Scaasi Cut Above

With former New York Times fashion editor Morris, fashion designer Scaasi looks back over his glittering career. Born Arnold Isaacs, the son of a Montreal fur merchant, he first made his mark in 1955 when, at the age of 20, he revolutionized the American fashion industry with luxurious imported fabrics and dramatic designs featuring almond-shaped coats and split-level jackets. Changing his name to Scaasi (Isaacs spelled backwards), he quickly rose to fame, first with ready-to-wear creations and later with extravagant couture for women willing to spend $6000 -$20,000 for a dress-stars such as Joan Crawford, Barbra Streisand and Elizabeth Taylor; socialites Charlotte Ford, Blaine Trump and Brooke Astor. First ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Barbara Bush have been dressed by him. Replete with 100 color photographs of models and celebrities wearing the designer's exuberant clothes, this lavish book, which includes brief descriptions of Scaasi's working methods and accounts of his friendships with his affluent clients, provides a tantalizing glimpse of the world of high fashion. (Nov.)