Isaac Mizrahi is a fashion and costume designer, TV presenter, actor, and currently the subject of an exhibition at the Jewish Museum in New York City. He’s totally out there in the best sense of the word — smart, witty, and supremely confident.
I met him at a trunk show 20 years ago. I remember the day because it was a snowstorm and I wore big, clumsy boots. On my way into Bergdorf Goodman, two women stepped out of a limousine wearing sling-back pumps. It was one of those moments when you realize you’d like a limousine.
Isaac and I had a little chat on a couple of subjects I would like to share:
#1. Feel free about separating a suit. Wear the skirt with a sweater. Wear the pants with a shirt. Just make sure to dry clean them together.
#2. There are many shades of black and they don’t have to match.
#3. If you think “I could never wear that” you should try it on.
#4. Pink shoes mean you have plenty of black shoes in your closet.
Sounds like you and Isaac are cut from the same cloth–“Smart, witty, and supremely confident”!!
You’re really too kind, Debbie, but I accept a compliment as it’s a gift. I hope to gift you soon. You’re extraordinarily adorable. Your pal, E.
I LOVE this and taking a cue from #3!
Yes, yes, yes. A story: I had walked into a store in Brooklyn and met a saleswoman who took a look at me and said “you’re not experimenting. You’re sticking with a look that should be tweaked.” Over time she moved me into offbeat choices and I felt cooler, sharper, more interesting. It’s amazing how we stick to what we’re familiar with and bore ourselves to tears. Try something — put it on — reapply your lipstick — smile in the mirror and imagine the fun you’re going to have. That’s how I do it. Affectionately, E.
“There are many shades of black.” All the bias – shattered. So simple and so staggering. Wow! In fact, black is a new white. The perfect neutral background for any further completion and decoration. It never gets in or out of fashion. My favorite color.
P:S – But I do need a pair of pink shoes anyway 🙂
Dear Vika, So good to hear from you! Black has always been the reliable but we waste time and energy trying to “match” one black with one another. I think it’s even cooler to mash it up rather than look studied. Isaac Mizrahi designed many pieces in black but then he would throw in a pink suit or a gold metallic skirt and everything worked together. There are lots of pink shoes out there — take a cue from fellow reader Judith who opted for mauve –a beautiful combination of pink and lavender. I can’t wait to find a ballerina in that color. So divine. 4-ever, E.
Hi Ellen,
I have bad feet. Horrible feet. So horrible that I have worn unadorned (and unadored) black shoes, winter and summer, for eons. This summer I lashed out. I had a brain snap and bought mauve suede sandles. I know. Clearly a moment of total insanity – or wickedness. But. How I have loved those sandles. Worn them every day over summer …. and I must had had on average 2 compliments each time I wore them. People (genuinely) marvelled. Mauve! Suede! I felt young again. And almost sexy. Those sandles transformed my summer.
So if by chance, you can’t find pink. May I respectfully suggest mauve?
Judith
Dear Judith: Mauve happens to be my favorite color. Moving away from black is a statement of confidence. Subtle shades are sexy and while you say you felt “almost sexy” I would have to disagree. Feeling great about oneself is sexy. I hope you continue buying off-beat colors and transforming your summer days. Kindest regards, E.
Dearest Ellen,
Fabulous! I have always loved his aesthetic and wonderful taste. I need to get some pink shoes. Now!
Fondly,
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer! Lovely to hear from you. I adore Mizrahi and his quirky but always wear-able style. As for pink ballerinas, I have seen them twice: Repetto ballerinas. And Celine. Both made a pink or a “blush” color. So fresh and unexpected. And young. Sending you affection and miss/kiss, E.