In a world where fashion often chases fleeting trends, Elie Tahari stands as a symbol of timeless sophistication and heartfelt purpose. With over fifty years of experience in the fashion industry, Tahari’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is one of vision, perseverance, and compassion. Today, he continues to elevate fashion beyond aesthetics by merging creativity with cause — most recently through his collaboration with St. Thomas University to honor the brave women of the Israeli Defense Forces.
Few names in fashion evoke as much respect and admiration as Elie Tahari. For over five decades, he has remained a symbol of sophistication, craftsmanship, and innovation. His journey from humble beginnings to international success defines what it means to dream boldly and work relentlessly. Through every design, Tahari continues to honor the beauty, strength, and elegance of women around the world.
And his friend, Tobi Rubinstein, the trailblazing founder of House of Faith. She’s an author of the Haute and Holy incredible new book, ordained Rebetzin, and creative force who has dedicated her career to merging divine purpose with artistic expression.
Their shared mission to reveal how creativity can become a vessel of holiness and how style, when guided by faith, becomes a reflection of the divine. Today we’ll talk about the sacred side of fashion, how both of them have found purpose in their creative journeys and what it means to bring spirituality into the luxury space and why this union of faith and design is resonating around the world and how it can be an effective tool to unite us all.
LISTEN TO FULL PODCAST EPISODE HERE
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: Tobi, your career began in commercial fashion with major brands like Victoria’s Secret. How did your early experiences shape your understanding of the fashion world?
TOBI RUBINSTEIN: Jumping into corporate America with such a brand taught me a strong work ethic. That foundation carries through everything I do. Whatever I’m tasked with or aspire to accomplish, I always bring that same discipline.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: The House of Faith and Fashion has become such a powerful platform. What inspired you to fuse faith and fashion, and how has the public responded?
TOBI RUBINSTEIN: I’ve really lived in that fusion all my life—growing up in an Orthodox Jewish home, then entering the fashion industry. The public side emerged after visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heavenly Bodies exhibit. I was struck by its beauty, but when I left, I thought—what about G-d, the original couturier? That moment sparked something deep in me to go straight to the source and glorify Him through fashion.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: That’s incredible. Haute and Holy debuted blending runway art with interfaith discussions on modesty. What was your most profound takeaway from that experience?
TOBI RUBINSTEIN: God has a dress code. It’s not restrictive—it’s protective. Like the case around a jewel, modesty guards beauty, not hides it. It’s about honoring God’s greatest creation—humanity. As I’ve grown, I’ve understood that modesty evolves with maturity. It’s a spiritual journey of reverence.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: Beautifully said. Your books have inspired so many. What message do you hope women in creative industries take away from your journey?
TOBI RUBINSTEIN: Don’t water down who you are. Stay true to your essence. Learn from others, yes, but never lose your authenticity. That’s the key to lasting creative fulfillment.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: Elie, your brand has become synonymous with elegance and empowerment. How would you define the Elie Tahari aesthetic today?
ELIE TAHARI: I’m more on the classical and humble side rather than loud or trendy. My philosophy is that clothes should whisper, so the woman can shine through them. Passion is compassion—and faith is at the root of it.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: That’s profound. You’ve shared a moving story about your childhood. How did that journey shape the DNA of your fashion house?
ELIE TAHARI: I grew up in an orphanage. My mother had epilepsy and couldn’t care for us. My goal was to take care of her—that gave me strength. I started with nothing, sleeping in parks in New York, showering at the YMCA. Today, my apartment overlooks the very bench I once slept on. That journey taught me gratitude, humility, and perseverance.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: Truly inspiring. How do you approach your design process?
ELIE TAHARI: It begins with color—what inspires me that season. Then comes fabric, which determines the shape. I design for real women, not models—average height, real proportions. Fashion should empower, not intimidate.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: Speaking of empowerment, your collaboration with the Israeli Defense Forces’ Wounded Soldiers Project is remarkable. How did that come about?
