Calvin Klein, Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent are among the designers who have contributed creations t a “Fashion for Peace” extravaganza in the coastal city of Caesarea.
The event, which is being sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, will feature more than 60 dresses by many of the world’s most famous designers.
Some 3,500 invited guests, including Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, will be on hand Saturday at Caesarea’s ancient Roman amphitheater to promote a new era of cooperation between the Israeli fashion industry and its counterparts around the world.
Hoping to capitalize on the goodwill created by the country’s peace treaty with Jordan, the organizers say they are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from the world-renowned designers.
“It’s wonderful to see the fashion industry unite, once again, behind a cause that is important to us all,” Ralph Lauren is quoted as saying in a news release. “We look forward to the possibility of long-lasting peace in the Middle East.”
In addition to such big names as Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Caroline Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, the ministry has enlisted the creativity of designers from Egypt, Turkey, Morocco and Japan.
Israeli designers for Gideon Oberson and Gottex will fly the hometown colors, as will internationally recognized Israeli models Michaela Bercu and Shiraz Tal. Supermodels Kate Moss and Elle MacPherson could also be on the runway, according to the ministry.
To date, the only downbeat note has been a cancellation by Jordanian designer Leila Jiryes.
“We don’t really know why she decided not to come,” said a public relations representative handling the fashion show. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if the reason was political.”
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