Isaac Mizrahi has been in the fashion biz for over 30 years. His creations have graced the cover of every major magazine and been donned by the likes of Oprah, Meryl Streep and First Lady Michelle Obama.
He's conquered couture with the same gusto and skill as he uses in his signature collections for Target, Liz Claiborne and QVC. With all the various milestones he has marked in his jam-packed career, director wasn't checked off until this very week. Last night Mr. Mizrahi made his directorial debut at Opera Theatre St. Louis with "A Little Night Music" by Stephen Sondheim.
There was magic in the air on opening night and that no doubt was due to Mr. Mizrahi's special touch. Not only is he directing the classic operetta, he also designed the sets and costumes. It is a truly amazing production and I highly recommend seeing it. The show runs through June 19th and you can purchase tickets here. I had the great pleasure of talking with Mr. Mizrahi about what inspires him and how he cranks out one good thing after another.
Do the principles of couture apply to theater costumes? Same hand, eye, sense of proportion, detail. The range of motion may change–you don’t hail a taxi on stage. Sometimes clothes on stage don’t need to be made that well because they’re seen from afar.
Who or what are your favorite muses in life? (Florenz) Ziegfeld, (George) Balanchine for his design of the stage. I always seem to gravitate towards stories about women which this is–a story about Desiree, a glorious woman–it is just something I never get over.
You’ve always had a handle on what women want to wear. What’s helped you determine that formula? More important than a lust for fashion is a modern story about a woman – a spirit, a design sensibility. I have my ear to the ground listening to the train–not the fashion train because who the hell really thinks about the right or wrong length of a skirt? It’s utopian–who cares? It’s my life!
With all that you do, how do you keep yourself inspired and your ideas fresh? At this age, I’ve learned to protect the creative child and I know what to avoid. I read a lot and that leads me to other places. My writing journal feeds everything else.
You’ve done so much in the world–from your wide range of collections for QVC, Target & Liz Claiborne, you’re an author, TV personality and now a director–is there anything you haven’t accomplished that you’d like to? No! Just more of all of it!
(with the director on opening night)
