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Elie Tahari Is the Embodiment of the American Dream

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elie tahari christie brinkley


They say that if you can make it in there, you can make it anywhere. Nobody knows this better than Elie Tahari, who famously arrived in New York in 1971 with less than $100 in his pocket and slept on a bench in Central Park. Born in Jerusalem, the Israeli designer spent his formative years living in a refugee camp with no electricity or running water. “I remember the other kids used to make jokes out of me because my clothes were dirty and wrinkled,” he says.

If only they knew who they were dealing with. In a new documentary, The United States of Elie Tahari, now streaming on Vimeo, Tahari recounts his journey from fleeing Iran with his family to building a billion-dollar fashion empire. By all accounts, he is the living, breathing definition of the American dream—and he’s quick to profess his love for the city that allowed him to flourish. “I love everything about New York,” says Tahari, who currently resides in Midtown West. “The mentality, the fact that there are no differences, whether you’re Black or white, Jewish, Christian, Muslim… we’re all living in peace and harmony.”

As the story goes, in 1973, while working as an electrician at a clothing store in the Garment District, Tahari popularized the tube top, a then-novel design based on a bathing suit top he stumbled upon in a market on Orchard Street. The following year, he launched his namesake brand in the heyday of the disco era, with universally flattering pieces that signaled confidence, attitude, and style from the wearer, across generations—and the rest is history.

Here, more from Tahari about his upbringing, hazy memories of hazier nights at Studio 54, and the triumphant return of the tube top.


How did you decide that now is the time for a documentary?

The truth is that I always go with the flow. When the opportunity arose, I said “yes”—I didn’t say “no.” When [director and producer] David Serero heard my story, he got very close to me and said, “I make movies.” He had no backing or financing or anything; he did the whole thing himself. He filmed, he directed, he put the music to it. He’s multitalented, and I’m very proud of it.

If you ever encountered those kids from the refugee camp who made fun of your “dirty and wrinkled” clothes, what would you say to them?

I would say, “The more wrinkled clothes you have, the more opportunities you have, and it’s gonna get better and better from there.” The fact that you have wrinkled clothes only builds you bigger muscles. I was born in Israel, you know, and things are tough there. People grow strong. Kids are much more advanced—at 18 they’re already in the military. It’s proof that the more pressure on you, the stronger you get.

I was surprised to learn that you had a bar mitzvah at age 42. Why so late?

Well, I grew up going to different boarding schools. When I was 12, I was a bad boy, and at one school, I broke into the laundry room and picked out clothes for all my friends. They asked me to leave, so I went to another boarding school. They had already had the bar mitzvahs [there], so they forgot about mine, and I never had one. Then one day, I got up very early to pray [at the synagogue], and the rabbi asked me if I had a bar mitzvah, and I said “no.” He said to me, “This Saturday, you are being bar mitzvahed.” And that’s what happened. No party.

No party? Even for a regular at Studio 54?

I can only tell you the business part of Studio 54 [laughs]. The first couple of months it was open, we had a fashion show there and launched—at the time it was called “Tahari.” I remember Iman was in one of our fashion shows. Linda [Evangelista] too. And Cindy Crawford. If there were [other] stories, I wouldn’t remember them [laughs].

Elie Tahari and Christie Brinkley.

Dia DipasupilGetty Images

Is it true you were a champion roller skater?

I used to go to every hot club when I was in my twenties, and I went to one club in Brooklyn—I forgot the name—and there was roller skating there, and the music was hot. I started dancing and this guy came over; he loved my spirit, he was dancing with me, but he was on skates. Then he helped me get on my skates, and he took me around the rink until I was a free bird and I started roller skating myself. I eventually stopped because I tore a ligament. I’m doing a lot of yoga now.

What are your thoughts on the reemergence of the tube top trend?

When I first discovered the tube top in the ‘70s, women used to let it all hang out. It was fashionable not to wear bras. The elastic held it all in like a bra.

I’d argue that a lot of women gave up bras during lockdown.

I think it’s better to wear a bra! [Laughs.] You can wear a strapless one, I guess. I look at the tube top as fast fashion; I don’t look at it as fashion. It’s something that women wear as a throwout piece.

How would you describe the New York woman?

A lot of them dress like they are going to the gym. But the most beautiful women are in New York—that’s known around the world. From every ethnicity.

elie tahari jennifer hudson

Elie Tahari and Jennifer Hudson.

Neil RasmusBFA

Looking back, what would you say was the biggest challenge you faced in your career?

When we had to close the company 30 years ago. Ten years after we started, we lost everything because I was a poor operator. We started a whole new corporation, Tahari Ltd., and went back to business. That just grew and grew and grew.

How has your Sephardic background shaped who you are today?

My father used to have a fabric store in Tehran, and because he had a mezuzah on the door, someone lit the store on fire and he lost everything. So we came back to Israel. My mother also had epilepsy, and she couldn’t take care of us—there was no medication at the time for it. When she was 40, she had joy and nahas, which means “satisfaction from your children.” In Persia, you should see blessings at the end of your life—it doesn’t matter where you start, how you start, or what you’ve been through. I always try to teach my children humility, appreciation, and [to] always be giving. It’s a good example from my past.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving

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Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving


On Wednesday night, Jennifer Lopez arrived in Los Angeles with her 13-year-old twins Max and Emme. The family was likely there to join Lopez’s boyfriend, Ben Affleck, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lopez recently returned from the much colder climate of British Columbia, Canada, where she was filming her latest project, The Mother.

