The global fashion industry continues to demonstrate that political boycotts and conflicts don't necessarily halt Israeli designers, models, and creative talents from flourishing on the world stage. While debates around boycotts dominate conversations in cultural, academic, and technological spheres—often driven by intense political and social tensions—the realm of high fashion appears to remain largely unaffected, with Israeli professionals gaining remarkable recognition and opportunities internationally. And this is the part most people miss: there's a noticeable disconnect between online activism and what actually influences decision-makers in the fashion world.
For instance, on Wednesday, renowned Israeli fashion designer Hed Mayner is scheduled to showcase his collections at the esteemed Pitti Uomo menswear fair in Florence, Italy. This event, held twice annually, is a major milestone for designers worldwide, and being invited as a guest for a runway show is an exclusive honor typically reserved for a select few—those whom the organizers aim to showcase and elevate. Similarly, emerging Israeli designer Yarden Hanuka, creator of the innovative JOR-D brand, will participate with a dedicated booth in the Super Styling segment, which emphasizes experimental silhouettes, unisex tailoring, and non-seasonal fabrics, all aiming to push the boundaries of contemporary fashion.
Meanwhile, Israeli models continue to make waves across global campaigns. About a month ago, Sun Mizrahi starred in Chanel's highly publicized artistic runway show set inside the New York City subway system—an unconventional and eye-catching spectacle designed to draw attention to the brand’s creative vision. Alongside her, Israeli actress and model Michal Harodi appeared in a campaign for Versace, while Sharon Ganish—an accomplished model who starred in Phoebe Philo’s debut collection—made a comeback after several years, also featuring in Demna Gvasalia’s first lookbook for Gucci, which garnered major international attention. The photography for this campaign was shot by Dudi Hasson, a highly acclaimed Israeli photographer based in Paris, who recently collaborated on campaigns for brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Zimmermann, and Max Mara, alongside his partner, international model Dorit Revelis.
This assortment of achievements points toward a broader pattern: Israeli personalities are becoming increasingly prominent on the global fashion map. Interestingly, while in many fields—such as science, academia, or high-tech—reporting suggests a tightening of borders amid ongoing conflicts and wars, the fashion industry largely maintains its open stance. Despite a skewed portrayal in some outlets and social media posts promoting solidarity with Palestine, many Israeli industry insiders—from veteran designers to recent graduates—assert that their Israeli identity does not obstruct their careers.
Nir Hezroni, owner of Inch Models, which represents prominent international models including Sun Mizrahi, Romi Peled, Gal Dahan, and Tamar David, remarked, “Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think it really matters. In fashion, if a model is appealing and projects the right presence, brands don’t care if she’s from Russia, Israel, the US, or Brazil. They’re interested in her look, her aura, and her professionalism. An Israeli passport isn’t going to be the reason they won’t hire her—especially when so much of the world is shouting about alleged ‘genocide’.”
Notably, the presence of Israeli models has remained stable and even strengthened through different periods of conflict. In the 1980s and 1990s, despite the First and Second Intifadas, Israeli models like Mizrahi and others were still in demand. The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 likewise did not seem to significantly impact Russian models’ careers, indicating a pattern: the fashion industry often separates politics from the push for talent and marketability. While some independent brands, such as GmbH and Moschino, have explicitly voiced criticism of certain conflicts or policies, the mainstream industry tends to remain indifferent when it comes to casting choices and representation.
This paradoxical situation raises an important question: Why does the fashion industry continue to embrace Israeli talent despite political tensions? The answer may lie in the financial and political ties within the industry itself. Many leading fashion conglomerates are headed by figures with Jewish backgrounds and connections to Israel, such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Sidney Toledano, the former CEO of LVMH and now an adviser to Bernard Arnault. Toledano’s role in dismissing John Galliano after his infamous antisemitic remarks—a decision supported by influential celebrities like Natalie Portman—spotlights how industry power dynamics often override political activism.
Rotem Gur of R&R Models, which represents models like Sofia Mechetner and Dorit Revelis, observes, “There’s a disconnect between young social media activists promoting Free Palestine and the decision makers in the industry, many of whom are Jewish. Israeli models enjoy a solid reputation because agencies know how to separate the individual from their country of origin. Judging a person by their art rather than their nationality is a principle that seems to hold, whether dealing with Israeli or Russian models since 2022.”
However, some models report facing discrimination or subtle forms of exclusion despite their continued work. Gur shared, “We had a case where a photographer refused to shoot an Israeli model during a test session in Paris. Yet, in most cases, when a model like Dorit Revelis arrives on set, she’s shown respect because her stature in the industry is undeniable.” Nir Hezroni added, “After October 7, many expected Israeli models to be sidelined. Surprisingly, they remained in high demand, working nonstop worldwide. Some clients asked them to tone down political content, but that’s their personal choice—they are not forced to compromise their identity. No model has lost work; in fact, many have gone on to succeed even more globally.”
Beyond modeling, Israeli creatives—designers, photographers, makeup artists, stylists—and students from top institutions continue to excel and secure international recognition. Notable recent successes include graduates of Bezalel Academy’s jewelry and fashion programs winning awards at major global events, such as the prestigious Footwear Awards for their innovative 3D-printed shoes inspired by prehistoric footwear, and fashion students from Shenkar College claiming top prizes for collections that blend heritage with modernity.
Another remarkable example is Dolev Elron, who won first place at the Hyeres fashion competition in 2024 and now works with Acne Studios, showcasing his ability to break into the high-end fashion scene. While political headlines often portray Israel in a negative light, in fashion, the focus remains on talent, innovation, and craftsmanship—elements that seem to transcend conflict and controversy.
Ilan Beja of Shenkar emphasizes this global perspective: “Unlike other fields, fashion feels almost extraterritorial. Whether or not we’re Israeli, international industry players see Shenkar’s curriculum, student work, and creative innovation. The country’s political situation doesn’t define or limit the industry’s recognition of Israeli talent.”
In summary, the international fashion industry’s ongoing admiration and deployment of Israeli talent reveal a complex and often contradictory landscape. While boycotts intensify elsewhere, the industry’s focus on profit, reputation, and creative excellence continues to open doors for Israeli professionals. This raises a provocative question: Are these successes a true reflection of merit, or are they maintained by political and financial interests that prioritize business over principle? And more broadly, can fashion truly stay apolitical in a time of escalating global conflicts? Share your thoughts—you may well challenge the very notions of art and identity in this globalized industry.
