University fashion aficionados: pull out your Moleskines and pencil in February 21 and 22, because you’re invited to the fashion and cultural event of the season. Hosted by Fashion Television’s style impresario Jeanne Beker, FashionEAST highlights the top design talent from the land of milk and honey.
“Israel has such a rich culture. You’ll find fashion plays an integral part as Israeli creativity manifests itself in many ways,” says Beker, who has traveled to the country numerous times on assignment for FT. “I was just so thrilled to see the level of talent. The Israeli aesthetic is really cutting edge—from the young to established designers, there is long history of fabulous fashion and now there is a whole new wave.”
Beker skips between fashion capitals like we skip between cafés and class, but she’s still excited to host an event that highlights Israeli talent on terra firma. While some may be surprised to learn that Israel has a booming fashion scene, Beker says it makes perfect sense. “Any cosmopolitan urban centre with energy—from Bogotá to Lisbon—you’re bound to find young people, visionary artists, and wonderful craftsmanship. I’m really looking forward to seeing their work. It has a unique sense of colour and spirit.”
FashionEAST kicks off on the eve of the 21st with an exclusive cocktail gala and runway fashion show at Toronto’s tony Design Exchange. On the 22nd, the space will be transformed into an Israeli fashion showroom with apparel and accessories for sale.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation and the Leaders of Tomorrow fund. These organizations support Israeli performers participating in Canadian music festivals, film screenings, and dance performances. It will also provide scholarship opportunities for Israeli cultural students who wish to take their talents abroad. Funding raised for the Leaders of Tomorrow will provide extracurricular cultural programming to over 300 at-risk Israeli youth between six and 18-years-old.
“The idea came from [leading trips] in Israel so often,” says FashionEAST executive director Shira Webber. “I was impressed by the amazing talent and chic designs. I felt these designers should have more exposure.” Webber is a savvy Israeli culture advocate who is passionate about the cause. In her role as alumni and outreach coordinator for Canada Israel Experience, she visits twice a year with Birthright groups.
“Participants on my trips always want me to give them more time to shop, even though the trip isn’t really about that,” she says. “I always buy pieces when I’m in Israel. People inevitably stop me and inquire where I got it.” Isn’t it great to have an exotic answer?
Israeli fashion reflects its unique global positioning and the Diaspora. Designers are influenced by the middle-eastern diaphanous aesthetic—which leans to flowy, draped silhouettes. Close proximity to Europe brings refinement and access to the most luxurious fabrics. Israel’s ties to North America create a preference for casual elegance. Israeli couture combines these global elements.
Designer Anata Taiber, who will be showing her Anata collection at FashionEAST, falls into this category. This Israeli-born globetrotter says her work is about reflecting the Israeli liveliness. “My work is all about being bold. It begins with the colours and the inspiration I get from Israel. I think Israeli designers are less conservative than in Canada.” Taiber has mastered looks that transition easily from day to night. As she says, “It’s very hot in Israel, so people don’t want fussy clothes.”
Webber is thrilled to feature designers like Taiber who portray Israel in a positive light. “With sensationalism and the news, things like this get lost in the mix.”
Part-time English major and FashionEAST volunteer Sara Farb agrees. “It’s very obvious what people pay attention to here with regards to Israel,” she says. “That’s why this event is so great—everyone can enjoy Israeli fashion.”
The event is an opportunity for the Torontonian Jewish community to connect with Israeli culture, but Webber stresses that anyone can take part. “FashionEAST is for anyone who loves fashion and is curious about Israeli style. Jews already know how amazing Israel is!”
FashionEAST runs February 21 to 22 at The Design Exchange (234 Bay Street). Ticket prices range from $50 for an adult weekend ticket, $36 for a young associate weekend ticket (40 years and under), $15 for a Sunday sale-only ticket, or $50 at the door for all events. To purchase tickets online, visit fashioneast.ca.
