Broadway Podcast Network – #72

From the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the stages of Broadway and the top of the fashion world, Isaac Mizrahi is a true New York legend, leaving an indelible mark in every area he touches. In his decades-long career, he has become a household name known for his sharp wit, daring designs, and magnetic personality. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, he is constantly pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern-day Renaissance man. Was it chance that led him on this extraordinary journey? We'll find out as we speak with the legendary designer, artist, and television star. This is a special crossover episode with Alan's solo podcast, The Theater Podcast with Alan Seales.

Conclusion of the episode

• Isaac’s early love of performance: From a young age, Isaac was drawn to the art of female impersonation, driven by an insatiable desire to perform. This passion led him to attend a prestigious performing arts high school, where he honed his acting skills and nurtured his love of singing. Although fashion later became a cornerstone of his career, his first love was always the world of performance.
• A childhood full of contrasts: Isaac grew up in a fairly orthodox Jewish family and his early life was a collection of contrasts. While his upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of tradition, he was also fortunate to have access to the vibrant worlds of creativity, theatre and ballet. Armed with a subway map, he eagerly explored the city, knowing he longed for a different path.
• Fashion as a natural talent: For Isaac, fashion is like cooking – some people just have an innate talent, while others struggle to find their footing. With his father being in the industry and him having a natural affinity for design, fashion came effortlessly to Isaac. Although acting remained his true passion, he realized that fashion offered a more reliable way to make a living.
• The authenticity of the performance: On stage, Isaac believes in authenticity and honesty. He wears his heart on his sleeve and lets his true self shine through in every performance. This vulnerability creates a real connection with his audience.
• The Chanel opportunity: While working with the prestigious fashion house Chanel, his fashion company offered him an “exit.” He found it easy to turn away from fashion as it was always a fallback plan.
• Isaac on failure: With his trademark wit, Isaac has said, “Sometimes I think I'm much better at failing than I am at succeeding. Most of the time I fail at things.” But he has learned valuable lessons from his failures. He believes that it is through failure that we learn the most and become the best version of ourselves.
• A reminder worth reading: Anyone who wants to better understand Isaac's extraordinary journey should read his memoir, IM: A Memoir. This candid book offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of his life and sheds light on the experiences that made him the beloved icon he is today.