Page 26 T cjnews.com T HE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS February 19, 2009 And now for something completely different:

FashionEAST fundraiser brings Israeli designer wear to Canada

By CLARE HILL the Birthright trips each was Special to The CJN leading last May. “We started talking about how hen Shira Webber walks down the street, wonderful Israeli is [and how] it’s inevitable that someone will stop her, there has to be some way to bring point to her shoes, shirt or handbag and what Israel has to offer to Canada,” ask, “Where did you get that?” says Spagat, the cultural affairs di- And her answer is always the same, rector at the Israeli consulate in “Israel.”W Toronto. But now, Webber is aiming to bring more Israeli Israeli designers just haven’t had fashion to Canada than just what her arms can carry. the opportunity for exposure in the She and Cayla Spagat are co-executive directors of Canadian market, says Webber, the FashionEAST. The two-day charity event at Toronto’s outreach co-ordinator for the Birth- Design Exchange, starting Feb. 21, will showcase sig- right Israel Alumni Community. nature pieces from Israel’s most talented fashion de- “They’re ahead of their time,” she signers. says, adding that she has to limit The event features a cocktail gala and runway show herself to the number of items she on Saturday, hosted by Fashion Television’s Jeanne brings back after each visit. Beker, and then a sale of various and acces- And the fashion, accessible to sories on Sunday. women of all ages, definitely has a Some of the funds raised will be donated to the “wow” factor, Webber says. Leaders of Tomorrow fund, which provides extra- “It’s sort of au couture without the curricular cultural programming for more than 300 Prada price tag,” Spagat adds. Israeli youths between the ages of six and 18 who are “A lot of it is very unique, that you at risk. wouldn’t see someone walking by on The rest of the money will go to the Canada-Israel the street wearing. It’s all pretty high- Cultural Foundation, to be used to support Israeli per- quality fabrics. You won’t find run-of- formers who participate in the Canadian arts commu- the-mill clothing,” she says. nity and help fund scholarships for Israeli arts students Anat Taiber is one of the design- who want exposure outside of Israel. ers who will be providing a selection “It was sort of a no-brainer,” Webber says of her of pieces for FashionEAST. idea for the event, which was conceived as she and She is the only designer involved in Spagat were walking through during one of the event currently living in Canada. The other 21 designers are shipping hundreds of signature pieces from Anat Taiber, one of the designers who will be featured at Fashion- Israel, with the event showcasing 10 EAST, said her designs, shown in these images, are “very flattering clothing designers, eight jewelry de- on the body.” signers, two shoe designers and two leather designers in total. Both Webber and Spagat were inspired not only by Taiber, a former interior designer, will be providing the talent of Israeli designers, but by how much Birth- seven different looks from her line ANATA, including right participants appreciate its fashion. dresses and coats. She says her designs centre on bold “It’s very evident to see their reaction to the talent, fabrics and cuts that compliment women’s figures. the creativity. It’s a huge part of Israeli culture, so to “The dresses are very flattering on the body… The have it offered here in Canada is a huge cornerstone shape is amazing on,” she says, adding that most Israeli of the event,” Webber says. fashion fits like a glove and is more European in terms Part of their jobs as Birthright leaders is to keep the of its lightness. participants involved in Jewish and Israeli culture once Entertainment Tonight Canada’s host Cheryl Hickey they return to Canada. and ET Canada correspondent Rosey Edeh have both “It’s really easy for Birthright Israel participants to worn Taiber’s well-fitting designs on air, as well as Tara be enamoured while they’re [in Israel]. But there’s a Spencer-Nairn, an actor in the sitcom Corner Gas. disconnect when they get back, and that is why it is While Taiber works with private boutiques in so important that we offer events and programs that Toronto, such as Zola and Poa Studio, she says she target their interests, so that they want to get involved isn’t aware of any other Israeli designers in Canada. and in turn help build a stronger community,” Webber “If someone wants to sell outside the country, says, adding that there are more than 60 Birthright they’re selling in the U.S. They have more room in New alumni volunteers for FashionEAST. York, for example, to expose themselves,” she says. But it wasn’t just the volunteers who were behind But she hopes FashionEAST might help change that the event. and show Canadians the talent Israeli designers have “Every designer that we approached was more than to offer. enthralled with this opportunity,” says Webber. Israeli fashion has remained a hidden gem because And to have the support of Beker, Canada’s biggest the issues of the Israeli conflict are at the forefront of fashion icon, Spagat says, is invaluable to their cause. people’s minds, Webber says. “The fact that she recognizes what is available in Some of the greatest design schools are located in Israel signifies the importance of what we’re trying to Israel, Spagat says, including the Shenkar College of do with FashionEAST.” Engineering and Design, which she says is one of the FashionEAST’s website address is www.fashioneast. best in the Middle East. ca.

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