Elie Tahari, a prominent Israeli–American designer and founder of his own fashion brand, has long been celebrated as a transformative figure for working women in New York’s fashion scene and beyond. At 73, his influence continues to grow, especially with his latest endeavor that seeks to empower women in a novel way.

Tahari’s newest collection makes a bold statement by featuring female soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces, including those who have been wounded in action, as models on the runway. This decision underscores not just the versatility of his designs but also highlights the strength and resilience of these women.

Born to an Iranian–Jewish family in Jerusalem, Tahari shared with the Daily Mail that the idea for this unique show was sparked by the heartbreak he felt following the October 7 Hamas attacks. He recounted, “I was up watching the news… I cried for many days, many weeks. The violence was horrific — children, women, families… I couldn’t stop thinking about it. All my life I’ve seen violence, and my motivation for peace is here.”

His commitment to supporting wounded soldiers took root when Eli Shakell, a friend and wounded IDF veteran, stayed with him in New York. Tahari recalled asking Shakell how he could help, to which Shakell replied that they lacked clothing. Moved by their plight, Tahari began providing garments for them. “Some sent me videos — filmed in the dark because they were embarrassed, missing arms, legs, eyes. It affected me deeply,” he noted.

His passion for supporting wounded soldiers really began when a friend, Eli Shakell — a wounded IDF veteran — stayed with him in New York. 

‘I asked if I could do anything. He said, ‘They have no clothes.’ So I started dressing them. Some sent me videos — filmed in the dark because they were embarrassed, missing arms, legs, eyes. It affected me deeply.’

It get’s even more personal for Tahari, who fled Iran and spent much of his life as an orphan –– all before joining the Israeli military.

‘I remember when I was a soldier, we had no pocket money, we had nothing,’ Tahari said. ‘And that’s why I think it’s so important for the soldiers to have clothes.’ 

The Miami show, held at St. Thomas University, a Christian campus, was entirely volunteer–run. ‘I didn’t want fame or money, just to help,’ Tahari said. ‘All the models, all the workers, they’re doing it from the heart.’

Among the participants were wounded soldiers turned models, including one woman who survived after being shot 12 times. 

IDF soldier Dvorah Lea Bart in uniform

Dvorah Lea Bart, former IDF soldier flaunts Tahari’s new collection on the runway

Eden Ram, IDF First Lieutenant. Ram was shot 12 times while serving, now debuting Tahari’s fashion line in Miami

Israeli–American designer and brand founder Elie Tahari, 73, has cemented himself as an icon for working women in the New York fashion world and beyond

Tobi Rubinstein, the organizer of the event, tells Daily Mail that producing a fashion show with purpose ‘transforms the runway into a stage of meaning’

Tahari says his passion for supporting wounded soldiers really began when a friend, Eli Shakell — a wounded IDF veteran — stayed with him in New York. ‘I asked if I could do anything. He said, ‘They have no clothes.’ So I started dressing them. Some sent me videos — filmed in the dark because they were embarrassed, missing arms, legs, eyes. It affected me deeply’

Tahari pledged that profits from his online business would go to support Israel’s wounded soldiers

‘She looked amazing,’ Tahari said proudly. ‘They are all beautiful — inside and out. That’s the point.’

Tobi Rubinstein, the organizer of the event, tells Daily Mail that producing a fashion show with purpose ‘transforms the runway into a stage of meaning.’

Rubinstein calls it a ‘platform for impact.’

‘Each design reflects not only Tahari’s artistry but the courage and spirit of Israel’s female IDF soldiers. This purposeful presentation gives voice to the message behind the material – turning fashion into a language of gratitude, empowerment and unity.’

Tahari pledged that profits from his online business would go to support Israel’s wounded soldiers. 

‘Everything I design from my own company — a portion of the profits from each sale will go to them… to providing clothing and financial assistance to these women,’ he said.

Amid the pain, his message remains hopeful. 

‘I am a peace–loving man,’ Tahari said. ‘We celebrate women whose bravery reminds us that beauty is also strength.’

Fourteen models walked the runway, including college students, professional models and two IDF soldiers –– all wearing Tahari’s couture designs.