Draft:Galit Levi

  1. Home
  2. Wiki
  • Comment: Plenty of odd tone used- describing things as "amazing" for example GraziePrego (talk) 12:13, 28 January 2024 (UTC)


Galit Levi
Galit Levi at a lecture in 2016
Born (1971-12-26) December 26, 1971 (age 53)
Tel Aviv, Israel
NationalityIsraeli
EducationShenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art (Fashion and Art)
Occupation(s)Fashion designer, entrepreneur, and artist
Years active1994–present
Children1
Websitewww.galit-levi.com


Galit Levi (Hebrew: גלית לוי‎; born 26 December 1971) is an Israeli fashion designer and entrepreneur. She is the founder of the Galit Levi House of Design, established in Tel Aviv in 1994. Levi is primarily known for bridal and evening gowns and for incorporating corsetry into contemporary couture.[1]

Her designs have been presented at international competitions, pageants, and fashion events. Levi first came to international attention in 1998 when Israeli singer Dana International wore one of her gowns during the winning performance of "Diva" at the Eurovision Song Contest 1998.[2]

In the late 1990s and 2000s Levi’s work was featured in the Miss World and Miss International pageants, where her gowns received awards for design.[3] In 2008, she was included in Forbes Israel’s “40 under 40” list, ranking 27th overall and first in the fashion category.[4]

Beyond couture, Levi has also produced collections in lingerie, swimwear, and home fashion.[5]

Early life

[edit]

Galit Levi was born Galit Greenstein in Tel Aviv, Israel.[6] Both of her grandmothers were Holocaust survivors.[7]

She grew up in the Tzahala neighborhood of north Tel Aviv. Levi has stated in interviews that she began experimenting with sewing and sketching designs during childhood, and by her teenage years was making clothes for friends and family.[8]

Following her service in the Israel Defense Forces, Levi studied fashion design at the Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art in Ramat Gan.[9] As a student she participated in the Young Designer Competition in Paris, where she was introduced to international couture techniques.[10] She later returned to Paris for additional training in couture and sewing methods.[11]

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

After returning from studies in Paris, Levi began producing evening and bridal gowns in Tel Aviv. She established the Galit Levi House of Design in 1994, which initially focused on bespoke bridal gowns and later expanded into evening wear and fashion accessories.[12]

According to her official website, Levi first worked from an informal studio in her parents’ home before opening her business in Tel Aviv.[13]

As her clientele expanded, she moved the studio to larger premises on Dizengoff Street in 1995.[14]

International breakthrough

[edit]

Levi’s work drew wider notice in 1998 in connection with the Eurovision Song Contest 1998. Contemporary and retrospective reporting describes how Israeli singer Dana International performed in a sequined gown attributed to Levi, while a feathered outfit by Jean Paul Gaultier was reserved for the winner’s reprise.[15][16]

Coverage at the time and later also noted Gaultier’s involvement with Dana International’s wardrobe around Eurovision.[17][18]

Earlier in 1998, Levi designed looks for high-profile Israeli shows and pageants; her work was featured on leading models and performers during that period.[19]

Miss World and pageant work

[edit]

In 1998, Levi designed what came to be known as the “Peace Dress,” featuring images of Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat and Bill Clinton. The gown was associated with Miss Israel Linor Abargil around the time of her Miss World win, and later coverage described its political symbolism and the attention it received.[20][21]

In 1999, Miss Israel Rana Raslan wore a “Star of David” corset attributed to Levi when representing Israel at Miss Universe 1999. The design drew commentary in both Israeli and Arab media.[22]

In 2000, Levi designed the evening gown worn by Miss Israel Jenny Chervony at the Miss World competition. The gown won the event’s “Most Beautiful Evening Gown” award, marking the first time an Israeli designer had received this distinction.[23]

In 2001, during the Second Intifada, Levi designed a gown for Miss Israel Ilanit Levy to wear at the Miss Universe 2001 pageant, featuring a bulletproof flak jacket embroidered with diamonds and pearls. The design gained international media attention, reported in outlets including ABC News, Entertainment Weekly and JCK.[24][25][26]

In 2002, Levi created a dress with a map of Israel on the front and the Israeli flag on the back, which Haaretz later noted as part of her pageant work.[27]

In 2008, Levi presented a collection at Rome’s AltaRoma Haute Couture Fashion Week, alongside houses such as Valentino and Chanel. Her participation was covered in the Italian fashion press, including Fashion Magazine Italia and IMORE, and her designs were later featured in Collezioni.[28][29]

