While psychiatric disorders are nothing to joke about, being schizophrenic or bi-polar in terms of fashion seems to be the modern way to go these days and something that has long defined the work of entertaining designer (or is it, designing entertainer?) Isaac Mizrahi, who staged his first show in years, at Cipriani 42nd street in conjunction with Target (Click here to see show at Target’s website).
The 48 crowd pleasing pieces were a mix of High/Low- exemplified by his first number out – a denim redingote from Target mixed with an indigo lace petticoat from his couture line. Throughout, he mixed his very inexpensive Target basics like cotton t-shirt and tailored crisp white long sleeved shirts with something far more precious from his couture line – available at Bergdorf Goodman – even using his adorable inexpensive pointy toed flat loafers from Target to accessorize the pricier items.
His mainly flat and low heeled boots and shoes were given interest through the use of multi colored stones, oversized colored stone rings were used in multiples on the models’ fingers. Elbow length gloves, and fur hats and a small collection of furs he is now doing for Alixandre finished things off. Styled by Vogue Magazine’s Camilla Nickerson, it was signature Isaac and had many veterans like Wendy Goodman, smiling with glee and recalling fond memories of the highly entertaining shows of the 80’s that market Isaac’s early career.
In the audience were the likes of Anna Wintour, Patrick McCarthy, Linda Wells, Teri Agins, Robin Givhan, Kim Hastreiter, Judy Licht, Iman, Candace Bergen, Kitty Hawks, a host of the usual socialites, and more. In addition to being treated to a wonderful lineup of clothes, as we walked out the door, everone was handed an enormous white waxed canvas ‘boating’ tote, emblazoned with the initials of Isaac’s name in graphic black, and banded with handsome dark brown suede. Lined in hot pink silk, it is light and roomy and the perfect bag for the summer (or anytime) as you can literally fit an entire weekend’s worth of clothing in it.
The bag, is from Target and can be purchased on Red Hot Shop at Target.com, was filled with some Target goodies: red plastic flip flops lined with the red and white Target circular logo, a red and white circular beaded ‘change purse’, three of Sonia Kashuk’s make-up brushes, and a pair of Isaac’s wire framed pale sunglasses, guaranteed to offer 100% protection from the rays of the sun, which still had the $19.99 price tag on them. Well – I am now ready for summer.
As I headed outside, Diane Sawyer and husband Mike Nichols were right beside me, and as they made their way into their limo, I overheard Mike exult: “I’m glad we went. That was FUN!” To which Diane replied, “That WAS fun!” Fun it was! Too bad more shows are not as enjoyable as this.
-Posted by Marilyn Kirschner with photos by Randy Brooke
