THE UNSTOPPABLE SHIRLEE

Shirlee Idzakovich is the cat’s meow. In Daphne from NYC for three whole days, I caught up with her, and her wild tresses, to learn about her fast-turning world behind the seams of mega stars Billy Joel, Madonna, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and more. Focusing our camera lens on her, it’s safe to say the entire Access crew has a girl-crush on this invincible woman’s woman. She’s everything we want to be and super kind to boot. The best part is that we can all soon experience her talents at the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre’s rendition of Broadway hit musical “Cats.” Don’t miss this futuristic interpretation staring Shirlee’s high-fashion, couture-inspired costumes as they strut and pounce down the catwalk on the Bay’s oh-so talented troupe of performers. Curious? It’s sure to be a sell-out, so get your tickets now. 

By Hayley Hill Photos Amber Michelle Photography, JonesAmberMichelle@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, 251.689.7427 Makeup Jessica Price for Primp Lash & Beauty, TheMobileMilliner@gmail.com Makeup Tessa Moody, TessaRayMoody@gmail.com

When it comes to monikers, some only need one. Think Prince, Beyoncé, and, of course, Madonna. To me, just Shirlee should suffice for Shirlee Idzakovich. A master tailor and costumer, Shirlee bounces between NYC and Los Angeles to share her gifts with her A-list celebrity clientele as often as most of us go to the grocery store. 

After all, we live in a world where celebrities can be seen 360 degrees every time they step outside. From the paparazzi in the bushes to friends with phones, the pressure of looking good means everything must fit perfectly — all the time. Especially if you’re one of those single-named, globally recognized stars like Shirlee’s clients. Yes, we’re talking Madonna, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Oprah, to name a few.

While Shirlee lives a life that seems far from our humble shores, she was recently in Daphne lending her talents to Erin Langley, the founder and fearless leader of the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT). The two met at the Junior Theater Festival (JTF), the world’s biggest and best celebration of young people performing musical theater, nine years ago when Erin spotted Shirlee and bravely introduced herself. From there, the two struck up a friendship and the rest is nothing short of a fascinating and collaborative history.

Fast forward to their most recent collaboration when Shirlee graciously agreed to help Erin realize her vision of producing a new and exciting version of “Cats,” the fifth-longest-running Broadway show based on the 1939 poetry collection “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot, and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Her vision? Not your typical “Cats” of yesteryear, but rather futuristic cats starring in a couture fashion show complete with a runway jutting out of the stage.

As a former celebrity stylist, I couldn’t get to Shirlee fast enough as I always long to connect with that world. In town for three jam-packed days that included cast fittings as well as an interview and photoshoot with Access, I naturally wanted to be mindful of Shirlee’s time. However, four hours into our interview, I realized I could talk to her for forever. 

Beyond generous with her time, it’s clear to see Shirlee isn’t caught up in the gossip mill as she talks about everything other than the daily trenches of tailoring and costuming for Hollywood’s elite. Instead, she points out the positive and incredible gifts her clients have given to us all, and how they lead with kindness and inspire her every day. 

Children in first photo: Delilah Ogletree, Isabel Alcoforado & Jett Davidson. Shirlee: Blouse, Pants and Sneakers, Dillards.com. Trench, Call For Price, The Mix, 251.298.9137. Glasses, Call For Price, JJ Eyes, 251.929.0015

Shirlee is very passionate about how important our children are, and how vital it is for her to share her journey so they can see what is possible and dream big. “I want kids to understand that even if they’re not on stage, countless career options exist in the theater world. For instance, getting a star like Taylor Swift to the stage can take up 2000 people. From the costumes, hair, makeup, lighting, sound, and public relations to management, set design, choreography, casting, and more, there are so many ways to be part of this big, beautiful creative industry,” she shares. 

Making her even more loveable, empowering others tops her list. As the mother of three mostly grown daughters, Macy, Ravan, and Ivy, Shirlee is from the small town of Portsmouth, Ohio. From humble beginnings, her big-life-dreams started forming when she took a job at 15-years-old working for a fashion enthusiast who had just moved to town and opened a jean store at the height of designer denim — think Gloria Vanderbilt, Calvin Klein, and Jordache. “She taught me so much about fashion and we’re still in touch today! I’ve loved fashion ever since I can remember and the ‘80s were the best! There was no social media, but I loved fashion magazines and would pour over them at the library. Seeing the ads for Benetton and Esprit was unlike anything I’d ever seen, and it was the world I dreamt about. Television shows like Soul Train and American Bandstand further fueled my creativity and when MTV came along, it completely opened my world and showed me what was possible. I saw the opportunity for a truly amazing life,” Shirlee recalls.