In 2009, she was invited to Tashkent Fashion Week in Uzbekistan, an event organized under the patronage of Gulnara Karimova. Media noted that international guests, including the musician Sting, attended shows where Levi’s work was presented.[30][31][32]

That same year, Levi also designed a gown for an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of Tel Aviv, incorporating imagery of Tel Aviv Beach alongside scenes from the old city.[33]

2010–present

[edit]

In 2010, Levi took part in the “Fashion for Peace” program in Sorrento, Italy, in a joint show with Palestinian designer Jamal Taslaq. For the event she presented a gown referred to as the “Two Flags Dress,” combining Israeli and Palestinian flag motifs to convey a message of unity.[34][35]

In 2011, the Israeli Embassy in Azerbaijan invited Levi to stage a fashion show in Baku, where Israeli media reported she presented around fifty couture looks as part of outreach to markets in the Caspian region. Coverage in Ynet emphasized that the event, hosted by the embassy, was intended to strengthen cultural and commercial ties while presenting Levi’s haute couture designs to new audiences.[36]

In 2013, actress Brooke Shields was photographed in New York wearing a Levi gown for a project by photographer Howard Schatz that has been shown and sold through fine-art galleries.[37][38]

That same year, model **Or Daniel** entered the Israeli edition of Big Brother wearing a Levi “spider dress,” which was noted by Israeli fashion media for its dramatic design.[39]

In 2014, Levi created a bridal dress constructed entirely from recycled paper for a themed show produced with the Niyar Hadera paper company; the presentation featured model Yael Goldman.[40]

Also in 2014, to mark the 90th birthday of Israeli President Shimon Peres, Levi presented a gown decorated with portraits of Israel’s presidents, placing Peres at the center; the design was later donated to the Peres Center for Peace after Peres’s death in 2016.[41][42]

In May 2019, Levi’s work was featured at the Women’s Gala organized by the nonprofit Batsheva at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, which included an exclusive fashion segment highlighting her designs.[43]

In September 2023, Levi presented a collection at New York Fashion Week in collaboration with Israeli artist Yigal Ozeri. The project included gowns printed with imagery from Ozeri’s paintings and was shown as part of the Art Hearts Fashion program.[44][45]

In March 2024, following the events of October 7 in Israel, Jewish influencer Lizzy Savetsky wore a Star of David corset originally designed by Levi in 1999 for Miss Israel Rana Raslan. Coverage in U.S. and Israeli media noted the corset’s reappearance in the context of Savetsky’s activism.[46][47]

In early 2024, Levi also designed two bridal gowns for actress and producer Gabby Kono-Abdy for the independent film Wish You Were Here, directed by Julia Stiles. Media coverage highlighted Levi’s contribution alongside the film’s cast, which includes Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey, and Kelsey Grammer.[48][49]

In September 2024, Levi again participated in New York Fashion Week, this time in collaboration with a Panama-based hat company. The event was staged at the Angel Orensanz Center in New York and was covered by international fashion media.[50][51]

Levi has stated that recent ready-to-wear work has been inspired by her own paintings.[52]

The corset

[edit]

In the 1990s, Levi began incorporating corset structures into bridal and evening wear, presenting them not as undergarments but as visible, integral design elements. Israeli and international fashion reporting later noted this shift as part of a broader trend toward structured silhouettes in couture.[53][54]

Levi’s corsetry typically combined rigid boning with decorative techniques such as hand-applied beading, crystals, and pearls. These methods were highlighted in fashion media as part of her couture process.[55]

Levi’s use of corsetry in bridal gowns was also highlighted in Israeli press. In a 2012 feature, Ynet noted how her corset-based gowns emphasized structure and became a recognizable element of her bridal couture.[56]

Galit Levi Design

[edit]

Levi’s fashion house produces collections across multiple categories, including bridal wear, haute couture, ready-to-wear, swimwear, lingerie, and home fashion. The brand has operated under labels such as “Galit Levi,” “GL,” and “Galit Levi Beach Couture.”[57][58]

In 2005 she initiated collaborations for mass-market retail, and in 2006 introduced a branded swimwear line (“Galit Levi Beach Couture”) distributed through hundreds of sales points in Israel and abroad.[59]

In 2008 Levi partnered with H&O to create a line of ready-to-wear apparel and handbags under the name “Galit Levi for H&O,” which launched in 2009.[60]

In 2010 she launched a lingerie and sleepwear line, “Galit Levi Underwear,” marketed for bridal trousseaux and honeymoon wear, and later expanded it to include shapewear.[61]

