Yesterday, we got an exclusive backstage pass to Isaac Mizrahi's first collection for Kleinfeld. We sat down with the fashion legend and got him to spill on everything from his favorite wedding gown design to his boyhood days in Brooklyn.
Check out our video interview with Isaac, plus get a sneak peek at the show!
Growing up in New York, Mizrahi always knew that Kleinfeld was synonymous with wedding dresses. "I always thought that if you can’t find a wedding gown at Kleinfeld’s, then you can’t get married, don’t even bother!" he said. The 2012 collection fulfills a long-time dream of the designer, who believes that the foundation of any successful business is to work with like-minded partners.
The hauntingly beautiful backdrop for Isaac's gown styles.
Our Editor-in-Chief's seat in the front row.
Beauty product bonanza backstage.
Runway stylist Tamara McNaughton for Morrocanoil created a hairstyle that was inspired by 1930's portraits of celebrity photographer Cecil Beaton. "We wanted looks that were simple and elegant, but not too 'done,'" said McNaughton.
Here's how to achieve this sophisticated hairstyle on your own:
- Apply Moroccanoil Treatment to prep your strands.
- Next, apply a dab of lightweight Morrocanoil Hydrating Style Cream. Blow-dry the hair backwards and away from the face with a round brush.
- Create a "cocktail" of the Morrocanoil Hydrating Style Cream and Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong in the palm of your hand. Rake the concoction through the front and crown of your hair to add texture, almost as if you had just jumped out of the shower.
- Pull the sides tight to emphasize the squared volume up top and gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Create a ponytail and secure the elastic. Twist the length of your ponytail loosely, without any tightness, then wrap this hair around the base of the elastic bun and secure it with hairpins.
- Pull out a few strategic flyaways and then mist your hair with the Morrocanoil Hairspray Strong.
Romy Soleimani created the dewy, ethereal makeup for Mizrahi's shows using exclusively Stila products, including the One Step Correcteur, One Step Illuminate and Perfect & Correct Foundation. A pink lip (Long Wear Liquid Lip Color) finished off the look.
A bevvy of beauties getting ready together.
The models do a run-through before showtime.
Isaac and this model couldn't help but crack a grin as she strutted her stuff! P.S. The models' downtime outfits are just as chic as their runway attire.
Each model's outfits are labeled, waiting in the wings...
The number-one styling tip that Mizrahi was taught when he started out in 1987 still holds true today—less is always way more. It has become even more crucial for modern brides to edit their wedding look: "Suddenly you add ruffles, big hair, monster platforms, three tons of makeup, and before you know it, less is not more anymore." If you’re going to wear a show-stopping gown, Mizrahi recommends balancing out the look with a low-key, effortless hairstyle.
There's no greater feeling than the controlled chaos backstage before a big runway show is about to start!
Recognize Randy Fenioli from Say Yes to the Dress? Mizrahi's designs are also beloved by Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Chloë Sevigny, Hilary Swank, Lea Michele and Zooey Deschanel. When Zooey gets engaged again, we know who to call—Mizrahi told us he would love to design a wedding gown for the "gorgeous" New Girl actress, along with Bridesmaids stars Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph. "I like women with a sense of humor and I know these girls are well-versed at enjoying themselves!" Mizrahi said.
Cameras poised and ready to shoot.
We thought it might be difficult for Mizrahi to select his favorite dress from the collection, but he immediately told us he’s particularly fond of "Cocteau" (pictured above). "There’s a strength about this idea of wearing a little black trim and a short dress on your wedding day, and yet it has this moderately poufy shape, so that gives it this heartbreaking, traditional bridal quality."
Mizrahi mixed different inspirations together when designing each of the 15 gowns, which is reflected in the whimsical run-of-show names he chose for them. ("Diamond Engagement" features a bedazzled bodice and a pink-and-black beauty is titled "Licorice Candy"). Some of the fabrics he featured include gingham, "demure yet potent" lace and black-on-white trim, which is "fresh in a beautiful, yet forgotten kind of way." View the entire collection here!
Mizrahi designs for a specific bride in mind. She cares about fashion, but her first priority is looking great, feeling great, and enjoying the wedding process. "The dress [from his 2012 collection] will be edgy and fashionable enough, but it’s still going to be traditional and look gorgeous 20 years from now," Mizrahi said. He believes that too many brides, especially young ones, may throw the planning process away to nerves, so it’s important to engage and really work the wedding experience.
One last sweet treat before we left the fashion fantasy and headed back into our normal, everyday routine.
—Stefania Sainato
Catch Up On More From The Latest Bridal Runways:
Daily Runway Recaps:
- APRIL 18: Isaac Mizrahi New York for Kleinfeld, Marchesa and Henry Roth & Michelle Roth
- APRIL 17: Lela Rose, Elizabeth Fillmore, Francesca Miranda, Cocoe Voci and Alyne Bridal
- APRIL 16: Claire Pettibone, Oscar de la Renta, Birnbaum and Bullock, Anne Barge, Victoria Nicole, Angel Sanchez, Mark Zunino, Amanda Wakeley, Coco Anais, Fancy Bridal NY, Nicole Miller, Rania Hatoum Collection, Sophia Tolli, St. Pucchi, and Jane Wang
- APRIL 15: Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Ines Di Santo, Jenny Lee, Junko Yoshioka, Rivini, and Anne Bowen
- APRIL 14: Romona Keveza, Yumi Katsura, Carolina Herrera, Christos, Kenneth Pool, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Legends by Romona Keveza, and Jenny Packham
- APRIL 13: Temperley London, Theia, Douglas Hannant, and Kelly Faetanini
- APRIL 12: White by Vera Wang
- APRIL 11: David's Bridal and Dennis Basso
More from Bridal Fashion Week:
- fashion-beauty's blog
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