MIZ AT LIZ - ISAAC MIZRAHI RETURNS

Isaac MizrahiThe New York fashion world's answer to Rhoda Morgenstern is baaack!  That's right ladies and gentlemen, Isaac Mizrahi has returned.   Valerie Harper as RhodaWhile you might remember his wildly successful collection for Target most recently, Mizrahi is returning to his fashion roots and has anchored himself with a big fashion powerhouse - Liz Claiborne.    The Claiborne label is a legend in the New York fashion world.   Liz Claiborne did for working women what Coco Chanel did for women of leisure.   That is freeing them from the constrains of "expected" wardrobing.   Coco rallied against the corset almost 100 years ago with jersey and cashmere.   Liz ClaiborneLiz Claiborne waged a war on the dowdy business suit women of the 70's & 80's found themselves marching to work  in.    Boring pants suits be gone - Liz Claiborne  had  her sights set on color, detail,  & big accessories.   Think Melanie Griffith in Working Girl!  Speaking of, no one loves a story line like Isaac Mizrahi.   If Isaac himself where in that movie- he would have been plotting with Joan Cusack just like Melanie was! 

While Claiborne has never been as upscale as Chanel - Isaac is no stranger to luxury.   The namesake collection that launched his career was famous for a high / low approach of fabulously expensive things mixed with wildly affordable pieces.   Mizrahi was also himself funded by the house of CHANEL for several years in the 90's.   Chanel pulled the plug on the luxury stable they were forming when the CC logo craze was kicking in... leaving the future of Isaac Mizrahi, Holland & Holland, & Eres is question.   Isaac went out of business, Holland & Holland evaporated in the U.S., and Eres remains the quiet stepchild of the Chanel empire.   You'll notice the small Eres boutiques quietly waiting in the wings near Chanel Mega-Stores.

Isaac recently launched his Spring 2009 collection for Claiborne - and he really nailed it.   Using words like "snappy" and "smart"  just like Liz Claiborne herself - Isaac has designed fashion that would make any women happy to wear it - and would surely make the late Liz Claiborne smile herself.

Isaac Mizrahi will be at Macy's Herald Square in New York to preview the collection Thursday, March 26th at 6pm on the third floor -RSVP 212-494-4000

You are guaranteed a good time - as Isaac never disappoints when he is on stage - and if you haven't been in Macy's in some time - the store will look better than you remembered!

ISAAC MIZRAHI designs bag for NY TIMES

In a follow up story to the Guggenheim and the "real" limited editions out there - I want to tell you about a new handbag designed by Isaac Mizrahi for the NY TIMES.   What a great idea and wonderfully unique offering this holiday season.   The global obsession with luxury gave us all a reality smack-down in the last few months and it is great to see Isaac design this SMART and CHIC accessory for the literate woman in your life.   They are truly limited to only 600 units!  Each bag comes with a certificate of your numbered piece.   Also a cotton dust cover and gift box with a NY TIMES embossed logo.    At a time when everything is mass produced - even some of the so called luxury items - it is great to find a bag that you won't see coming and going when you hit the town. 

The bag has classic lines - think Hermes tote or Chanel medallion bag - even featuring a big NY TIMES golden logo pull tab.   Women will be doing a double take to see what brand that is?   They won't know, they'll be embarrassed to ask, the stores will get calls, it will be hysterical.   Be the first and only one in your circle to get one before they are gone.  The bag is made from very durable  twill fabric / patent leather / and laminated fabric lining - making sure it will hold up for years to come.

Mr. M is a true NY'er.   He has had ups and downs and always lands on his feet and keeps on going - just like the best of the big apple!  

Order online at the NY TIMES STORE.