A true New York City legend from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the stages of Broadway and the forefront of fashion, Isaac Mizrahi has left an indelible mark on every field he touches. With a career spanning decades, he's become a household name known for his sharp wit, bold designs, and magnetic personality. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, he consistently pushes boundaries and redefines 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 iconic designer, performer, and television personality. This is a special crossover episode with Alan's solo podcast, The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales. See Isaac perform at 54/Below on Aug 28-31 Connect with Isaac on Instagram or his website. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Episode Takeaways Isaac's Early Love of Performance: From a very young age, Isaac was drawn to the art of female impersonation, fueled 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. Though fashion would later become a cornerstone of his career, his first love was always the world of performance. A Childhood of Contrasts: Growing up in a somewhat orthodox Jewish family, Isaac's early life was a study in contrasts. While his upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of tradition, he was also blessed with access to the vibrant worlds of creativity, theatre, and ballet. Armed with a subway pass, he eagerly explored the city, knowing that he craved a different path. Fashion as a Natural Talent: For Isaac, fashion is akin to cooking – some people simply have an innate ability, while others struggle to find their footing. With his father in the industry and a natural affinity for design, fashion came effortlessly to Isaac. Though acting remained his true passion, he recognized that fashion offered a more reliable means of making a living. The Authenticity of Performance: When on stage, Isaac believes in the importance of authenticity and honesty. He wears his heart on his sleeve, allowing his true self to shine through in every performance. This vulnerability is what creates a genuine connection with his audience. The Chanel Opportunity: While partnered with the esteemed House of Chanel, Isaac was offered an “out” from his fashion company. It was easy for him to step away from fashion because it was always a fallback plan. Isaac on Failure: With his trademark wit, Isaac has said, "Sometimes I think I am way better at failure than I am at success. Mostly I fail at things." But in his failures, he has found valuable lessons. He believes that it is through failure that we learn the most and become the best versions of ourselves. A Memoir Worth Reading: Those seeking a deeper understanding of Isaac's extraordinary journey should read his memoir, I.M.: A Memoir. This candid book offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of his life, shedding light on the experiences that have shaped him into the beloved icon he is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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