Issac Mizrahi always likes to have a laugh.
On the seats for the Issac Mizrahi, Spring/Summer 2011 show was Mizrahi’s show notes, quirkily titled IM Xerox. The invitation itself looked like a Xerox, broken down and blurry, which was only an indication of what was to come on the runway. Models started to come down the runway in serious and classic pieces – crisp, white shirts, and trench coats. But with a closer look, it became evident what Mizrahi was using as “detail” for this season. He didn’t use the usual details of buttons, bows, and sequins but rather had the details of his pieces printed onto the fabric in which he tried to capture the scan-effect one would get when photocopying. In essence, it was trompe l’oeil – an illusion. He created prints on everything from suits to coats to dresses that the pieces themselves look like they were shot out of a copier. Being the master of witty design, Mizrahi printed the aforementioned buttons, bows, and sequins in a Xerox style, reflective of his playful demeanor in this collection.
However, in the midst of humor that Mizrahi reflected in many of his looks, he still was able to bring a sense of elegance by using real embellishments of silk flowers and floral prints covered in nude chiffon. Other dresses were covered in subtle colored sequins that brought modern glamour to the runway. He seemed to be fond of mesh overlays in many of the dresses, which tend to make the silhouette suitable for women of all sizes, as it adds a certain sense of forgiveness to the piece.
The looks were accessorized with clutches, bracelets and a piece that Mizrahi seemed to favor this season – collars. Hairstyles on the models were kept simple and put up into classic buns with coral lips and a pale palette face.
Witty as Mizrahi was, he was clever in using the trompe l’oeil tactic in his line, as it made all his elegant floral dresses look even more beautiful – which was the very idea he says he was inspired by. After the show, he said to Elle Magazine, “This idea of a beautiful smocked ballgown skirt with not an actual shirt but a Xerox of a shirt. It’s funny for one thing, and I just think it makes the woman look more beautiful for some reason. I think funny is always beautiful.”
Images: Imaxtree