and who wouldn't want to be?—you'll surely relate to that feeling of watching one; it's akin to a FaceTime chat with a close friend: unfiltered, playful, and perhaps a bit random. Although this isn't her first NYFW, this season feels especially significant for Earle, a New Jersey native and a recent college graduate now residing in New York. We caught up with the social media influencer as she prepared for the Michael Kors spring 2026 runway show, which represented a full-circle moment for her—Michael Kors was among the first luxury handbag brands she ever owned and a hallmark of American fashion in her household. Today, she's traded in her logo-clad middle school backpack for a polished belted blazer and micro-shorts ensemble reminiscent of the iconic Kors girls from the '90s.

      (Image credit: Kohl Murdock) What are your earliest memories of Michael Kors? Did you have any pieces from the brand as a child or something you wished for? Michael Kors was one of the first American luxury designer brands I knew and owned. I remember getting my first Kors item for Christmas in seventh grade. It was a brown leather backpack adorned with the MK logo, and carrying it truly made me feel like the coolest girl in school. What about your look for today; what inspired it? Who or what are you embodying? I can't express how much I adore this look. I feel like I'm channeling the very chic, classic Kors girl from the '90s, but with just a bit more leg.

      (Image credit: Kohl Murdock) In what ways does this look resonate with you and your personal style? Does it reflect your everyday style or push you outside your comfort zone? An all-black outfit is at the very heart of my style. I also adore a micro-short moment; I used to joke that I was allergic to wearing pants because I wore micros so often! I tend to incorporate workwear elements, like trousers, blazers, or shirts, into many of my outfits. So, overall, this look felt tailor-made for me. While it included all the elements of my personal style, the look itself was so fresh and unique. I was thrilled to wear something I had never seen before! What beauty choices (hair, makeup, etc.) are you making to enhance your Michael Kors look? I'm not the best at making hair and makeup decisions, but I told Sandy [Nicha] and David [von Cannon] I wanted something clean, chic, elevated, and classic. I really wanted the outfit to stand out, so we kept my hair smooth and behind my shoulders and opted for a fresh face with a subtle kitten wing on the eyes.

      (Image credit: Kohl Murdock) Do you have any pre-show rituals or traditions? Just feeling anxious. How are you feeling overall during this fashion week? Are you experiencing any NYFW nerves, or have you settled into a routine by now? I absolutely love fashion week, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it. I'm literally doing what I've dreamed of my whole life, which is insane to think about. It’s definitely a hectic week, but I find the busyness exhilarating, and every aspect of it is so exciting. I do feel a bit anxious before big events or shows, but that’s just because I’m inherently a shy person. However, I definitely feel much more at ease attending shows now than I did in the past!

      (Image credit: Kohl Murdock) What's something unexpected you're doing this fashion week to get ready for the shows? Not preparing at all. I've been so busy that I haven't had any time to do that. Since you already consider NYC your home, are there any non-NYFW activities you're making sure to do between shows and events? Yes! Pilates! Working out has become my go-to way to disconnect from all the chaos and truly focus on myself and clear my mind.

      (Image credit: Kohl Murdock) Michael Kors has had numerous iconic looks over the years. If you could access the brand's archives, what would you choose to wear? I would select everything from the '90s runway shows, but I'm also particularly obsessed with the recent black open-back suit/gown Suki Waterhouse wore at the 2025 Met Gala.

      (Image credit: Kohl Murdock) Photographer: Kohl Murdock Hairstylist: David von Cannon Makeup Artist: Sandy Nicha Wardrobe: Michael Kors

Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors

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Behind the Scenes at the Michael Kors Show with Ashtin Earle: Pre-Show Pilates, Micro Shorts, and the Best of '90s Kors

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