Rickie Freemen, Israeli-born designer for Teri Jon, an upscale women’s clothing brand, has good news for frum fashionistas. “Going forward, sleeves are a big trend,” she told women at a benefit fashion show of her collection for Israel’s Soroka Medical Center at Neiman Marcus, Paramus. Freeman said she is a multi-generational, international designer, creating luxurious styles for women of all ages and sizes. “I design for every shape with fabric that is rich in texture but comfortable.”

In a conversation following the show, Freeman shared with The Jewish Link that they keep extra fabric in the warehouse for most of their designs, and for a minimal cost you can have sleeves and hemlines lowered, or necklines raised.With sales throughout the world, Freeman noted that modest fashion is becoming more of a trend, especially in Europe where clothing is being designed for Muslim women.

Freeman pointed out special aspects of her designs as models walked the pop-up runway, set in between tables where attendees were served lunch. A polka dot dress with flared bottom would be appropriate in many settings. “It’s a comfortable dress that moves; I try to make sure my designs have more than one usage,” she said. A lace outfit, available in black or navy, is good for all seasons, she said, and easy to travel with. Several outfits had a day-to-night look, dressed up or toned down when paired with corresponding accessories and jewelry. A dress in gray flannel, fabric that could be considered more masculine, was instead “very ladylike.” Evening dresses had soft sequins, or glamour and shine. She showed dressy separates, including a stunning red sequined top paired with a black velvet skirt, to make the point that you can buy individual pieces and build a wardrobe.

The collection was available for purchase at the event with 10% of sales donated to Soroka Medical Center, one of Israel’s largest and busiest hospitals, located in the Negev. Additionally, raffle tickets were sold for a limited-edition print of “The History of the Star of David,” a work created by artist and filmmaker Marc Bennet. The event was co-chaired by Mindy Gale, CEO of Gale Branding, who is handling public relations projects for Soroka Medical, and her long-time friend Jackie Koby, whom she met when their children were in Solomon Schecter and the Kaplan JCC on the Palisades together, in collaboration with Rachel Heisler, executive director of American Friends of Soroka Medical Center.

By Bracha Schwartz