‘Tel Aviv is unbelievable in terms of the fashion scene,” said Fern Penn, who has worked in various areas of the fashion industry for the past 25 years. Indeed, five years ago Penn was so taken with the styles in Israel that she decided to fully immerse herself in that world.

“I said to my husband, ‘We must open a store.’”

Today, she and her husband, Leslie, own and run Rosebud, a boutique in Manhattan that exclusively sells clothing, jewelry, handbags and home accessories that were designed and made in Israel.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

But Rosebud is not just another upscale shop. The Penns keep things interesting with rotating art exhibits, usually concepts born of Fern’s vivid imagination. “I’m always coming up with a different idea,” she said. And earlier this year, with Israel’s 60th anniversary approaching, she was inspired once again.

For the next several weeks, Rosebud will host an exhibit dedicated to Israeli fashion, featuring vintage clothing from the past century. The SoHo-based store is showcasing evening gowns and dresses by Ata, Gottex and Maskit, dating from the 1950s through the ’70s; early 20th-century embroidered blouses, and shirts handmade by kibbutzniks.

Penn searched flea markets and vintage stores in Israel to find the pieces. Some 18 items are on display.

“It’s really bringing a lot of people into the store, which is fun,” Penn said. “People want to buy the things.” Fashionistas with a love for the styles of bygone eras, however, will be disappointed: The threads are not up for sale.

The exhibit also includes vintage fashion photos by famed Israeli photojournalist Rudi Weissenstein.

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount