FEBRUARY 14, 2023
GUEST DIARY• BY: KAREN KLOPP AND HILARY DICK
The age of elegant glamor lives on at the Café Carlyle where night after night audiences alight at this shrine of New York sophistication to experience a singular pleasure known as “cabaret.” The supper club is no longer smoky but the sultry nightclub atmosphere pervades the iconic room. And the golden age of New York comes alive with an authentic Manhattan backdrop and a roster of incredible talents.
On Tuesday, February 14th, Isaac Mizrahi returns to Café Carlyle with his all-new show, The Marvelous Mr. Mizrahi. As an award winning fashion designer, actor, singer, entertainer and television personality, his career has spanned decades in related artistic fields — creating costumes for Broadway, opera and dance, even collaborating with choreographer Mark Morris and others for many years. We asked the prolific artist about the experience of live entertaining.
“There is a real energy one gets from a live audience, it’s like riding waves on the sea. It becomes an incredible experience to feel the energy of the audience, their response, that propels me on. It’s addictive, it’s a rush that’s hard to come down off of.”
I recommend reading or listening to Isaac’s autobiographical book, I, a candid and wry look at growing up different in a strict and intractable community.
The book illuminates his strong drive to create and perform from a very early age. He followed his passion to the High School for the Performing Arts where his creativity and flamboyance was celebrated, encouraging Isaac to flourish in his chosen field of fashion design.
It has been well documented that Gen X has taken over the other beloved Carlyle haunt, Bemelmans Bar. We say good for them as long as they behave and dress appropriately. Isaac observes, “The Carlyle crowd is the most sophisticated of all crowds. It’s a perfect combination of smart and casual that you only get there.”
For what to wear to the Carlyle, only a LBD will do. I am ever on the lookout for the best Little Black Dress, and feel that Mr. Mizrahi would approve of these updated classics. There is a perfect piece for a variety of tastes and shapes.
Supper Club Chic
A baker’s dozen, arranged low to high …
And what is Hilary wearing for a night out on the town?
Isaac Mizrahi was one of the first designers whose style I clicked with many moons ago. And now in the age of social media he is one of my favorites to follow on instagram. Witty and entertaining at every turn I know his new show at the Carlyle will be a grand success. And of course one wants to look their best in that iconic spot so I chose these little black dresses to feel chic at what will be a very special evening.
Hilary’s Ode to IM
In his own words Issac describes the magic:“The significance for me about playing Cafe Carlyle is the legacy. I’m following in the footsteps of giants. Legendary performers like Bobby Short, Elaine Stritch, Eartha Kitt, etc. When I do good in that room I feel like I’m living up to a standard of excellence that was laid down by those predecessors.”
Photos Courtesy of Rosewood Hotel, Patrick McMullan, Isaac Mizrahi Photos David Andrako
