Isaac Mizrahi uses bows to neatly tie together his fall collections

Isaac Mizrahi had bows on his mind as he presented two collections for fall: One was his ultraluxurious and expensive signature collection, the other his class-for-the-masses line for Target discount stores.

Photo: Isaac Mizrahi uses bows to neatly tie together his fall collections

At Monday's preview of his upscale line, the audience applauded the "Mini Mouse" dress with a high waist and big bow. There also was an elegant keyhole halter top paired with a slim skirt with tiers of ruffles down the back, and a bright orange ballerina-style dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline and tulle peeking out the bottom.

An outfit called "Candied Motorcycle" featured tailored trousers, a bow-tie blouse and a buttery leather jacket. Another stunner was an off-the-shoulder mermaid gown made of lace with, yes, a bow for adornment at the top of the bust.

"We've been through so much ornamentation for the past years. It's too much. I decided to make shape a focus," Mizrahi said in an interview Tuesday.

"Where do you go after a bias-cut beaded dress? You go for structure. And I'm always on a quest for the right ornamentation. The bow was a motivator for me this season."

He also said it was not a coincidence that his two collections carry the same themes. "It's the same head and same hand doing it," he told The Associated Press.

The signature collection is sophisticated and spare, despite some bold colors, while the Target collection, presented Tuesday, has wearable work-friendly outfits.

Target shoppers can expect a lot of skirt suits, especially ones with slim skirts and shorter jackets. Many were shown with polka-dot blouses that had bow-tie necks, reports AP.

O.Ch.