Text by: Tiffany Carboni, editorial contributor

“Michael Kors was my first client 24 years ago,” says Glenn Gissler. His and Kors’ synergic relationship is one of mutual admiration and respect, spanning a number of remodels, including Mr. Kors’ latest kitchen in his Greenwich Village penthouse apartment in New York City. The deep blue, black, and white space addresses a sophisticated, minimalist taste that harkens back to the extreme simplicity of the 1970s. While the kitchen has obvious contemporary qualities, its no-frills, timeless details allow it to age gracefully.

“Through our friendship and watching him evolve as a clothing designer, I’ve learned a lot from him about appropriateness, context, and quality of materials—and I incorporate these ideals into my work as an interior designer. After all, just as with fashion, good interior design won’t look dated ten years down the line if it’s done with these principles in mind.”

Custom, flat-paneled cabinets in white lacquer made by Nutech Interiors are topped with honed black granite. Numerous wall cabinets allow for storage but have recessed finger-pulls instead of knobs for a clean look. Appliances, though state of the art, are discreetly positioned behind the island. The slim-profile, polished chrome with woven leather bar stools come from Mark Albrecht in Brooklyn and are chic to the extreme. Recessed lighting in the ceiling and under-mounted cabinet lighting maintain the kitchen’s streamlined look.

New walnut floors and wooden Venetian blinds add natural warmth that ties in with the adjacent foliage-adorned terrace looking south toward lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

“New York City apartments, where space is at a premium, face aesthetic and functional challenges that don’t exist in the other parts of the country,” Gissler explains. “Again, it all comes back to appropriateness, context, and quality. The elements in this kitchen fall within these parameters and delight the eye without overwhelming it with a highly-charged environment.”

Though the clothing designer may have a frenetic travel schedule, his beloved NYC apartment is a comforting, calming place that serves as his retreat. Just as Kors’ clothing line has been hailed throughout his 30-year career as flattering, simple, and timeless, so too is his kitchen.