2011 February 14
Memory Lane with Behnaz
Reminiscing with Behnaz Sarafpour
What are your favorite memories of the past 10 years?
My very first collection, which was literally 14 pieces. And then, in 2003, I took Selma Blair as my date to the Met Ball. I saw the power of the right dress at the right event on the right celebrity. Everything just gelled together.
What else makes you proud?
I think I’m the only designer who’s sold a $150 lipstick on eBay! A $20 shade I did for Lancôme completely sold out at retail.
What has changed in the industry since you started?
There are twice as many designers, and it’s harder to have longevity because there’s so much press. The industry has become a source of entertainment to the general public.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Maintaining an independent company for such a long time without having ever sold the business to someone else, or bringing in big investors.
Do you still talk to your old boss, Isaac Mizrahi?
Not really. His career has gone down a different path, and so has mine.
What was your life like when you moved to New York in the ’80s?
We went to school, did homework, and then went out all night, every night. We’d go to the Tunnel, which was seedy and underground—you were hoping the police wouldn’t break in. We used to see a lot of voguers perform. This was before the Madonna song. She kind of ruined it.
What are your favorite memories of the past 10 years?
My very first collection, which was literally 14 pieces. And then, in 2003, I took Selma Blair as my date to the Met Ball. I saw the power of the right dress at the right event on the right celebrity. Everything just gelled together.
What else makes you proud?
I think I’m the only designer who’s sold a $150 lipstick on eBay! A $20 shade I did for Lancôme completely sold out at retail.
What has changed in the industry since you started?
There are twice as many designers, and it’s harder to have longevity because there’s so much press. The industry has become a source of entertainment to the general public.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Maintaining an independent company for such a long time without having ever sold the business to someone else, or bringing in big investors.
Do you still talk to your old boss, Isaac Mizrahi?
Not really. His career has gone down a different path, and so has mine.
What was your life like when you moved to New York in the ’80s?
We went to school, did homework, and then went out all night, every night. We’d go to the Tunnel, which was seedy and underground—you were hoping the police wouldn’t break in. We used to see a lot of voguers perform. This was before the Madonna song. She kind of ruined it.
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