MOVERS and SHAKERS: Sandra Davidoff, Director of Corporate Public Relations for Miraclesuit Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
Sandra Davidoff
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Sandra Davidoff is the Director of Corporate Public Relations for Miraclesuit and its affiliates.
Sandra is a true force to be reckoned with…on the go 24/7, impossible is not a word she understands. Sandra has over 20 years of experience in the garment industry; her lucrative career began in sales, an arena in which she thrived. Sandra has had the pleasure of working with top forces in the industry such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and many more.
Sandra’s passion for and belief in Miraclesuit and its affiliates made her the perfect candidate for the Director of Corporate Public Relations. Her vision and love of fashion has made her an icon in the world of swimwear.
In her free time, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Sandra is happily married, the proud mother of two daughters and the GG (gorgeous grandma) to a precious little girl named Charli.
Sandra enjoys working out and vacationing, and maintains a very active lifestyle. Sandra is not only an icon in the world of swimwear, but also a staple at premier restaurants and nightclubs in New York City. Sandra truly enjoys life to the fullest! We are absolutely thrilled to present Sandra Davidoff as our latest Mover and Shaker. Peachy Deegan interviewed Sandra Davidoff for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What is your first fashion memory?
Sandra Davidoff: I distinctly remember Twiggy...I loved her eyes, her hair!! I also adored those white go-go boots in the 60's - had to have them and my mom thought they were scandalous!
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is fun, it's adventure, it's an attitude...it's cyclical...I've seen fashion trends from my childhood reinvented for today's ladies. I simply love every aspect of it, from clothing, to housewares, to home trends.
What are the top swimwear trends for this season in the USA and is it the same or different in other areas of the world?
For 2013, swim fashion bodies will include mesh inserts, single shoulder straps, lacing details, ruffles, bubble tops, layering, smocking and rouching treatment
Colors in new saturated pastels, Baby Blues, Soft Yellows, Nectarine, Neutrals to Hawaiian Blues, Salsa Pinks, Citrus Lemon Yellows, Sunset Oranges and Corals are important for 2013
Bold Stripes, Body mapping prints, flattering border prints, body
Blocking, color splicing, Sporty swim dresses with multiple convertible backs are also trending in 2013
Miraclesuit is sold worldwide; the largest difference noted is solids take the lead over prints.
What are the biggest mistakes women make in regards to choosing the right swimwear to wear?
Not knowing what style of swimsuit fits their body type. The right swimsuit should make you feel confident and feel comfortable at the same time.
If you were stranded on a desert island with only 5 bathing suits, which would they be and why?
If I were stranded why would I need a swimsuit??? I would run around in my birthday suit!
Seriously, I must have my bikinis, Eco Swim by Aqua Green so I can look good and do good for the earth...halters with tie sides … a sexy cut out maillot, one shoulder silhouette...one or two styles of Miraclesuit and Magicsuit, one never knows who would be your savior!
What are the most memorable photo shoots of your career and why?
Each photo shot has its own magic – one that does come to mind is our “We Shape Women Who Shape the World” campaign. Here we selected 5 women from thousands, the criteria, the candidate had to be nominated and had to have made a difference in their community.
Each winner was given a prize which included a NYC weekend for 2, complete with dinners and theatre, a Miraclesuit collection wardrobe, a complete hair, makeup and wardrobe makeover plus a photo shoot for a Miraclebody ad to appear in PeopleStyle. Our world-class photographer spent the day shooting these ladies in the famed Milk Studios they had such a blast! These fabulous, beautiful women mugged it up for the cameras and were picture perfect!
What is the single funniest event that has ever happened on a photo shoot of yours?
Fortunately, I am surrounded by a group of fun loving people who love to laugh. They crack jokes on set all time…last season we were shooting one of our collections in So Cal on the same beach where the movie Beaches was filmed. We were using the infamous beach house Bette Midler lived in during the movie when one of the producers starting belting out at the top of his lungs the hit song "Wind Beneath My Wings” wearing a huge sunhat and massive sunglasses …after a few renditions from our rather loud crew, the nearby beach goers applauded all of us…not sure it was because we sang it so well or we finally stopped singing!
What are your favorite models to work with and why?
I LOVE my models!! My girls truly become like daughters to me... I work with ambitious, hard working and down to earth models and would have it no other way! Our rosters include some of the top models in the industry. As for my favorite, it's impossible to choose. They are all beautiful on the outside and beautiful on the inside.
How have you influenced the fashion philosophies of your daughters and Charli, star granddaughter?
I like to think I have influenced my daughters to develop their own sense of fashion. When they were younger, they couldn’t understand some of the trends I dressed them in because they were in the looks slated for the upcoming season, way before their friends saw it stores. However, as they got older, they were able to appreciate my advice and were the cool chicks, whose mom was into fashion.
It’s safe to say my daughters know who to come to when they need to raid a closet! As far as Charli, my most precious granddaughter, she has a definite point of view even at 2 yrs old…she like her GiGi loves her shoes…her favs are her Uggs, and any shoe that glitters or lights up! These days she’s either a princess or Minnie Mouse…needless to say; GiGi makes sure she rocks her looks well!
