No, Michael Kors is not a fast fashion brand. It operates in the accessible luxury market, which means it follows a more traditional seasonal production model with higher prices and better material quality than typical fast fashion giants like Shein or Zara.
However, the brand's ethical and sustainability practices fall short of industry-leading standards. While it has some basic supplier codes of conduct, it faces criticism for a lack of transparency, low wages in its supply chain, and a minimal commitment to environmental sustainability. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Michael Kors's business model is built on accessible luxury and a strong brand identity, which sets it apart from the rapid, low-cost operations of fast fashion.
Michael Kors has a basic framework for ethical sourcing, but a lack of transparency and commitment to living wages means it has significant room for improvement.
Production is outsourced to low-cost manufacturing countries like China, India, and Vietnam. While the company claims to conduct supplier audits, reports from independent groups have uncovered labor violations like excessive working hours and unsafe conditions. Workers in its supply chain reportedly earn between $150-$200 per month, far below the estimated living wages of $350-$500 required in these regions.
Michael Kors publishes a supplier list, but it does not provide public access to detailed audit reports or corrective actions taken. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers and watchdog groups to verify if its ethical standards are actually being met in its factories.
The brand uses a significant amount of traditional animal products, including leather, exotic skins (crocodile and snake), and fur in some items. It does not consistently report sourcing leather from Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tanneries which audits for environmental and welfare standards. The brand does not test products on animals but holds no specific cruelty-free certifications like PETA's Approved Vegan or Leaping Bunny.
Michael Kors's sustainability efforts are minimal and lag far behind industry leaders, marked by a heavy reliance on conventional materials and a lack of clear environmental goals.
The vast majority of Michael Kors products are made from conventional, non-sustainable materials. The brand reports that only 10-15% of its collections incorporate more sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester. Leather remains its primary material, with little transparency about whether it is sourced from environmentally responsible tanneries.
The brand does not report comprehensive data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. There are no public commitments to achieving carbon neutrality, using renewable energy in its supply chain, or meeting science-based emissions reduction targets.
Michael Kors has practically no circularity initiatives in place. The company does not offer widespread take-back programs, repair services, or recycling for its products. Its policies on managing textile waste and unsold inventory are not publicly disclosed, reflecting a linear "take-make-waste" model.
The company has made vague statements about reducing its environmental impact but has not published specific, time-bound, or measurable goals. It does not hold any major third-party certifications like B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign to validate its sustainability claims.
Michael Kors's accessible luxury positioning doesn't translate into leadership on ethical and sustainable practices. The brand's efforts are largely focused on basic legal compliance, falling well short of what's needed to be considered a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
Michael Kors receives a C+ for its ethical practices. It has a supplier code of conduct and performs audits but lacks the transparency needed to verify its claims. The documented instances of paying workers far below a living wage and the absence of any Fair Trade or proactive worker empowerment programs keep this grade average at best.
The brand earns a D+ in sustainability due to its minimal efforts and significant environmental footprint. With over 85% of its materials being conventional, no coherent climate strategy, and an absence of circularity programs, its impact remains largely unaddressed. Vague promises without concrete, public goals or third-party certifications are insufficient.
If you're seeking the style of Michael Kors but with a much stronger commitment to ethics and the environment, consider these more responsible brands.
Specializing in stylish vegan handbags and accessories, Matt & Nat is a cruelty-free brand that uses innovative, sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles, cork, and rubber. They offer a modern aesthetic similar to MK's accessories at a comparable price point and are transparent about their factory conditions.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
Cuyana builds on a "fewer, better things" philosophy, creating timeless leather goods and apparel designed for longevity. The brand is committed to sustainability, using materials from LWG-certified tanneries and maintaining a transparent supply chain where 98% of its products are made in female-owned factories within a 20 mile radius.
Shop now at cuyana.com
For a true luxury alternative, Stella McCartney is a pioneer in sustainable fashion. The brand is completely vegetarian and B Corp Certified, avoiding all leather, fur, and feathers while using innovative materials like mycelium leather and recycled fabrics. Its commitment to transparent, ethical production sets a high bar for the industry.
Shop now at stellamccartney.com
This B Corp certified brand specializes in ethically made leather shoes, bags, and accessories. Nisolo is famous for its transparency, guaranteeing that 100% of its producers receive beyond a living wage and publishing an annual impact report to verify its claims.
Shop now at nisolo.com
Known for its minimalist essentials and "radical transparency," Everlane discloses the costs and factory conditions behind each product. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and focuses on using sustainable materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and low-impact dyes in its apparel and accessories.
Shop now at everlane.com
Reformation offers trendy, feminine pieces with a strong sustainability focus, making it a great alternative for apparel. The certified B Corp uses deadstock and eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL™, publishes detailed sustainability reports, and has been carbon neutral since 2015.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Yes, Michael Kors extensively uses real leather, often from uncertified tanneries, as well as exotic animal skins like crocodile and snake. The brand has been criticized for using fur in some of its products, though it has announced phase-out commitments in the past under its parent company, Capri Holdings.
Michael Kors is positioned in the "accessible luxury" segment, which intentionally targets a broader consumer base than high-luxury houses like Gucci or Prada. Its lower prices are a result of this business model, which includes manufacturing in high volumes in lower-cost countries and using materials that are less expensive than those used by top-tier luxury brands.
The brand has made minor improvements, such as incorporating around 10-15% sustainable materials into some collections. However, these steps remain very small compared to its overall environmental footprint, and the brand has not published clear, measurable goals for significant future change.
While Capri Holdings and Michael Kors have not been at the center of a large-scale, singular ethical disaster like the Rana Plaza collapse, they consistently receive criticism from watchdog groups for their general lack of transparency, failure to ensure living wages, and slow progress on environmental issues across their portfolio of brands.
