On Sunday, May 30th, Natasha Budovitch (Lead Graphic Designer of Suzy Shier) and her team of clothing designers, hair and makeup stylists, as well as photographers and managers put together the second annual Tznius-ista Fashion Show in Toronto. (The word "tznius" means modest in the Hebrew language). In front of a women-only audience, a group of about 15 models strutted their stuff down the runway, modeling the latest and hottest, yet completely modest clothing designed by various well-known fashion designers. While the girls were getting fitted (by the designers themselves) prior to the show, there were times when the designers couldn't quite understand why one girls' collar bone couldn't be showing, or why another girls' skirt couldn't be hiked up just a little more. However, Natasha was determined to put on a show that would cater to the needs of an ever-growing market for fashionable, yet modest clothing.
It was truly a beautiful event. For many of the models, it was literally the first time in their lives that they had put on skirts that went below the knee and shirts that had longer sleeves and higher necklines. Even the designers themselves walked away with a greater appreciation for dressing modestly. After having an extensive conversation with a particular designer about modesty, she mentioned how she was now considering designing an entirely new line of modest clothing for young women. The entire event was such an incredible opportunity, not only for the models and designers, but for everyone involved--as we were all able to celebrate and feel proud that that there are modest clothes available for women who want them.
Take a look at some of the photos! If you like any of the outfits, let me know and I can direct you to the Tznius-ista homepage where you can check out the designer information and additional photos!
I really like the second outfit! This is fantastic and I'm so glad you posted pictures to go along. It also looks like this show used some *real women* models which makes it far easier to get a feel for the look.
If you can direct me to the maker of the skirt in picture #2, I'd be so grateful!
Posted by: Melissa May | June 15, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Hi,
I love the second and last one! And the tops in numbers 5 and 7. It's the same top, right, just in different colours? Can't wait for the site!
Posted by: Tara Lotstein | June 15, 2010 at 10:23 AM
AMAZING!!!!!! I would also like to be directed!!!
Posted by: Nurit Weizman | June 15, 2010 at 10:45 AM
please direct me
Posted by: logan | June 15, 2010 at 04:01 PM
Any word on which designers are considering creating more modest lines? I'd love to lend them my encouragement, for what it's worth. These kind of fashion shows are great for pulling together pieces from across the board, but having specific lines to go straight to would be so much more convenient. I'm always torn between the fun of shopping for great clothes and the frustration of leaving store after store empty-handed because nothing meets my criteria or my tastes.
Posted by: Melissa May | June 15, 2010 at 09:25 PM
Hi Girls!
I'm so glad that you are interested in finding out more about these designers! I've been in touch with Natasha and I believe that they are currently in the process of creating a web site which will sell all of the designer's clothing. I have asked her to send me the complete list of designer's names and any websites that they have and I'll post those as soon as I hear from her.
In the meantime, you can add "Heart Soul-Style" as a friend on facebook. Natasha has all the photos posted from this year's fashion show and prior years. You can also message her for more information :).
Posted by: Julie | June 15, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Thanks Julie!
Posted by: Melissa May | June 16, 2010 at 09:17 AM
I can't stop looking at these beautiful ensembles! I want any and all information you have about them! They are all so elegant.
Posted by: Sarah | June 16, 2010 at 03:49 PM
Here is the site I found. Looks interesting, but more apparently coming soon:
http://www.tznius-ista.com/t2_about.html
Posted by: Wendy Shalit | June 18, 2010 at 06:06 PM
Hi everyone,
This excites me so much!!! So our site is Tznius-ista.com but we are currently in the process of converting it into the online store and getting a re-design from our new marketing company !! Very excite and we'll be relaunching again at the end of the summer before Rosh Hoshana and we'll be having an event before high holidays as well so be sure to look for that. In the mean time join our facebook group and add us as a friend on face book " heart soul style" and we'll keep you posted!
The designer or the black and white print stuff is a girl named Jennifer harding and the hippy like clothing is by a company called Guru that we bring in.
Our store will have all designers/ and brands to purchase and we will be having our private label made soon as well.
We'll be tackling formal wear, casual , contemporary and SWIM!
so stay tuned!
also you can email us at tzniusista@gmail.com
-Natasha!
Posted by: Natasha Budovitch (Tznius-ista) | June 20, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Gorgeous clothes!
Posted by: Lisa Nash | June 28, 2010 at 12:36 AM
Wow! I especially love the skirts in photos 3 and 5. Absolutely gorgeous I much much prefer long skirts anyways. Let's put it this way, it's been a good 2 years since I've worn jeans with any regularity. I found two long skirts (to the ankles) at Eddie Bauer of all places (it's more well known for shorter skirts and shorts and jeans than for modest clothing) pretty recently and they have been a mainstay of my wardrobe ever since. Nice to see a fashion show with "real" women and not the stick figures that pass as models these days.
Posted by: Chantal Marczinski | June 28, 2010 at 01:03 AM
I love the third picture and the last one (and many of the others are beautiful as well). I adore the unashamed use of swaths of fabric around real, curvy women to create something stunningly beautiful. :)
Posted by: brilliantvapor | July 01, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Oh my gosh! I love these looks!! Specially the ones with the colorful skirts and the wrap shirts. Where could I purchase these clothes from?
Posted by: Callmeshira.blogspot.com | July 02, 2010 at 12:32 AM
...except the outfits are all hideous...
Posted by: KRG | January 10, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Which came first, Jewish "tzniusistas" or Muslim "hijabistas" ?
Posted by: GCarty | January 10, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Tznius-istas came first because the Torah came before the Koran.
Posted by: Gila | January 10, 2011 at 08:06 PM
If you would like clothing that are kosher with a modest fit (no tight clothing), please visit http://modestanytime.com, offering affordable, custom-sewn, modest and refined clothing for women and girls according to Jewish modesty.
Thanks!
Posted by: Sarah | April 17, 2012 at 04:47 PM
Where was this blog when I taught secular classes at the local Yeshiva? I'm not Jewish and I had no idea what I was doing and managed to look like a sack of lawn clippings with a dry erase board.
Posted by: alice | April 26, 2012 at 11:33 AM
WOW!!! These are some of the ugliest outfits I have ever seen! Ugh!
Posted by: Esther | January 10, 2013 at 04:22 PM
I actually created my own tznius line that makes tznius yet fun and colorful clothing - this is exactly what I was looking for!!! My website is www.honestlymeclothing.com. I would LOVE to make it to the next show or even do one with designers where I live (NYC). Does anyone know how to make this happen in NY? Will Natasha Budovitch come here and do one with me??
Posted by: Meira | April 19, 2013 at 10:17 AM