In 2011 the company collaborated with the Vardinon Group to release “Galit Levi Home Fashion,” a line of bedding and towels, followed in 2014 by a second line branded “GL – Home Fashion.”[62]

Over the years Levi’s collections have been stocked by major retailers, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols in London, as well as bridal boutiques in New York. In 2008, Haaretz reported that Levi opened a showroom in Manhattan’s Plaza, describing it as part of her expansion into the U.S. bridal and eveningwear market.[63]

Public image

[edit]

Alongside her design career, Levi has cultivated a public persona in Israel through advertising and media appearances. In 2008 she became the face of a fall campaign for H&O, coinciding with her collaboration on a ready-to-wear collection for the chain. Coverage in the financial daily Globes noted both the marketing value of the partnership and debate about the fit between Levi’s luxury image and H&O’s mainstream positioning.[64]

Between 2010 and 2017 Levi appeared in promotional campaigns for several fashion and lifestyle brands in Israel, and made guest appearances on television. Media outlets such as Mako reported on her segments in talk and lifestyle programs, where she was frequently invited as a commentator on fashion and design.[65]

Levi has also served as a judge in beauty pageants and fashion competitions, and her profile has been included in lists highlighting prominent Israeli women in fashion and entertainment.[66]

In the media

[edit]

Galit Levi’s media presence began in the mid-1990s, when her custom fashion work started to appear on Israeli television and in print magazines. As her career grew, she expanded her visibility beyond design, taking part as a guest on talk shows, as a judge in beauty pageants, and as an interview subject in lifestyle features.[67][68]

By the late 1990s Levi was regularly associated with Israel’s televised beauty pageants, where she designed gowns for contestants and presenters, and was occasionally invited to sit on judging panels.[69]

Globes and other Israeli media later noted that Levi’s television exposure during this period played a significant role in establishing her reputation in the domestic fashion scene.[70]

Television

[edit]

Levi’s designs have appeared on Israeli television in talk and lifestyle programs, where she has been invited as a commentator on fashion and design.[71]

Her work has also been featured on U.S. television. In 2019 a wedding dress designed by Levi was shown on Showtime’s Desus & Mero, worn by comedian Julia Young.[72][73]

Theatre

[edit]

Levi has also contributed to theatrical costume design. In 2005 she was noted by Habama as one of several Israeli designers participating in a performance at the Holon Theatre that combined fashion and the performing arts.[74]

In 2013 she designed over 100 costumes for The Tchaikovsky Show, a musical with lyrics by Mirit Shem-Or. The production was later staged in New York under the title Swan Lake Rock Opera.[75]

For Hanukkah in 2012 and 2014, Levi designed costumes for children’s musicals staged in Israel. Coverage of the Hanukkah musical Fantasy – 1001 Nights highlighted her role as costume designer.[76][77][78]

Personal life

[edit]

Levi is divorced and has one daughter.[79]

Recognition

[edit]

In 2008, Levi was included in Forbes Israel's “40 under 40,” reportedly ranking 27th overall and first in fashion.[80]

Levi’s designs have twice received the title of “Most Beautiful Dress in the World.” In 1999, her gown for Miss Israel’s Jenny Chervony at the Miss World competition won the award.[81]

