Thank Goodness for Isaac

I always feel guilty when I don't blog more about the various fashion weeks. I mean -- aren't they like the Super Bowl, the World Series, and the whatever-it-is that the NHL calls their championship? Stanley Cup? of fashion? Shouldn't I at least, you know, pay attention?

Well, I would, except so much of it is so gosh-darn ugly. I know it's very bourgeoisie of me to expect fashion to be pretty and wearable (or even moderately attractive and wearable), especially when there is virtually no circumstance I can think of up to and including winning the Powerball that would induce me to spend ten grand on a dress, but that's just how I am. I like my chili hot, my men sarcastic, and my fashion to not look as if the person wearing it had been tricked into auditioning for a Disney production of Moulin Rouge starring Minnie Mouse. For example.

So it's always a relief to see what Isaac Mizrahi is showing. Isn't this great? So wearable, without being boring. So true to the idea of American sportswear. So perfectly pink. And is he, or is he not, the only designer who really knows his way around a polo collar?

If you're looking for more Fashion Week coverage, then, I guess you better look elsewhere. I"m going to let the Isaac slideshow loop around to the front again ...

Comments

[Anonymous]

Now see this time around I found a lot of designers that I liked. Naeem Khan has had 2 shows in a row that I loved and I found Barbara Tfank (http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/F2008RTW/BTFANK/RUNWAY/00060m.jpg)It even has pockets!And there seems to be a lot more color in these Fall Shows...more than just the blacks and grays. Lots of deep orange/copper and tons of purple.

[Jen]

On a technical note, the picture doesn't show up for me on this post, I'm just getting a blue line to the left of the screen.On the clothes, I like most of Isaac's except the grey catsuit. With the Zac Posen show, you are dead on the money. It's a pity, because if they'd got the girls to smile and maybe gone with a Gothic Mad Hatter's Tea Party theme, that could have been a really fun show. As it is the girls look like they are bored rigid by every single flounce.

[Anna]

I love Isaac, because he designs for women the way a woman would. Not putting them in ridiculous shapes and colors. He wants them to look good. Love that dress!

[Melanie]

I don't know, Erin. Put most American women in an empire-y waisted outfit with a low-cut tee that would show cleavage down to there and a mohair/woolly skirt that would make their asses look like a 1950s Chesterfield? Not too flattering. I guess we will know how it looks on a not-so-model like figure when Oprah wears it in a few months. /snerk.In general, though, I do find Mr. Mizrahi's work absolutely lovely if not a bit farfetched for us size 10/12 busty gals. Even his Target clothes are not cut for the "less svelte" frame.Melanie

[marolsh]

Yes, wearable, and even charming. Comfortable pretty shoes, makeup that doesn't make the girl look grotesque, and even POCKETS! What could be better?

[Pam]

Many of the designers are showing dresses with pockets. Hurray!I want to pet that skirt. Is that wrong?

[superblondgirl]

Love, love, love that skirt. It's adorable and simple without being boring, and it looks so utterly comfortable. Great color, too. Isaac is freaking fabulous.

[Anary]

YES! I want Isaac..he is just the best women's friend!

[Lisa]

::clap for Isaac::He always made me laugh when he said that about his guests on his TV show. I love Isaac! It was fun to watch his show and get his perspective on things -- especially when they'd have him extemporaneously sketch for someone in the audience.

[Anonymous]

Erin, your attitude about this is one reason I love your blog - you are actually a real person who lives in the real world and has realistic ideas of how clothes should look, fit, etc. Most fashion shows look, to me, like a costume contest at a science fiction/comics convention. Dawn

[Meg]

AMEN!!!!!

[Diane]

Looks like Isaac has brought the "waist" back to it's natural position. There's a couple of clunkers but overall the collection is fabulous!

[Lisa Simeone]

Perhaps a bit too little-girly for women of a certain age (like me, 50), but otherwise, yes, just lovely, and that yummy color!And I adore the silhouette, which is pure '50s -- fitted bodice, cinched waist, full circle-skirt -- and which I think is perfect for us more zaftig gals.

[Janel]

I would actually wear some of those designs... Well, with a tweak here and there. ;)

[Ari]

I love the dress but why is the skirt furry? O.o~Ari

[Anonymous]

The waist needs to be lowered 1/2-inch to an inch. Then it would sing.

[Anonymous]

Not sure I like it. Her hair is frizzed up with static electricity from that fuzzy blanket she's wearing for a skirt.

[Theresa]

My son bought me a lovely Isaac dress for my birthday. Pale pink, sleeveless, princess seams and a full skirt - the waist at the waist and a skinny belt. it is some kind of washable polyester but it looks and feels like silk. I can't wait to wear it in the spring.

[lorrwill]

I like the idea and I like the colors.

[AmeliaB]

Well I love the shape of the skirt but it looks itchy (sorry). :-) Beautiful color!

[Julie]

I'd buy this, for sure. Then again, I'm a huge fan of his target stuff-- well made and well thought out, at a very good price point. I've actually costumed two shows with his pieces, because he's got such a 50s-60s vibe these days-- and the dresses have pockets which are fantastic for real life and for props. :)

[Julie The Vintage Goddess]

What is that skirt made out of? It looks like it would be fun to wear and pet.Micheal Kors showed a great vintage "inspired" collection:http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2008RTW/review/MKORS

[Pamela]

I never thought of a skirt when I bought a bolt of white mohair on ebay! I was thinking loose jacket or coat with maybe a few pearls sprinkled here and there. But I like this; it's actually a lot like some skirts Bonnie Cashin did in the 60s. Hers were kind of casual-country at-home wear, full-length, but with those purse type clips sewed in place by leather tabs to pull the skirt up in front. And my, there is nothing warmer, or more cosy and lightweight, than mohair in the winter. I have a mohair coat - my 3rd time using an old 70s Geoffrey Beene pattern - which I always wear when I travel. It makes a great blanket on the plane and is not so heavy to lug around, if you are dealing with changing temperatures.

[barbie2be]

i LOVE this outfit. i love isaac!

[Howie G]

That skirt is so nice and fluffy, I would love it on my girl. And then I would have her wear a t-shirt from my Harlem collection like http://www.cafepress.com/iloveharlem.214091193Would that ruin everything?