Ruth Dayan was one of the pillars of Israeli fashion, and headed the first Israeli fashion house, Maskit, which is still internationally admired. It was founded in 1954 by Dayan, and for 40 years of operation, the models have been sold in the most coveted department stores in the world and have been displayed in joint exhibitions with international fashion houses including: Dior, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent.
Veterans of the “Maskit” company say that Ruth Dayan was the founder and the living spirit of the fashion brand, and she knew how to provide employment and livelihood for new artists, and turn their manuscript into original Israeli art, combining folklore with modern design, which continues to this day with the young home designer. Sharon Tal.
After the brand closed in 1994 due to many difficulties, it was re-launched in 2013 at the initiative of designer Sharon Tal, who managed to recruit Ruth Dayan for its renewal. The first collection was launched in 2014 with the presenter, Noam Frost, under the design of Tal, who chose to maintain the brand’s core values. In the last seven years, the brand has gained renewed admiration and success around the world.
Under the handwriting and personal style of designer Tal, Dayan continued to march the fashion house in the current era with classic items ‘on temporary’, while preserving the Israeli brand’s heritage that tells the geographical story of Israel.
The long dresses and coats still star in fashion productions and fashion magazines abroad, which include famous names in the field and regular customers of the brand, among them: actress Sarah Jessica Parker, Shavit Wiesel, Nivar Madar, Amit Farkash, Moran Atias and other fashion anchors.
Sharon Tal had a hard time digesting the bitter news this morning, saying: “This morning I woke up to a difficult message. My Ruth has been my best friend for the past decade, an inspiration, mentor and family.” She added: “I have no words to describe the pain and loss that I and the people around me feel on a day like this. Surprisingly Ruth was the stable and endless thing in our lives. It was clear she would stay here forever and accompany us with the smile, hug and kind word always.”
Tal goes on to say of Dayan: “Ruth was Israeli fashion at its best, always working for everyone in humanity, modesty and in a peaceful way. She knew how to connect the different cultures and create from them an exciting mosaic of Israeli art. This was a great loss first to her family “This morning on the physical level, but she will always stay with me in heart and soul. I will forever treasure thousands of magical moments with her.”
Model Shavit Wiesel, who was the brand’s presenter, told Israel Today this morning: “I met Ruth when we celebrated her 100th birthday. She was very clear, she knew how to express her opinion, really a very special woman. I appreciate and respect her work over the years, only such a woman Strong and opinionated, she has everything she can do during her life and create a brand that will always remain in Israeli fashion history. “
Producer and entrepreneur Moti Reif, who produces Tel Aviv Fashion Week every year, paid tribute to her this morning: “This morning, the fashion world bows its head to the first founder of the first fashion house in Israel – ‘Maskit’. Ruth symbolizes for all of us the beautiful, valued and united Land of Israel.”
Rife, recalling magical moments from the past: “We were privileged to celebrate her 97th birthday at Tel Aviv Fashion Week. It was one of the most exciting moments we were all privileged to experience in her presence. It’s hard to explain in words it was really exciting. She was very clear and excited to hold her hand. She stood on the stage and everyone stood and applauded her for a good few minutes, an exciting class. I’m glad that Sharon and Nir Tal get to continue her path and revive the brand that is so Israeli and coveted even today and all over the world with great success. It’s not easy to take a brand and revive it . Rest in peace”.