Minggu, 13 Mei 2012

Oy! Socialite Olivia Palermo becomes style icon for Orthodox Jewish women

Oy! Socialite Olivia Palermo becomes style icon for Orthodox Jewish women

By Olivia Fleming

PUBLISHED: 11:46 EST, 11 May 2012 | UPDATED: 16:32 EST, 13 May 2012

Orthodox Jewish women are taking fashion inspiration from style-star Olivia Palermo in an effort to shake-up their modest appearance.

The socialite has become one of the most influential red-carpet celebrities for style-conscious Orthodox women, who must follow three core rules of modesty in how they dress.

Looking to trend-setters like the 26-year-old for inspiration, Orthodox style blogger Sharon Langert told BuzzFeed: 'Jewish Orthodox women are fashion savvy - they want to look up-to-date.'

Conservatively chic: Olivia Palermo has become one of the most influential celebrities for style-conscious Orthodox Jewish women, who must follow three core rules of modesty in how they dress Conservatively chic: Olivia Palermo has become one of the most influential celebrities for style-conscious Orthodox Jewish women, who must follow three core rules of modesty in how they dress Conservatively chic: Olivia Palermo has become one of the most influential celebrities for style-conscious Orthodox Jewish women, who must follow three core rules of modesty in how they dress

Conservatively chic: Olivia Palermo  has become one of the most influential celebrities for style-conscious Orthodox Jewish women, who must follow three core rules of modesty in how they dress

Orthodox Judaism requires both men and women to substantially cover their bodies, which has previously hindered the way modern Orthodox Jewish women would like to dress.

There are three main rules, or tznius, they must adhere to: shirt sleeves should cover elbows, the neckline should extend to the collarbone, and skirts must cover the knees, with or without tights.

Modern looks: Orthodox style blogger Sharon Langert looks to Miss Palermo for style inspiration when incorporating the tznius into her outfits

Modern looks: Orthodox style blogger Sharon Langert looks to Miss Palermo for style inspiration when incorporating the tznius into her outfits

Trousers are forbidden, and married women must cover their heads with a wig, scarf or hat.

While Orthodox women shop in specialty stores that cater specifically to these guidelines, many are now turning to mainstream stores Zara and HM which stock up-to-date, more covered-up looks seen on the likes of Olivia Palermo, and even Alexa Chung who is a fan of button-up blouses and log-sleeve shirts.

Appropriating the stars' glamorous, but conservative looks, Orthodox women are stepping away from their traditional garb, instead creating fashionable outfits that still adhere to their tznius.

Not all Orthodox women allow fashion magazines in their homes, however, but many do follow trends, searching for style tips and inspiration on the increasing number of Orthodox fashion blogs like Mrs Langert's, called Fashion Isha.

Orthodox-appropriate looks appear in abundance on the red-carpet, and Ms Palermo, Rachel Zoe and Kate Middleton have become style-icons to Orthodox Jewish women.

Mrs Langert said: [Olivia Palermo] really knows how to put herself together.'

Adi Heyman, an Orthodox stylist living in Manhattan, who is also starting a blog about conservative fashion, offered: 'Not everything Olivia Palermo wears is modest, but she does wear a lot of long, flowy skirts and blouses. It's very classy how she dresses.'

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is also praised for her ladylike' clothes, and Ms Heyman added that celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, who often wears layers of vintage, 'covers up in [a way] that works for the Orthodox girls.'

For Haredim or Ultra-Orthodox, clothes have a purely practical function, but those who define themselves as Orthodox or Modern-Orthodox freely experiment with their wardrobes.

Orthodox Jewish women with baby carriage on 34th Street near Macy's in Manhattan

Chain store chic: Orthodox Jewish women shop in stores like Macy's and HM in Manhattan to find modern versions of their traditional dress

While they don't want to attract undue attention, they also don't want to be perceived as dowdy, and fashion's far-reaching love affair with lady-like and more covered up looks appears to be working in their favour.

Ms Heyman explained: 'These days it's easy to dress modestly and be on-trend.'

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

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Olivia style is unique and nothing to do with Judamism in my opinion! I have nothing against Judamism before anyone starting getting annoyed by this.

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the last picture is of two hasidic women who are definitely not looking to olivia palermo for inspiration! they are ultra orthodox! and "Modesty is respect for others and not trying to tempt other men away from their wives." I think men should wear blinders so as not to be tempted, instead of making a woman cover up to compensate for his weaknesses. Funny how this rule does not appear in any religion, though they have a lot to say about women" its not about oppressing the women theyre not covered in burkas! being modest is more than just clothes its a way of life,being refined..something most women today cant understand but was the norm hundred years ago! extra marital affairs are a rarity amongst tht orthodox and there is definitely a reason for this!

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I understand that these women want to stick with their rules. However, how lovely for the rest of us to be on an elevator or other tight quarters and have to smell their stench because they are sweating so profusely. Why can't they be allowed to wear clothing that is appropriate with the seasons?

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I understand that these women want to stick with their rules. However, how lovely for the rest of us to be on an elevator or other tight quarters and have to smell their stench because they are sweating so profusely. Why can't they be allowed to wear clothing that is appropriate with the seasons?

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Maria- Excellent point - what you're saying is exactly the rule in Judaism - men are supposed to "guard their eyes" and not look at women" (to learn more, read this: http://www.jewinthecity.com/2007/11/why-orthodox-men-dont-wear-wigs/)

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Damascena: traditional Orthodox Judaism does have a strict dress code for men, too - a shirt, full-length throusers and jacket at all times. No shorts, no sandals, no cropped sleeves. Which is pretty darn oppressive in the heat of the summer!

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Erm... she has worn trousers... so...aren't they supposed not to? Anyway, it's DM we don't read it for the accuracy!

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Modify the religion instead.

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Good for them. The religious Jewish people are a kind gentle race the women are not down trodden by their men. The fact that they want to look fashionable modern means that even though they still want to remain within the laws of the orthodox religion, it's a sign that they also want to move with the times. I commend them.

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"There are three main rules, or tznius, they must adhere to: shirt sleeves should cover elbows, the neckline should extend to the collarbone, and skirts must cover the knees, with or without tights. Trousers are forbidden, and married women must cover their heads with a wig, scarf or hat." Sounds like five rules then. But how come no religion imposes equivalent dress rules on men?

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