Mizrahi designs runway fashion in bulk

By: Danielle Rodriguez

Posted: 10/7/04

Isaac Mizrahi is one of the fashion world's most notable names, even to those who aren't fashion insiders. This can mostly be accredited to his recent collaboration with Target. The trendy designer and the discount super store teamed up to create a line of clothes, accessories and shoes that would have the fashionable appeal of Mizrahi's more expensive pieces, but also the financial appeal of Target's affordable prices.

The new Target line marks the first time in five years that Mizrahi has hit the runway. He's used the recent publicity to display a mixture of his couture clothing with the Target line in combined fashion shows. This line offers customers comfortable slacks, sleek jackets and classy accessories with the Isaac flair and the Target price tag. Shirts are priced in the teens, while pants and jackets go for $20 to $50. Shoes, handbags and sunglasses range from $20 to $30 - a small price to pay for one of this generation's best designers.

In his teenage years, Mizrahi attended Manhattan's High School of the Performing Arts where he started his first label - IS New York. He went on to Parson's School of Design in 1979 where he eventually scored an internship with his first mentor, Perry Ellis. Ellis secured a job for Mizrahi once he graduated, where he worked until AIDS struck Ellis. He moved on to work with Jeff Banks and later Calvin Klein, until finally opening his own womenswear company in 1987. He expanded his line to menswear in 1990. His work earned him the Fashion Designers of America's Perry Ellis Award in 1989 and then the CFDA Designer of the Year in 1990.

Mizrahi really arrived on the scene in 1996 with his then-brand new line, named simply, "Isaac." Despite great success with the line, generating at least $150 million in retail sales, Mizrahi closed his business due to profit losses by 1998.

In addition to his fashion stints, Mizrahi has also dabbed into many other entertainment forums. He had a small role in Fame during his high school years, owns a production company and has his own television show on the Oxygen network. He also recently starred in a one-man show off-Broadway entitled, "Les Mizrahi."

Mizrahi is a designer who has had many highs and many lows in the often-tumultuous world of fashion. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mizrahi had early influence from his tight-knit Syrian Jewish family. His father worked in the garment industry, and as a lover of fashion, his mother highly influenced him with her knowledge and encouragement. Thanks to her, he was exposed to the brilliance of designers like Balenciagas, Chanel and Norman Norell at a very early age.

Fashion icon of the month: Nicole Ritchie

The "Simple Life" star has done a 180-degree spin with her personal style and should be commended. Repeatedly scolded for her trashy attire, Nicole Ritchie transformed her wardrobe to a more sophisticated, yet youthful look, and people have taken notice. Often showed-up by her fashion victim co-star, Paris Hilton, Ritchie has made a statement that sets her apart from Hilton's trashy style and half-hearted attempts to clean up her act. Pairing a glittery, bold top with a pair of soft-spoken jeans and a streamline pair of stilettos is a far cry from Ritchie's days wearing tight mini-dresses, go-go boots and multi-colored extensions. Her red carpet attire shocked fashion critics with gorgeous mid-calf gowns and sexy-fitted suits. Despite her new look, Ritchie has not forgotten to incorporate her funky, dangerous personality into all her fashion choices. She never worries about covering up her tattooed ankle and remains with the platinum blonde she wasn't born as. Ritchie has grown up, allowing her always-present love of fashion to be used for good instead of evil.

Designer to watch: Monique Lhuillier

Watch out Vera Wang - here comes Monique Lhuillier. The French- Philippine designer is making quite a splash as the best of the up-and-coming designers.

Mostly focusing on wedding gowns and evening wear, Lhuillier has made a name for herself in the three short years since the start of her collection. Within the last week her name has been all over fashion and entertainment magazines and television shows thanks to the Spears-Federline wedding and last week's Emmy Awards show. Lhuillier not only designed Britney's ceremony gown, but also provided her more revealing reception mini-dress. In addition, big name stars like Jamie-Lynn Discala and Allison Janey were rocking fantastic Lhuillier gowns that topped all the best-dressed lists. The designer's entire collection gets better with each piece.

She is making her mark as the next great designer, especially for celebrity wedding gowns. With the delicate and elegant nature of Vera Wang and Bagley Mischka, mixed with a shocking splash of her own style, Lhuillier gives a much-needed twist to the conventional wedding gown.

Item of October: The Broach

Within the upcoming months there is one item that will define every outfit - the broach. This timeless accessory is slowly making its way onto this fall and winter's fashion scene. Whether worn as decoration on a jacket or scarf or used to pin a sweater closed (i.e. Sarah Jessica Parker in her Gap ad), this awesome addition to the accessory world adds color and class to every outfit. Try pinning one to the middle of a shirt with a plunging neckline or to the collar of a turtleneck. The broach will definitely be this season's best investment in different colors and styles. A good place to look for broaches are small jewelry stands in the center of malls and thrift stores that sell vintage accessories.