ELIE TAHARI: A friend working with wounded soldiers inspired me. I wanted to help. Since I design for women, I began creating clothing for female soldiers. Now, all profits from my online business go to the Wounded Soldiers Project. The gratitude and strength of those women move me deeply.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: That’s so beautiful. Fashion with purpose. How do you believe fashion can build bridges between cultures and communities?
ELIE TAHARI: Beauty is universal. True beauty transcends culture. Fashion, when done with integrity and modesty, becomes a language everyone understands.
TOBI RUBINSTEIN: Absolutely. I said in my TED Talk, if through fashion we can learn about other cultures and faiths, then we’ve fostered dialogue and understanding—and maybe even a better world.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: I couldn’t agree more. Our differences are what make us beautiful. If we can see that through the lens of fashion and faith, we can move toward unity.
A Story of Determination and Design
Elie Tahari’s inspiring journey began when he immigrated to New York City in the 1970s with little more than ambition and creativity. Drawn to the energy of the city and its endless possibilities, he found his purpose in fashion. His keen eye for detail and intuitive sense of style quickly set him apart in the world of design.
Tahari gained early recognition for popularizing the tube top, a bold creation that revolutionized women’s fashion and became a cultural sensation. This single piece catapulted him into the spotlight and marked the beginning of a brand that would redefine modern femininity. His designs soon graced department stores, runways, and the wardrobes of powerful women worldwide.
Building a Global Fashion Empire
Through passion and perseverance, Tahari built a brand that celebrates both elegance and empowerment. The Elie Tahari Collection became synonymous with timeless style, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable tailoring. Each piece embodies confidence, designed to move seamlessly from day to night.
Tahari’s signature aesthetic—clean lines, refined silhouettes, and understated glamour—continues to set a high standard for contemporary fashion. From sophisticated suits to romantic dresses, his creations reflect the balance of strength and grace that defines today’s modern woman.
With flagship stores in fashion capitals and a strong online presence through ElieTahari.com, the brand stands as a symbol of accessible luxury. Every design tells a story of ambition, artistry, and the belief that true beauty is timeless.
Fashion with Heart and Purpose
Beyond his achievements in design, Elie Tahari’s work reveals a deep commitment to compassion and social impact. His recent collaboration with St. Thomas University exemplifies this spirit of purpose-driven fashion.
The runway event, held in Miami, honored the courage and contributions of female soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces. Fourteen models, including university students and two IDF soldiers, showcased Tahari’s latest collection—a stunning fusion of innovation and meaning. Yedidim is excited to collaborate with Soireee Events on the launch of Elie Tahari’s inititiative to help the women of the IDF.
Through this initiative, Tahari proved that fashion can transcend trends and inspire real-world change. A portion of proceeds from each sale supports programs providing clothing and financial assistance to women who have served. It is a moving reminder that luxury and philanthropy can coexist beautifully.
The Future of the Elie Tahari Brand
As fashion evolves, so does the Elie Tahari brand. Embracing sustainability, inclusivity, and technology, the label continues to adapt while maintaining its signature elegance. The brand’s online store brings luxury fashion directly to clients across the globe, offering a personalized experience that reflects Tahari’s vision for connection and creativity.
Whether on the runway or in everyday life, his designs remind us that style is not just about appearance—it’s about confidence, purpose, and authenticity. With every collection, Elie Tahari redefines what it means to be timeless in a world of constant change.
Conclusion Paragraph:
From the streets of New York to the world’s most prestigious runways, Elie Tahari’s story is one of courage, creativity, and compassion. His legacy continues to inspire generations of designers and dreamers who believe in the transformative power of fashion.
Through elegance, innovation, and purpose, Elie Tahari has proven that true success is not measured by fame or fortune but by impact and integrity. His work remains a powerful testament to how passion and purpose can create a timeless legacy—woven from the very fabric of hope and humanity.
