Maskit
Maskit is an Israeli luxury fashion house founded in 1954 by Ruth Dayan with couturier Fini Laintersdorf. Revived in 2014 by designer Sharon Tal, it makes women's ready-to-wear and bridal pieces rooted in regional crafts.
| Founded | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ruth Dayan and Fini Laintersdorf |
| Relaunch | 2014, by Sharon Tal |
| Home | Maskit House, Tel Aviv |
| Website | maskit.com |
What is Maskit?
Maskit is regarded as Israel's first fashion house. It was founded in 1954 by Ruth Dayan together with Hungarian immigrant couturier Fini Laintersdorf, originally as a government-run company selling luxury womenswear.
History
Between the 1960s and the 1980s Maskit employed around 2,000 people and ran ten stores in Israel and one in New York, while its garments were stocked by Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. After privatisation the business declined and closed in 1994. Designer Sharon Tal revived the brand with Ruth Dayan, presenting its first new collection at Tel Aviv Fashion Week in 2014 with support from industrialist Stef Wertheimer.
Products and positioning
Maskit offers luxury women's ready-to-wear and bridal pieces. Updated versions of archive bestsellers such as the Egg Coat, the Desert Coat and the Toga sit alongside new designs. The house draws on regional craft:
- Bethlehem embroidery
- Mother-of-pearl, silver and handmade beads and buttons
- Painted arabesque patterns and Damascus silk-cotton fabric
Distribution
The brand's home is Maskit House, a showroom and archive in a restored Templer villa in Tel Aviv's German Colony.
Why it matters
Maskit is a rare example of a heritage fashion house being revived from its archive, linking national craft traditions with contemporary luxury.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Maskit?
Maskit was founded in 1954 by Ruth Dayan with the couturier Fini Laintersdorf.
Is Maskit still in business?
Yes. After closing in 1994, Maskit was revived by designer Sharon Tal and Ruth Dayan and relaunched in 2014.