ISRAEL'S FASHION

from The Jerusalem Post.com
Celebrity Grapevine
by Greer Fay Cashman

July 16, 2006 - ISRAEL'S FASHION industry may not wield the influence of Paris or Milan, but a fashion project in Dimona is developing an increasingly impressive celebrity clientele. Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Oprah Winfrey are among the big names buying clothing from the Black Hebrew community of Dimona, Ma'ariv reported last week. The attractive, colorful and comfortable designs were originally sold as part of fundraising efforts by the Black Hebrews, who began marketing the clothes on trips to the United States. The beautifully embroidered designs are made by 25 members of the Black Hebrew community and are sold not only in the US, but also in several African countries and to members of the African business and diplomatic communities here in Israel.