Unzipped, or The Isaac Mizrahi Show

On the other hand, Isaac Mizrahi is the life of the party. With all his nervousness and doubt regarding the collection, he somehow carries the film with the ease of a seasoned performer. Whether he is doing dead-on impressions of Eartha Kitt or dancing an impromptu ballet in his studio, Mizrahi is always "on." A devotee of Mary Tyler Moore, the film returns more than once to the old theme song "You're Gonna Make It After All," imbuing Mizrahi with a subtle, yet persistent, aura of optimism. Add to this his contagious sense of humor and it's easy to see why Keeve never veered very far or very long from the force of Mizrahi's personality. His charisma is off the charts and it's clear that if he had not found success in fashion design, he would have been famous in some other regard. This is not a man who can be kept quiet.

Mizrahi is truly the star of the film, but Keeve has fun with the fashion world as well. The show itself is a spectacle, exploding in a burst of color from the grainy black and white film used up until the big event. Backstage is a swirl of chaotic energy; last minute adjustments are made, models are groomed, attitudes are barely kept in check, while Mizrahi tries to hold it all together. Several celebrities make cameo appearances, from Roseanne to Richard Gere, and of course the supermodels can't be overlooked. Mizrahi is among the upper echelon of designers, meaning he gets the top models, and Keeve isn't afraid to show the ugly side of a few famous personalities. All of this makes for great gossipy entertainment, and whatever the deeper significance of the film, this should not be underestimated. Unzipped is an interesting character study and a great behind-the-scenes look at fashion design, and even creative pursuits in general, but it is also an unrelenting good time. As the credits roll, you'll feel as though you've attended a great party and you'll only wish you could spend more time with the hilarious host.

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