Kobi Halperin is no stranger to the American fashion industry. Far from it.

Halperin launched his namesake brand in 2015 with a European sensibility and exquisite artisanship and details. A CFDA member since 2016, the Israel-born designer had come to fashion with top notch training, first as a student at the prestigious Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, then as Executive Creative Director at Elie Tahari for 13 years followed by three years in the same role at Kenneth Cole Productions.

Halperin, who also designs Ungaro, is now bringing his own brand to New York Fashion Week for the first time. We caught up with the designer ahead of his first show, which takes place this Friday, September 8^th, at Splashlight Studios.

Describe your brand’s fashion philosophy?

The Kobi Halperin philosophy is about enhancing the beauty and confidence in women through fashion. It’s not just about the fabrics and designs, it’s about crafting an experience that resonates far beyond garments themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion and trends but I love my customer most. What consistently fuels my creative journey is the transformative power of clothing and the notion that she can look in the mirror and smile and be inspired and feel beautiful.

What are some of your evergreen inspirations?

I feel so lucky that I can draw endless inspiration from the treasure box of my childhood memories. Growing up in Israel with Eastern European parents, I was immersed in a world that deeply valued craftmanship and cherished the elegance of handwork and unwavering quality. For me as a designer, it’s always about bringing back part of history and infusing it with a contemporary spirit.  It’s a tribute to the disappearing artistry of yesteryears. The memories of my childhood, the way my family was dressed, the workmanship and details are forever etched in my mind. It doesn’t matter where we are in the world, there is a unifying thread that binds us all. This nostalgia creates a community both for those around me and the brand itself. It’s not just a connection to a label but to a shared past that resonates profoundly.

Why did you decide to show at NYFW now?

There is nothing more exciting than a fashion show but first, it was about inspiring myself and my team. As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I am reflecting on these last nine years and how together we were able to establish and create a reason to exist as a brand. I want to celebrate that and at the same time I want to push myself while staying true to the brand. The fashion show is a chance to create a clear vision for anyone that is viewing it.  A single image speaks volumes beyond mere words. My aspiration is to ensure that anyone who gazes upon it immediately comprehends the essence of the brand and its distinctive aesthetic.

How has your experience at Ungaro informed the design process for your own label?

I think what truly struck me as extraordinary was how this experience bridged the gap between me and the enchanting city of Paris. Paris has always been a primary source of inspiration and the Kobi Halperin brand has always had a very European aesthetic. For me, Ungaro made Paris feel closer. If I could combine Paris and New York and my own heritage I believe I covered the whole world and created a tapestry of cultures and styles that resonate universally.

What can we look forward to this season?

I can’t wait for you to see the show. I believe in fashion, we have a responsibility to be able to weave narratives that linger in your thoughts and evoke contemplation. While beauty remains at the core, it’s equally vital to send a message that we must deepen our appreciation and respect for the innate beauty that envelopes our existence. This collection showcases how fragile and beautiful fashion is and how we have the privilege to be able to dress people and to affect them in uplifting ways. Yet it is also a reminder of how delicate and breathtaking our world is and how we need to learn to coexist harmoniously.

What’s next for your brand?

For me, it transcends mere fashion, it’s about embodying a lifestyle. This is what I am most excited about for the fashion show. When you see the collection and when you see the way it’s put together, it will show the inherent capability to transcend boundaries. It’s not just about clothing, it’s a canvas on which we can paint an entire spectrum of categories. This is our first step towards presenting the quintessential Kobi Halperin woman.