J. Lo touched down in her private jet wearing a teddy fur coat from Coach’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, and a pair of Ugg boots. Classic airplane outfit, celebrity style. Lopez and Affleck originally dated in 2002 and broke up in 2004. Their romance was rekindled earlier this year, soon after Lopez ended her relationship with baseball player Alex Rodriguez. The new couple went official in July, while celebrating Lopez’s 52nd birthday abroad.

Affleck’s most recent relationship with Ana de Armas ended in January after about a year together. He had divorced ex-wife Jennifer Garner in 2015 after being married for almost a decade. Garner and Affleck had three daughters, Violet, Seraphina, and Sam.

Before traveling back to the U.S., Lopez posted a story to Instagram Reels about how grateful she was to be headed home.

“Hey everybody, it’s my last day here shooting on The Mother out in Smithers in the snow, it’s been beautiful, but tonight I’m on my way home,” she said, as she walked through the wild landscape in a black coat and beanie.

“I’m so excited for Thanksgiving! I hope everybody has an amazing weekend with their families and their loved ones, there’s so much to be grateful for this year. I’m on my way!”

This is the first major holiday of the year since Lopez and Affleck reunited, so it’s likely to be a big one for both families.

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Everlane’s Black Friday Sale is Packed With Winter Essentials

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This is not a drill: Everlane just kicked off its Black Friday sale. Now through Monday, November 29, the direct-to-consumer brand is offering 20 to 40% off its cozy sweaters, minimalist activewear, and popular jeans. If you’re not super familiar with Everlane, let me spell it out for you: this is a big deal.

The e-tailer might be known for making sustainable, ethically made clothes and accessories at a fair, affordable price, but Everlane rarely has sales beyond its Choose What You Pay section. So, if you want to stock up on cute basics for less, now’s your time to shop.

And, in true Everlane fashion, the brand is taking this opportunity to give back. Everlane is partnering with Rodale Institute and help U.S. farmers transition their farmland to regenerative organic—and donating $15 per order to the cause. A great sale that gives back? I’m sold.

But, hurry! These deals are going to sell out fast, so you won’t want to waste any time filling your e-cart.

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1

The Cloud Turtleneck

$150 $105 (30% off)

Sweater weather is officially here, so why not pick up a few fresh layers? This turtleneck is the S’s: snuggly, stylish, and on sale. 

2

The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans

everlane

$78 $58 (25% off)

Looking for a great pair of jeans, minus the markup? Everlane’s classic skinny style is not only super stretchy, but it’ll look good with everything from chunky sweaters to silky blouses.

3

The ReNew Teddy Slippers

everlane

$65 $39 (40% off)

Why limit the shearling trend to the upper half of your body? These plush slippers will give even your most worn-in sweats a stylish edge.

4

The Chunky Cardigan

everlane

$110 $77 (30% off)

Sure, this may not be the cardigan Taylor Swift was talking about. But, with an exaggerated collar and ribbed finish, this style would definitely score top marks from the singer herself. 

5

The Canvas Utility Boots

everlane

$115 $59 (40% off)

Brave the cold weather in style with Everlane’s chic boots. The canvas uppers and thick sole make these an ideal, all-weather option.

6

The Lofty-Knit Henley

everlane

$150 $105 (30% off)

Made with a nubby blend of merino wool, alpaca, and recycled nylon, this henley is perfect for a cozy night in, yet stylish enough to wear in public.

7

The Perform Bike Shorts

everlane

$45 $22 (51% off)

No, you can never have too many stretchy pants. Everlane’s bike shorts ooze major Lady Di vibes — for under $25, no less.

8

The ReLeather Court Sneakers

everlane

$110 $66 (40% off)

Made with recycled leather, these refresh sneakers will serve up major curb appeal — and Mother Nature’s seal of approval. 

9

The Field Dress

everlane

$100 $60 (40% off)

Found: a fun, flouncy frock you can wear year-round. For a wintry take, pair with opaque tights and your favorite chunky boots.

10

The Cozy-Stretch Wide-Leg Sweatpants

everlane

$150 $75 (50% off)

With a straight-legged silhouette and wool material, it’s safe to say these are the chicest sweatpants we’ve ever seen. To sweeten an already enticing offer, this pair is half off.

11

The Organic Cotton Flannel Popover

$80 $56 (30% off)

Everlane reimagined the traditional flannel with a cropped silhouette, voluminous sleeves, and a slew of minimalist colors.

12

The Studio Bag

everlane

$275 $192 (30% off)

Large enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big that it’ll weigh you down, Everlane’s Studio Bag is the perfect everyday purse.

13

The ReNew Long Liner

everlane

$158 $118 (25% off)

House Stark was right: winter really is coming. Made with recycled materials, this liner is a great layering piece that’s considerably chicer than the yesteryear’s Michelin Man-worthy parkas.

14

The Felted Merino Beanie

everlane

$50 $30 (40% off)

All set on clothes? Pick up this cheery beanie, which is 40% off its original price.

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29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy

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29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy



29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy

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