How did you acquire your reputation as a force to be reckoned with?
That's a long story! One to be told over a drink or two...let’s put it this way, “never say never” is my mantra.
What are the best beaches in the world and why?
I personally love Mexico, tropical climate 365 days a year Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta know me well! Love the weather, the water, and the beaches…more importantly, I associate each of those places with family. Mexico has been our destination vacation spot every Christmas Holiday for the past 25 years. It’s where our family reconnects with each other, relax and regenerate.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I have to hand that trophy to my Dad…he instilled in me a sense of adventure, of intense curiosity that developed who I am today.
What are you proudest of and why?
First for sure my 35 year marriage (I got married at 5, just kidding!) we are still lovers and friends after all these years. We enjoy being with each and laugh. And together we have been so blessed. We have 2 daughters, whom are simply amazing women, fabulous in their own way, incredible individuals who make a difference in others lives.
Monique, our eldest daughter almost died in a vehicular accident at the age of 18; we were told she would be a vegetable if she survived…6 months later, she returned to Tufts University for her undergraduate as well as her Masters. Today she is a wife, a mother, and a Pediatric Occupational Therapist specialist treating children with special needs…her determination and drive leaves me in awe.
Rikki, our youngest is presently attending Chicago Kent Law School and is her 2nd year. At the tender age of 7, Rikki nursed her older sister Monique during her recuperation, dressing her, feeding her, urging her to better herself. Two years later, my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given a dire prognosis…
Once again Rikki nursed and cared for her Dad as she did for her sis…and Daddy too proved to be a medical success. Strong, Smart and Sassy is Rikki - an old soul in a young body; she has always been the glue in our family and with her friends as well. No wonder she aspires to go into a profession where she can give a voice to others.
As my husband says (aka Daddy to all family and friends) “The girls are simply a much better version of you”.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Host a TV show!
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I have been blessed to received merit awards, plaques, and citations. However, that is not the real honor in my profession. My greatest honor is seeing young professionals that have worked with me become professional and successful in their own right because I see the possibility of greatness in their future.
What one word best describes you and why?
Motivated - I am always pushing myself to learn more and do more!
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
I love the city and everything it has to offer…never a dull moment…I love to people watch, people energize me! Now for my favorite place…it’s now called The MetLife Stadium (yeah I know it’s in Jersey). That’s where my hubby (aka Daddy) took me on our first date - a Jet game! I fell in love with the game and him all at once…that was the start of something great!
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Saks Shoe Salon…10022…yes I am shoe addict!
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Cleopatra…she rocked the world, ran her universe, called the shots…love to pick her brain!
What is your favorite drink?
Ketel one with a splash of club soda and extra lime…short glass of course
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
My husband and I were invited to a cocktail party…we arrive to the venue and head to the designated party room…walk in, have a few drinks, eat a few hors d'oeuvres and realized we were in the right place on the wrong date! And best yet, we stayed and no one knew we were interlopers!
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
I am a huge fan of STK and Bagatelle! Always a fun time always treated like family!
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature?
The Alienist…love the writing, the location of the story…a mystery set in the late 1880’s when the Chase Bank in 1411 Broadway was the old Opera House. This brought it home since I worked in that building for 20 years!
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
I have so many icons I would love to be Coco Chanel for her passion and talent, Mother Theresa for her humility and compassion, my mother for her wisdom and unconditional love.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
My favorite drink with a twist of lemon and lime…let’s call it the Sandra D!
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Watching the runners come into Central Park after doing the NYC Marathon. The cheering, the energy - amazing!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Go from Broadway show to Broadway show…ride the subway from one side of the city to another, stand in the middle of Times Square at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
My parents…to let them know how much I loved having them as parents and thank them for all they did for me,
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
In my early 20's I went to a silent charity art auction and put in a bid for an Erte serigraph…I had zero idea what it was or who he was. I just loved it – rather impulsively I put a ridiculous bid (one I could not afford) and thought to myself…what the heck, I’ll never get it and left with my gaggle of friends. A few days later, I was told I had won the bid and had to scurry around to borrow money from almost all of my friends to pay for it!! It now sits proudly in my living room. Lesson learned, never say never!
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I believe each one of us give back on a daily basis, a small act of compassion, an act of kindness causes a ripple effect that affects many. I certainly hope my actions create a positive impact on whomever I met, that I provide support and strength to those in need, as well levity and laughter.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated – salaries for teachers and the medical professionals
Overrated – salaries for athletics
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
I enjoy reading the columns…like them all!
Have you tried The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not? (please send us your picture drinking it!)
Promise to drink one up with you!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
That I love life, love the life I live, even with all the ups and downs, I would not change one event…that I am beyond grateful for all I have been blessed to enjoy.
I was speaking of my childhood just recently and someone asked how did it feel to grow up poor, after a moment I replied…”I had no idea I was poor, I was loved so much I felt rich”. Guess that sums up my being, I am who I am because of the love of my family.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Sdavidoff@swimusa.com
