Israeli fashions through the decades in spotlight at Nov. program

Israeli designer Liraz (Liri) Cohen will present Israel’s story through fashion from the late 19th century to today at a program on Nov. 16 at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence.

In this unique event, models will wear signature Israeli items on a runway while Cohen explains how significant events in Israel’s history have influenced the creation of a new “Israeli outfit” time and time again.

As part of the event, members of the audience will have an opportunity to walk the runway, wearing historical outfits.

 A University of Rhode Island student who participated in the program years ago wrote, “Each model represented a different era in Israeli fashion. I had the unique experience of modeling a 2016 camouflage outfit consisting of shorts and a polo. Prior, I was able to wear a full white suit with a top hat, reminiscent of the retro ’30s. The trends reflected the times, and the times reflected the trends.

“For spectators, Liraz gave an informative presentation that opened everyone’s eyes to the vast world of fashion in Israel ….”

After the show, there will be a small sale of items by Amy Page DeBlasio, a woman-owned ethical contemporary design label based in Rhode Island (www.amypagedeblasio.com; Facebook and InstaGram: @APDPVD).

Cohen has an extensive background in the fashion-management world, including a master’s degree in global fashion management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City. She has been a fashion lecturer and blogger in New York, and previously was ZARA Israel’s training and development department manager, responsible for the fashion, leadership and training of 1,700 employees in over 50 stores.

The program, “Fashion Illuminates the History of Israel,” is co-sponsored by the Brown-RISD Hillel Foundation and the Consulate General of Israel to New England. It presented at no charge as one of many this year in celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary.

The program will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Alliance’s Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. For more information, contact Elihay Skital, community shaliach/Israeli emissary, at 401-421-4111 or ESkital@jewishallianceri.org. To register for the program, go to jewishallianceri.org/fashion/.

A similar program will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Higgins Visitor Center of the University of Rhode Island, 45 Upper College Road, South Kingstown. This program is co-sponsored by URI Hillel, Congregation Beth David and the Consulate General of Israel to New England.

LARRY KATZ (lkatz@jewishallianceri.org) is the director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.