We Hope His Psychic Is Right!

Filed Under: Fashion Smashion Business Blitz

Last fall, when it was becoming clear that our economy was in trouble, no one knew where to turn. Many people consulted their accountants, others, their mentors. Isaac Mizrahi consulted his psychic. He says, "I went to my psychic last fall when everyone was going crazy. The psychic said, 'Darling, you must go out there and be proactive. I see a shop…'"

Heeding the advice, Mizrahi started plans for his shop shortly thereafter, and one year later, he has opened up a 1,500-square-foot boutique on East 67th in NYC.

While Mizrahi has been in the business for 25 years and has enjoyed a successful line at Target, a stint on Bravo's The Fashion Show, of course, his career as creative director at Liz Claiborne, this is the first retail location he has ever opened under his own name.

The designer cites commitment issues as the obstacle that had impeded him from opening a shop prior. We use the word 'shop,' consciously, despite its size; Mizrahi says, "I'm afraid to call it a store because that immediately makes you think about sales expectations. It's more of an opportunity to show the collection and service the customer. I'm trying to get across the fact that clothing is a product of the creative process."

And he does just that. The walls of the studio are decorated with Mizrahi's sketches, and the furnishings are simple but elegant, using wallpaper tables and shelves made of plywood with Lucite covers. The cash register isn't even visible - it's hidden behind a sliding white door.

And though he'd originally been resistant to the idea of setting up shop, now that he has all of his creations in one space before his eyes, the shop has done nothing but inspire him. "It makes me do more things. I do all categories. I make these amazing home furnishings and will now make pillows."

Too bad it's a terrible time to open shop!

Good luck, Isaac. You'll need it!

[Image via WENN.]

Posted: October 2, 2009 at 1:43 pm