Opening Night: Isaac Mizrahi
The “Project Runway All Stars” judge will take the stage on Saturday, November 2 at 8:00 PM to discuss his captivating memoir about growing up gay in a Syrian Jewish Orthodox family and the freedom he found through fashion. Mizrahi’s book, I.M.: A Memoir, chronicles his childhood in 1960s Brooklyn, where he preferred playing with Barbies over G.I. Joe’s.
He shares both the hardships of his life and the glamour of his career designing for celebrity icons including Audrey Hepburn, Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep. Mizrahi will also discuss his lifelong battles with weight, insomnia and depression, illuminating deep emotional truths and the grit beneath the glitz.
Whether you are a fashionista, book lover or celebrity aficionado, this special evening will definitely not disappoint! Perfect for girls nite, date nite, or just to hang out with a celebrity fashion designer!
Following his presentation, Isaac will sign his books which will be available for purchase at the J! The J staff recommends getting tickets in advance. Tickets for the evening are $29 and on sale at www.erjcchouston.org/bookfestival.
Another Highlight: Gloria Steinem
Journalist and feminist activist Gloria Steinem will be a keynote speaker at the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival on November 7. Local Houston fashion boutique and JCC supporters, Dimensions in Fashion, are bringing in for this occasion a special limited-supply of a Michael Starts T-shirt that has been designed to read: “FEMINISM is for EVERYBODY”. These T-shirts go on sale, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. with 100 % of the proceeds from the sales benefiting ERA Coalition. Women are encouraged to buy their shirt, sold exclusively at Dimensions and wear it to the November 7 event. The T-shirts are $38, one per customer, and will be available in person, first-come-first-serve basis. No phone or advance orders, please.
As a businesswoman who has witnessed the positive impact that activists like Gloria Steinem have made in our society over decades, I’m thrilled to support the ERA Coalition to promote women’s equality under the law,” said Sherry Levy, co-owner, Dimensions in Fashion. “We have a 30-year history working with Michael Stars‘ owners, Michael Cohen and Suzanne Lerner, a longtime advocate for many woman’s causes. We’d like to do our part to support the ERA Coalition’s work to help pass the Equal Rights Amendment, making equality a constitutional right for all.”
For a complete schedule of this 11-day celebration of books and arts, taking place November 2-13, click on their website: www.erjcchouston.org/book festival.