The Kosher Billionaire’s Secret Recipe

I am a passionate and adventurous person when it comes to style and fashion. I consider fashion an art-form because it has the power to transform, express feeling, and make a statement. Andy Warhol, who got his first big break based on his innovative shoe designs, also regarded fashion as a focal point of his artistic expression. To this day, he still inspires me. I use fashion as a way to communicate elegance, sophistication, and my love of art. I am drawn to colors that are vibrant and fun, and prefer styles that are simple in their use of lines and forms, such as Matisse’s Icare (Icarus/JAZZ), which is my favorite artwork. John Galliano, Donatella Versace, and Dolce and Gabbana are my favorite designers working today with whom I have built strong relationships. It was John Galliano who brought my vision to reality when he designed my wedding dress – a silk, off-white, fitted gown reminiscent of 1940’s Hollywood glamour and romanticism. I feel very fortunate to have collaborated with him. I enjoy lending support to talented and aspiring designers, and helping them fulfill their dreams. I sponsored Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles last year. It is a marvelous venue for showcasing hot new talent. I also chaired a Doggie Couture Fashion show in San Francisco. The auction, which I sponsored, included doggie fashions and accessories donated by Versace, Dior, Yves St. Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Tiffanys, and Bulgari. The rescue dogs from Pets Unlimited strutted the “cat-walk,” striking poses at the pink and blue fire hydrants. Their adorable outfits, which featured applique of kitties, were designed by Kara Saun, a great new talent and finalist on Bravo’s Project Runway. My blonde Pekingese, Bella, and I wore a matching light blue sundress adorned with lace applique and a canary yellow floral design. Donatella Versace Dress Designed by Donatella Versace, one of my favorite dresses is outfitted with pink and purple Swarovski crystals draped over a nude mesh resembling pink diamonds and amethysts. Green crystals are arranged in a vine pattern with amethyst-colored flowers, giving the impression of a living, breathing plant. My last fitting was at the Atelier in Milan, where I was moved by the many photographs of the late Gianni Versace. Donatella was so inspired by her ‘muse’ that she had a sketch drawn of me and signed it. You can find inspiration in almost any everyday object – like a soup can or a Polaroid picture. Once you’re inspired, there’s no limit to what you can create. Like Warhol, who predicted that everyone in the future will be famous for 15 minutes, I believe that we all deserve to shine, to have our day in the sun. I wish everyone a lifetime of inspiration.