Mallory Barrett

Interestingly, this denim fashion haven is where Shirlee was to meet her future husband, Robert. A nurse practitioner with a busy life too, they’re still going strong 34 years later. With a fascinating journey that has literally put her at the feet of the world’s most famous people, Shirlee taught herself how to sew when she was pregnant. From there, she was asked to make costumes for her daughter’s school production of “Annie” and the requests kept coming. Creating in demand pieces and having mastered her skills, she decided to create her own children’s clothing line. Always in motion, her collection was a huge success and sold in over 100 retail stores, including Neiman Marcus, before she sold it. 

Recalling a fond memory Shirlee adds, “I was in the lobby waiting for my Neiman Marcus appointment and noticed a man in worn overalls. I was so curious what he was doing there so I struck up a conversation with him. A long story short, the man was Samuel Roger Horchow who founded The Horchow Collection in 1971. It was the first luxury mail-order catalog that was not preceded by a brick-and-mortar presence. At the time, it was such a big deal, so I was floored. He explained that his wife was the face of the brand and that he was still very much a worker! As we bonded over our Ohio roots, he even asked to see my collection and instantly understood it. That encounter has kept me grounded for all these years; kindness and curiosity really do matter. Interestingly, he sold Horchow to Neiman Marcus in 1988!”

Her next step? “After I sold my children’s manufacturing company, I decided to take off to NYC to become a costumer.  A longtime dream, my youngest daughter, Ivy, wanted to join me and my husband wanted to continue with his career in Ohio. While untraditional, we see each other often and it works well for our family. It was the right decision as by day two, I was tailoring on magazine photoshoots and on an off-Broadway show!” she shares.

Evan Smith & Addie Tripp

With residences in NYC and Los Angeles, an undeniable work ethic, and the skills to match, Shirlee can often be found hoping coast to coast to tend to the threads of her busy clients. Asking about some of her most recent work, she shares, “I was so honored to participate in the epic Vanity Fair fashion issue featuring the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) supermodels. Photographed by my incredibly talented friends, Luigi and Iango, it included 20 iconic models from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. Think Iman, Twiggy, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and more.” Each with their own cover, inside story, and an additional foldout cover boasting all of them together, Shirlee had a ball. “I grew up adoring them all and I’m very close to many of them, especially Iman. I was on set with 11 of the women and spending so much time with them and the absolute best creatives in the industry was just a dream!’ she beams.

Having so much respect for the art of fashion has served Shirlee well. “Working with Oprah, one of the producers for the 2023 adaptation of “The Color Purple” as well as Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Barrino, and Halle Bailey, was so incredibly inspirational. The female power and empowerment were tangible — you could feel it. It wasn’t just uplifting; it made the hair on my neck stand up! Surrounded by those strong women made me want to do even more for the young females around me. When women come together, it’s so easy to see how we could rule the world!” she shares.

Throughout our time together, Shirlee fielded calls from her core team of four, which includes her daughters when college schedules permit. Coming down from recently working with Lily Gladstone for her Oscar nominee appearance, she advised her team as they tended to clients that included Queen Latifah and Glen Powell. She was also managing preparations for her next stop—fittings with Billy Joel for his 100th concert at Madison Square Garden. As we prepared for our photoshoot, Shirlee was texting with her friend Iman, the legendary mega-model and brilliant businesswoman, and sharing laughs over Shirlee’s lipstick and hairstyle choices. Be sure to scroll through her socials for their Harper’s Bazaar collaboration. Both energetic and laid-back, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to Shirlee. 

Frannie Partin. Shirlee: Skirt, Sweater, and Maison Margiela Tabi Sneakers, her own. Glasses, Call For Price, JJ Eyes, 251.929.0015

As we laugh right along with her, Shirlee keeps our jaws firmly on the floor as the Met Gala, Oscars, and Fashion Week roll off her tongue. “I typically go live on Facebook at Fashion Week to show what the backstage is really like as it’s fabulous and chaotic at the same time. I did it at Mariah Carey’s concert when her zipper malfunctioned to show how talented and fast you must be to work in this industry!” 

