As part of Fashion Blooms on March 31, Canadian journalist, media personality and fashion entrepreneur Jeanne Beker, left, will interview Israel’s Sharon Tal, head designer of Maskit. (photos from CHW)
Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) presents the second annual Fashion Blooms on March 31. The national virtual fundraising event – highlighting innovation, sustainability and the future of Israeli fashion – will feature Canadian journalist, media personality and fashion entrepreneur Jeanne Beker interviewing Sharon Tal, head designer of Maskit.
Israel fashion house Maskit was conceived in 1954 by then-designer Ruth Dayan, as a contemporary luxury clothing brand. Known for its intricate ethnic embroidery, Maskit was revolutionary in advancing economic opportunities and bridging cultural divides by employing thousands of Jewish, Arab and Bedouin women artisans. Since Tal took over the helm in 2014, she and Maskit have launched collections that are shown internationally and adored by celebrities. One of Tal’s latest designs, a peacock-embroidered caftan, was created in close collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker and featured in the first episode of And Just Like That, the HBO revival of Sex and the City. Tal continues to honour and innovate, revitalizing a brand while earning plaudits for Maskit’s designs.
“As the former head of embroidery at Alexander McQueen and intern under Alber Elbaz at Lanvin, Sharon’s appreciation for tradition is matched only by her diligence and willingness to reinvent,” said Beker, event emcee. “She has what it takes to build upon the Maskit dynasty while also creating a legacy of her own.”
Fashion Blooms is also the Canadian debut of two trailblazing female fashion designers based out of Tel Aviv: Maya Reik Belfer, founder and designer of Marei1998, a luxury brand focused on sustainability and eco-conscious materials; and Danit Peleg, founder and creative director of Danit Peleg, known for its disruptive and innovative approach that is revolutionizing the fashion industry through open-source designs and 3D printed technologies.
Restrictions permitting, CHW centres across the country will host VIP invitation-only in-person viewing parties for Fashion Blooms. The virtual event will include an exclusive online auction, featuring fashion accessories and luxury brands, and an online vendor marketplace for a virtual shopping experience.
To register, participants can visit chw.ca/fashion-blooms. Tickets start at $40. Fashion Blooms proceeds support the CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design in Haifa, Israel, supporting student scholarships and ultramodern equipment to enhance the future of the Israeli fashion industry.
The CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design awards academic degrees in a wide variety of creative fields, including graphic design, architecture and fashion. This institution is building academic excellence and becoming an influencer and innovator in the world of design. It nurtures individual creativity among its pluralistic student body while instilling a sense of community and coexistence.
For more information, contact Rebecca Bowslaugh, CHW director of marketing and communications, at rebecca@chw.ca or 416-477-5964, ext. 111.
CHW is a non-political, nonpartisan national network of volunteers and professionals who believe that the advancement of education, healthcare and social services transcends politics, religion and national boundaries. Over the last century, CHW has been involved in all aspects of Israeli life, supporting women, children and families in Israel and here in Canada. Learn more about CHW at chw.ca.
– Courtesy Canadian Hadassah-WIZO