Three questions for Isaac Isaac Mizrahi has been in Minneapolis countless times as part of his soon-to-end Target partnership. But he'd never been to the Mall of America until a recent visit to sign copies of his new book, "How to Have Style." Here's part of our chat:
Q In the book, each woman featured fills up a bulletin board with things that inspire her.
A I think that 60 percent of inspiration is organization. If you have an inspiration board, everything goes on that board -- you can just glance up and feel the feelings. The fear and dread and loathing come from chaos.
Q What inspired you at the Mall of America?
A A girl wearing a soccer shirt. She was a little crazy, but it looked really good.
Q Now that your Target collaboration is ending, will you still visit us?
A I'm so melancholy about it. But I know I'm going to be back in Minneapolis because it's one of my favorite places. Karmically, I'm always drawn here. Not just the Target association, but "Unzipped" made its world premiere at the Walker. I have many, many fond and formative memories of Minneapolis. There's also Mary Tyler Moore.
Wearable blankets or cozy coats Laurie Jacobi has been designing textiles for 16 years. She is best known for her work with Pendleton, designing blankets. However, she and her partner, Mary Jane Miller, found a different use for the 100 percent wool blankets -- they craft them into coats, vests and jackets. This birch coat ($625) is Jacobi's favorite. "I've always wanted to be a birch tree. The coat makes me feel like one when I wear it," she said. See the entire collection online at www.lauriejacobi.com and check out the coats in person this Saturday during a trunk show at the American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Av. S., Mpls, 612- 871-4907) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can buy from the ready-to-wear collection or place a custom order.