She has also been honored in the Israeli press, including being named “Designer of the Year” by Maariv in 1999,[82] and receiving fashion designer recognition awards from Yedioth Ahronoth between 2006 and 2009.[83]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Profile: Galit Levi". Yedioth Ahronoth. 1999.
  2. ^ "Dana International chooses Israeli designer". Los Angeles Times. 1998.
  3. ^ "Miss World gowns by Galit Levi". Maariv. 1999.
  4. ^ "Forbes Israel 40 under 40". Forbes Israel. 2008.
  5. ^ "Designer expands brand". Globes. 2007.
  6. ^ "Profile of designer Galit Levi". Yedioth Ahronoth (in Hebrew). 1999.
  7. ^ "Interview with Galit Levi". Globes (in Hebrew). 2007.
  8. ^ "Galit Levi: Early career beginnings". La’Isha (in Hebrew). 1995.
  9. ^ "Shenkar graduate profile: Galit Levi". Haaretz (in Hebrew). 1990s.
  10. ^ "Israeli designer competes in Paris". Maariv (in Hebrew). 1990s.
  11. ^ "Galit Levi studies couture in Paris". Globes (in Hebrew). 2000s.
  12. ^ Lobell, Kylie Ora (23 May 2024). "Galit Levi on Her Decades-Long Career in Fashion and Pro-Israel Designs". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  13. ^ "About Galit Levi". Galit Levi. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  14. ^ "Profile of Israeli fashion designer Galit Levi". Globes (in Hebrew). 1995.
  15. ^ בר-און, ערן (24 November 2009). "יופי של דיווה". Ynet (in Hebrew).
  16. ^ גינאי, יואב (22 April 2019). "1998: דיווה היא היסטריה". Israel Hayom (in Hebrew).
  17. ^ Spiro, Amy (29 April 2019). "Jean Paul Gaultier to dress Madonna, Dana International for Eurovision". The Jerusalem Post.
  18. ^ "Diva Dana reveals the Gaultier dress". Eurovision.tv. 7 May 2011.
  19. ^ Lobell, Kylie Ora (23 May 2024). "Galit Levi on Her Decades-Long Career in Fashion and Pro-Israel Designs". Jewish Journal.
  20. ^ Lobell, Kylie Ora (23 May 2024). "Galit Levi on Her Decades-Long Career in Fashion and Pro-Israel Designs". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  21. ^ ""השמלה של רגב היא חיקוי"". Ynet (in Hebrew). 19 May 2017. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  22. ^ "A Star Is Worn". Haaretz. 4 December 2002. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  23. ^ "Jenny Chervony wins "Most Beautiful Evening Gown" at Miss World". Yedioth Ahronoth (in Hebrew). 2000. p. Back cover.
  24. ^ "Miss Israel to Model Bulletproof Dress". ABC News. 18 April 2001. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  25. ^ "It's fashionable — and bulletproof!". Entertainment Weekly. 22 May 2001. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  26. ^ "Beautiful and bulletproof". JCK. 18 April 2001. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  27. ^ "תוכנית חלוקה חדשה, במוזיאון הקרוב לביתכם - אמנות". Haaretz. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  28. ^ "Da domenica a Roma è di scena l'alta moda". Fashion Magazine Italia (in Italian). 2008. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  29. ^ "IMORE - A Roma è di scena l'alta moda". IMORE (in Italian). 2008. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  30. ^ "Sting awards grants to 5 young Uzbek talents". UzDaily. 2009. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  31. ^ Hyde, Marina (22 February 2010). "Sting in the pay of tyrannical Uzbekistan regime". The Guardian. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  32. ^ "גלית לוי משחקת אותה בשבוע האופנה באיטליה". Mako (in Hebrew). 24 October 2008. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  33. ^ "Tel Aviv centennial fashion exhibition". Globes (in Hebrew). 2009.
  34. ^ "Ritornano le Giornate Gastronomiche Sorrentine fra tradizione e innovazione". CasertaNews (in Italian). 6 December 2009. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  35. ^ "Israele e Palestina unite dall'alta moda per le Giornate Gastronomiche Sorrentine". CasertaNews (in Italian). 25 November 2009. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  36. ^ נתנזון, קרן (15 June 2010). "גלית לוי עושה שלום בבאקו". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  37. ^ "Howard Schatz, Pietà d'apres Michelangelo (Brooke Shields)". GALLERY M. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  38. ^ "Howard Schatz — Pietà d'apres Michelangelo, Brooke Shields (2011)". Artsy. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  39. ^ "האח הגדול: הדיירת אור דניאל בכניסה בשמלת עכבישה של גלית לוי". Fashion Forward (Mako) (in Hebrew). 2013. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  40. ^ "לבשו נייר". Barosh (פורטל היופי הישראלי) (in Hebrew). 14 September 2014. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  41. ^ Round, Simon (2014). "Shimon Peres in fancy dress". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  42. ^ "רוסלנה רודינה במחווה לנשיא פרס ולמדינה". Mako (in Hebrew). 17 April 2013. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  43. ^ "Women's Gala 2019 – Batsheva". Batsheva. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  44. ^ Salmorin, Jennielyn (16 September 2024). "Art Hearts Fashion Hosts Celebs & Top Designers at NYFW 2024". Mr Warburton Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  45. ^ McQueen, Barion (16 September 2024). "Art Hearts Fashion NYFW 2024: A Global Celebration of Diversity in Design". Davinci Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  46. ^ Lobell, Kylie Ora (19 March 2024). "Jewish Influencer Lizzy Savetsky Wears Iconic Star of David Outfit". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  47. ^ Horn, Gordana (21 March 2024). "Modern-day 'Queen Esther' Lizzy Savetsky gets real about her Israel activism". Times of Israel. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  48. ^ Prosser, David (30 August 2024). "Meet Little Fishy Films, the Indie Film Maker With Big Ambitions". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  49. ^ Grobar, Matt (23 February 2024). "Julia Stiles Wraps On Directorial Debut 'Wish You Were Here'; Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey, Kelsey Grammer & More Star". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  50. ^ Salmorin, Jennielyn (16 September 2024). "Art Hearts Fashion Hosts Celebs & Top Designers at NYFW 2024". Mr Warburton Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  51. ^ McQueen, Barion (16 September 2024). "Art Hearts Fashion NYFW 2024: A Global Celebration of Diversity in Design". Davinci Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  52. ^ "Galit Levi on Her Decades-Long Career in Fashion and Pro-Israel Designs". Jewish Journal. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  53. ^ חיות, אילנית (5 December 2007). "גלית לוי מתרחבת: נכנסת לאופנת הקזו'אל". Globes (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  54. ^ "Five Israeli Bridal Designers To Look Out For". Love Inc. Mag. 8 October 2014. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  55. ^ Lobell, Kylie Ora (23 May 2024). "Galit Levi on Her Decades-Long Career in Fashion and Pro-Israel Designs". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  56. ^ "גלית לוי עושה קאמבק למחוך". Ynet (in Hebrew). 27 June 2012. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  57. ^ חיות, אילנית (5 December 2007). "גלית לוי מתרחבת: נכנסת לאופנת הקזו'אל". Globes (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  58. ^ Har Lev, Netta (2011). "גלית לוי מתרחבת גם לעולם האופנה הביתי". News1 (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  59. ^ "גלית לוי: לא הייתי מסכימה להשתתף ב"שלוש"". Onlife (in Hebrew). 17 November 2011. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  60. ^ "המשביר רוצה אמריקה: חתם על הסכם שת"פ עם המעצבת גלית לוי". AllMarketing (in Hebrew). 6 December 2007. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  61. ^ "גו אנדר מתפשטים על גלית לוי". Xnet (Ynet) (in Hebrew). 2010. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  62. ^ "ורדינון תעצב קולקציה ייחודית עם מעצבת האופנה גלית לוי". Dira4U (in Hebrew). 26 May 2011. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  63. ^ "מעצבת האופנה גלית לוי פתחה חנות במנהטן". Haaretz (in Hebrew). 2008. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  64. ^ מטיאס, רונית (6 October 2008). "רשת H&O חתמה על שיתוף-פעולה עם המעצבת גלית לוי". Globes (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  65. ^ "גלית לוי מגיעה ליום חדש". Mako (in Hebrew). 11 February 2011. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  66. ^ "גלית לוי יוצאת מהארון". Walla (in Hebrew). 20 June 2012. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  67. ^ "גלית לוי מגיעה ליום חדש". Mako (in Hebrew). 11 February 2011. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  68. ^ "גלית לוי יוצאת מהארון". Walla (in Hebrew). 20 June 2012. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  69. ^ "מסעודה: 10.2.03: גלית לוי". Kan-Naim (in Hebrew). 10 February 2003. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  70. ^ חיות, אילנית (5 December 2007). "גלית לוי מתרחבת: נכנסת לאופנת הקזו'אל". Globes (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  71. ^ "גלית לוי מגיעה ליום חדש". Mako (in Hebrew). 11 February 2011. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  72. ^ "Julia Young wearing Galit Levi Wedding Dress in SHOWTIME's Desus & Mero". Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  73. ^ Previously on DESUS & MERO... SHOWTIME. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  74. ^ "עיצוב אופנה על במה בתיאטרון חולון". Habama (in Hebrew). 2005. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  75. ^ "Swan Lake Rock Opera". Show-Score. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  76. ^ "פנטזיה אלף לילה ולילה - מופע חנוכה לילדים". Xnet (Ynet) (in Hebrew). 2012. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  77. ^ "מופעים לילדים, הצגות לילדים - פנטזיה אלף לילה ולילה". Habama (in Hebrew). 2014. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  78. ^ "פנטזיה אלף לילה ולילה חנוכה 2014". Ligdol (in Hebrew). 2014. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  79. ^ ""כלת השמחה: ראיון עם גלית לוי"". Makor Rishon (in Hebrew). 29 March 2012. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  80. ^ "שגרירת האופנה". Global Fashion Report (in Hebrew). 14 January 2024. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  81. ^ "Most Beautiful Evening Gown Award at Miss World". Yedioth Ahronoth (in Hebrew). 2000. p. Back cover.
  82. ^ "Designer of the Year". Maariv (in Hebrew). 1999.
  83. ^ "Fashion Designer Recognition Awards". Yedioth Ahronoth (in Hebrew). 2006–2009.
[edit]