Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet was determined to make a bold statement at an event celebrating her collaboration with Israeli artist Shira Barzilay of Koketit. Despite running late, Bendet went to extreme lengths to ensure she looked impeccable. She pulled over in a parking lot to change from jeans into a gown and jacket from the collection, emphasizing her distaste for being late.
The collaboration between Bendet and Barzilay features a variety of pieces, including dresses, jackets, and jeans adorned with Barzilay’s signature single-line drawings. For Bendet, who is Jewish, this collaboration was not merely about fashion, but also about standing up against rising antisemitism and supporting creatives during challenging times. She felt a strong desire to highlight Barzilay’s work as a way of promoting unity and solidarity.
Despite the potential backlash and cancel culture surrounding Israeli or Jewish artists, Bendet remained steadfast in her decision to collaborate with Barzilay. She emphasized the importance of supporting women for their talents and abilities, rather than allowing external factors to dictate their success. Barzilay, who has faced challenges following a recent terror attack, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the strength that comes from standing together and speaking up for what is right.
Barzilay’s art not only served as a focal point for the collaboration but also as a means of spreading a message of resilience and unity. By creating small paintings for guests at the event and painting a white jean jacket worn by actress Jenny Mollen, Barzilay showcased the power of art as a form of resistance. She emphasized the absurdity of her pain being politicized, reaffirming that everyone has the right to exist without being subjected to political agendas.
The collaboration between Stacey Bendet and Shira Barzilay serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of adversity. By using art as a form of expression and unity, these two women have demonstrated the strength that comes from coming together and supporting each other. Their message resonates beyond the world of fashion, serving as a call to action for individuals to stand up for what they believe in and support those who need it most.
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