Mizrahi Channels Dietrich @ Joe’s Pub

Even though Isaac Mizrahi's performance last night at Joe's Pub was in celebration of the venue's 10th anniversary, the designer and book-writer is somewhat of a regular there, always managing to fill a room even with a singing voice more suited for the shower. But let's face it, nobody showed up to actually hear him sing. Instead they came for the intimate (and hilarious) small-talk and the large personality, the music being more of an aside. Sitting up front was good friend Julie Belafonte, and further back was boyfriend Arnold. It was like being in Mizrahi's living room, one where he just happens to have a full jazz band sitting around waiting to accompany his musical whims.

In a palette of all black, Mizrahi sang Broadway staples and songs by his idols. After opening with “I Believe in You,” he channeled Marlene Dietrich for “Johnny” (admitting that he had no idea what the German lyrics meant) and Eartha Kitt for “C’est si bon.” He talked about how Richard Avedon once told him that “it works that you’re fat,” and paid tribute to Paul Newman by complimenting the anti-diarrhea effects of the Newman brand of dog food on his dog Harry. He discussed addiction, his choice narcotic being “light beer and tranquilizers,” and recalled once emailing Anna Wintour while under the influence of Ambien. Then he re-gifted free stuff: some gluten-free pretzels, a vase, a frozen ham, and a Hannah Montana wig. He apologized before giving away the already-opened wig, though. Seems he couldn’t help but try it on first.