Muse: Cicely Tyson and Me; A Relationship Forged in Fashion

Famed fashion designer Michael reflects on the two decades he spent dressing actress Cicely Tyson. It was a creative partnership that shattered preconceived notions of how women of certain ages should be dressed and forged a beautiful friendship between two great talents. Michael’s love for fashion began as a child, when his grandmother often tapped him to help choose what she wore, foreshadowing his ability to bring out the beauty and strength of Tyson in her later years. Michael and Tyson met in 2005, when she requested his help to design something for her to wear to Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball, and the two quickly bonded. Tyson became Michael’s muse as he dressed her for every important event in her life, from walking the runway during Fashion Week and attending the Emmy, Kennedy Center, Screen Actors Guild, and Tony Awards, to appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This book provides details on the creation of every one of Michael’s designs for Tyson and shares cherished memories of his tireless, fearless, and age-defying muse.