By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

In an innovative act of couture diplomacy, the Israeli Embassy in Mexico hosted the first-ever Israel Fashion Mexico parade at the Monte Sinai Cultural Center in the Mexico City municipality of Cuajimalpa on the night of Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The event, which was part of the embassy’s ongoing celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, included a catwalk of the latest collections from three leading Mexican and three top Israeli designers.

Representing Israel were designers Sharon Tal from Maskit, a luxury women’s ready-to-wear brand first launched in 1954 and rebooted in 2014; Shir Goldstein of Nanig, with an easy-going, loosely fitted collection inspired by European post-war styles; and Liz Martínez, who specializes in uniquely feminine wedding gowns.

The Mexican side was headlined by the new spring collection of Pineda Covalín, with bright, colorful, flowing styles, as always reflecting traditional Mexican folklore, fauna and flora.

Also representing Mexico were the wispy gowns of Gerardo Torres and the works of Lydia Lavín, who has always incorporated the handicrafts of indigenous Mexican women into her designs.

“Fashion today is so much more than just clothing,” said Israeli Ambassador to Mexico Zvi Tal, during the inauguration of the two-hour fashion show.

“It is an artform that combines creativity and culture, and which is a significant element of the global economy.”

Tal went on to note that both Mexico and Israel have a long and highly respected history within the fashion industry, and that both countries have drawn on their indigenous roots in developing uniquely ethnic styles that have won international acclaim.

Here in Mexico, with more than 17,000 companies in the clothing and accessory sectors, the fashion industry represents more than 7 percent of total manufacturing GDP, and 6.4 percent of total exports.

And in Israel, where the industry is growing at a rate of more than 12 percent per annum, the fashion segment is expected to reach a value of $1.97 billion this year, with a projected market volume of $2.7 billion by 2025.

Tal said that fashion is an ideal bridge for fostering bilateral relations because its reflects fundamental social values and cultural attitudes.

“This makes the expressive language of fashion one of the best ways to celebrate the deep friendship between our two people,” he added.

Brenda Jaet, the chief organizer and cohostess of Israel Fashion Mexico 2022, pointed out that couture “is a language that eclipses borders and idiosyncrasies, communicates feelings and opens doors where other keys might fail,” transcending generations in an expression that is both personal and universal.

“The best way to celebrate the relationship between two countries is through
its fashion, with the collaboration between creations that interweave cultures and history, and, above all, brings dignifies the handicraft behind each garment,” she said.