Did we mention she’s a regular on the set of Vogue? Routinely at the side of high-profile editor Michael Philouze (and very familiar with the coveted Vogue closet), Shirlee does not take this for granted. Knowing most women would choose a tour of that closet over the perfect husband or a free trip to anywhere, I just want to know when is this going to become a thing?  You know, a ticketed event — the Vogue Experience? Not having a closet, we approached dressing Shirlee in a mix of bright colors and patterns to match her vibrant personality and jumped at the chance to incorporate a few of her own pieces, as well as her Prada loafers and Maison Margiela Tabi sneakers.

Interestingly, Shirlee is also an avid exhibit explorer and fashion curator. “I was hired to restore several vintage pieces for a Rodarte exhibit celebrating the designers’ visionary concepts at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. I had a team of 10! I also produced a Jane Morgan exhibit for Fashion Week which boasted over 200 custom gowns. The show included original pieces made by Christian Dior just for her a well as Louis Vuitton trunks found in her barn! A former singer and Broadway star, Ms. Morgan will be 100 this June. She was a very big deal and even performed for five U.S. presidents,” Shirlee explains.

Zoë Langley. Shirlee: Blouse, $69, Pants, $79, Blazer, $89, Heels, Cuff, Dillards.com. Necklace, $200, CK Collection, 251.990.9001

Clearly fed by her curiosity, Shirlee never wants to stop learning. “I’ve taken tambour beading and tutu making classes, and I even went to London to learn about the art of bespoke shoes and how to repair them. I am agent free and typically hired by the fashion stylist. It’s my job to ensure that they (and the photographer) can achieve their vision. The more I know, the better I can serve them,” she shares.

As for ESRT? “I’m very involved in JTF and Erin is truly the Anna Wintour of this arena! Her group, ESRT, is one of the strongest around and when her kids take the stage, you know you’re going to see strong singing, dancing, and acting. I was a fan before I meet her, and this is our fourth time working together. When she gets and idea in her mind, I can see her wheels spinning! Her “Godspell” production was one of the best I’ve ever seen and when she called about “Cats,” my gut reaction was to ask why, but when she explained that she wanted it to be about high-fashion futuristic cats on the runway, I was all in! I started by asking each cast member to draw their costume how they saw it having learned it always works best to include the talent in the creative process. Naturally, they gave great feedback and the costumes do not disappoint! Everyone at ESRT is so appreciative, and this show is going to be an amazing experience for people of all ages!” Shirlee exclaims.

Sharing that her trips to Daphne are a joy that feed her soul, Shirlee adds, “These kids give me a lot as I get to see what they’re wearing and saying, and they ask for my opinions, too. It gets me out of my fast pace, and I admire how Erin leads them. Even if you don’t want to grow up to be a star, she is teaching them how to speak in front of people. They’re learning how to put themselves out there and gaining the confidence and skill set needed to communicate and work with others.”

A teacher herself, Shirlee adds, “Because I teach on a national scale, I mentor so many kids and consider this my pro bono work! When I was growing up, there wasn’t an easy way to learn these skills or to even hear about all the career options in this field. All that has changed, and I always advise my students to learn and stay true to themselves and not to let anyone bully them into being anything different than who they are. Young girls need to be fed that they’re smart and kind and to have boundaries — not told they’re pretty. I used to be called bossy, and now I thank those who thought they were putting me down. Women with power and status must lift other women up. My table is big with plenty of seats. We should collaborate often as collaborations are the new currency. It’s not a struggle, it’s a pleasure.”

As we come to her final bow, Shirlee shares, “I see Anna, Madonna, Iman, Cindy, Beyoncé, Lauren Hutton, Oprah, and they’re not stopping. So, there’s no stopping for me. My friend (and iconic makeup artist) Pat McGrath and I always say we’re right behind them!” It’s determined that we’ll have what Shirlee’s having and although we hated to say goodbye, we think it’s just so long for now. And if this gusty, proudly grey-haired, and grateful woman taught us anything, it’s the fact that there’s plenty of space at all our tables. From mentoring the young to supporting an organization like ESRT, we must engage in community to ensure everyone knows how to find a spotlight of their own. Directed by Erin Langley and choreographed by Matthew Kiel, we’ll see you cats on the pink carpet soon.