By Nina Livingstone
Fashion in action! David Josef is always on the move. When I tried to tag him for Nina’s 9, he was headed to L.A. to share the stage with Melba Moore. Next, he was hanging with Melissa Manchester. The women are not only friends, but fans of his fashion design.
It’s easy to understand why women love this Waltham-based fashion maverick. His infectious sense of humor is only rivaled by his abundant charisma. David’s effusive love for life threads through his work, just as his love for work shares space with his life. They seem to work as one.
When the pandemic put high fashion on hold, David masked us against it in style. His philanthropic work remains his trademark.
For updates, visit David Josef Fashions on Facebook, Instagram or email him at Davidjoseffashions@gmail.com.
Melba Moore and David on the Red Carpet at the HAPawards (Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards) in LA this past October. Lifetime achievement winner.
NINA: What has been the key inspiration in your clothing designs?
DAVID: My key inspiration for every single dress I design is the lady who will be wearing the dress! Folks are very complimentary to me that I’m a good designer. But the fact is, all I do is listen to the needs of my ladies and the design comes to me. For example, I just dressed living legend Melba Moore for a Lifetime Achievement Award in LA. I knew she had to look legendary, regal and completely relevant in today’s entertainment industry. And we did it!
The Butterfly Veil
NINA: Can you share a personal story?
DAVID: This is a story of two wonderful friends that I went to high school with, Karen and Frank O’Donnell. They had four children. The three daughters were on their way to the beach and had a tragic accident. The youngest daughter, Keri, lost her life. She was 15 years old.
The family feels that Keri revisits them daily in butterfly form, so when I designed [daughter] Kayla’s wedding gown, my husband and I surprised them with this butterfly veil. The earthbound butterflies are multicolored and exquisite and as they ascend to heaven, they turn white, like angels.
Daniel Forrester and David Josef have been together for 41 years. “My marriage is the thing I’m most proud of,” says David.
NINA: Picture it, you are 25 years old and deep into the world of fashion, would you do anything differently?
DAVID: If I were 25 again, I’d do it ALL differently but keep it all the same. Oy! Does that make any sense? The end result as a now 64-year-old designer is exactly where I want to be. However, if I knew then …. Blah blah blah! LOL.
I made amazing choices along the way, worked hard my entire life and am proud of the man and designer that I am. With that said, Holy crap! I would have taken business courses so no accountant or manufacturer could steal from me. All of those things a creative person usually has difficulty with.
NINA: What is the first thing you would toss in your suitcase for your travels?
DAVID: The first thing I toss into my suitcase when I travel are a bunch of black T-shirts. They are a staple in my wardrobe — whether plain or covered in crystals. I tend to dress in almost a uniform these past few years, but I’m sensing a change is coming as I lose weight. I’m 45 pounds down with 55 more to go. And I’m happy I’m on the right track.
NINA: Haute couture, have it or not? What’s your favorite fabric, color, and which designer do you admire most — aside from David Josef Fashion?
DAVID: The MOST haute couture I’ve ever been is currently when I create for some of my celebrity clients for stage or Red Carpet. Some of the couture that we see on the runways in Europe are … how do I say this? Foolish? Costumes? Not wearable crap? Was that too harsh? I can’t imagine the amount of money that is invested in designers who trash up a runway with a full-body condom and call it fashion. It’s not. It’s a gimmick for press.
I like lots of different things from lots of different designers. When I was a kid growing up it was Bob Mackie and his designs for Cher and Diana Ross that set me on the road to bring a fashion designer. I love every piece of fabric out there. From the cheapest to the most expensive at Mood Fabric. It’s about taking that fabric and making it my own.
I’ve been in every part of the industry. Being a one-man band of sorts, I know how to do it all. Make patterns, cut fabrics and sew the actual garment or sample. My custom-made designs for my brides and mothers of the bride are more couture than anything I ever did when I had my showroom in NYC and sold to every department store and over 300 specialty stores across America.
Ayla Brown in concert and on her wedding day, wearing David Josef.
NINA: What do you like most about yourself?
DAVID: I guess it would be my forgiving nature. I’ve had some pretty lousy things done to me. I forgive, but I don’t forget. Some folks may think my being kind is a sign that they can manipulate me. Nope! I can smell the BS 100 miles away.
NINA: What should someone know about you before meeting you for the first time?
DAVID: People should expect to NOT meet a stuffy designer who must have it his way. I’m sooooo not a diva! People should expect that I’m kinda funny! Ok, I’m actually very funny. I LOVE making my clients laugh. Making them feel beautiful and renewed.
David with Melissa Manchester.
NINA: If you could invite four celebrities to your home for dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?
DAVID: I know exactly who! It would be my pal Melissa Manchester, Cher, Judith Light and Broadway’s Beth Leavel. I know or have met all of these ladies and in my mind, we could all sit back and enjoy because these ladies are the real thing. Tops in their fields, but downright authentic women who are filled with grace and gratitude for their longevity. I feel like that too, about my looooong career.
I have no idea what I’d serve. A big salad, grapes and conversation with tons of wine. Even though I’m not a big drinker, for this special dinner, I’d polish off a few glasses.
NINA: What Netflix/streaming network series got you through the pandemic last winter and which ones do you recommend this round?
DAVID: I LOVE A GOOD BINGE!!! My favorite ever was Season 1 of “The Morning Show” with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon! I just watched “Midnight Mass” on Netflix. Loved it. I’m crazy for any British detective drama set in current day — like “Broadchurch” or “The Killing.”
NINA: What is your idea of a go-to place to relax?
DAVID: Broadway is where I go to relax, forget the pressures in my life and exhale.
© Nina’s 9 2021
