The best part of spring cleaning for Alexa Ray Joel is raiding supermodel mother Christie Brinkley’s wardrobe.
“We share a lot,” says Joel, 30, a corset-loving cabaret singer who will launch her fifth Café Carlyle residency on May 17. “She has the best jewelry collection from around the world … Whenever she cleans out her closet, it’s my lucky day.” But a generous Joel tells Threads she tries to “give back, too,” lending her mom personal favorites, like Rick Owens ponchos.
“My mom does this thing when she likes something I’m wearing. She’ll say, ‘Oh, is that mine?’ ” Joel laughs. Even her dad, Billy Joel (better known for his vocal cords than designer duds), has outfitted his daughter.
“He’s very suspicious; whenever he travels, he always carries a St. Christopher pendant with him . .. He has an exquisite St. Christopher and rosary collection,” says the younger Joel. “And I wore a beautiful cross of his with a turquoise stone onstage. I always think it’s best when you have those personal mementos, especially when you’re doing a soulful set — you want to look soulful, too.”