It’s been 10 years since designer Kobi Halperin launched his own, eponymous collection, which, in no time, became a favorite of women who, in his own words, “celebrate getting dressed every day” via luxurious clothes with personal touches and exquisite workmanship.

At the time, Halperin was no stranger to American fashion. The Israel-born and raised designer, who studied at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, had already been Executive Creative Director at Eli Tahari for 13 years and at Kenneth Cole Productions for three years.

The CFDA member celebrated this milestone during New York Fashion Week with his Fall 2025 collection Threaded In Unity, which explored faith, culture and connection inspired by Halperin’s journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela spiritual gathering.

“The Maha Kumbh Mela taught me that energy, unity, and faith—whether personal or collective—are universal,” Halperin said. “It is this energy that I hope to convey through my designs, where each piece is a bridge between heritage and modernity.”

Consider this mission accomplished. We spoke to the designer about the first decade of his brand, which he dubbed “a fresh start and a significant achievement,” as well as highlights and challenges along the way, what he learned in the process, and more.

What does this milestone mean to you?

Celebrating our 10-year anniversary feels both like a fresh start and a significant achievement. My passion for the brand is as strong as ever, but this milestone also brings a sense of responsibility. We have earned our place in the industry, building deep, loyal connections with our customers and they feel the love and care we put into every piece. This drives us to want to take care of her in other aspects of her life by expanding into a full lifestyle brand.

Our 10 -year anniversary brings us a lot of joy and I tried for myself and my team to celebrate this moment at our recent fashion show. It was a way to share our love and passion and combine it with fashion, product, business, and storytelling. It was not only about our accomplishments but also about our mission to use fashion as a powerful force for unity and connection.

Take us back to when you launched the collection. What did you set out to accomplish?

From the start, our goal was clear: create a designer brand that makes our customers feel smart, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality or creativity. We have built a unique space in the market—providing designer-level product at a contemporary price point. This did not exist before.

We are not willing to compromise on design. Everything starts from scratch. We design prints, hardware and define and design many of our fabrics.  We love creating the feeling of designing clothes with a European aesthetic. With all of the challenges that are out there we are very committed and passionate about our quality and craftmanship. This is something we set out to accomplish and I am proud of this.

What was the brand DNA?

Our brand DNA is rooted in nostalgia and tradition, drawing from my childhood treasure box and the memories of my grandmother selecting fabrics, choosing the details and sewing the garments.  I feel that with modern technology everything we do today is better than the past, except when it comes to making clothes. There, we actually lost something.  For me, it’s always been about recreating this beautiful product which allows the customer who wears it to shine and allows her to feel and look beautiful.  It’s not about being a fashion victim and being the trendiest, it’s about simply making beautiful clothes that can stay with you and be part of your closet for many seasons.  It’s about quality and subtle, lasting beauty—not fleeting trends or loud logos.

I believe we are consistently delivering this type of product. The DNA is about reconnecting to the past it’s about being able to make the customer wearing the clothes to feel at home. We always say that especially in challenging times like today, the idea of fashion and the idea of clothes is actually about protection, and I really believe that somehow with the clothes we are making, when the customer puts it on they have this nostalgic feeling of home. It does not matter if our backgrounds are different, we all have the same nostalgic timeless pieces that make us feel at home, protected, and truly seen.

What have you learned about your aesthetic and yourself in the process of starting your brand?

Designing for my brand has shown me how truly connected I am to my past. It strengthened my connection to my heritage and deepened my love for our customers.

I am so proud to say that after designing my brand for 10 years, it’s still a love story. Over the years traveling to the stores and meeting with customers, I have learned that our brand transcends age and body type—it’s all about a shared attitude and aesthetic. I cherish seeing generations of women—mothers, daughters, and granddaughters—bonding over our designs. My focus has always been on versatility, creating pieces with our signature craftsmanship that allow her to style it in diverse ways based on her needs. It always has the handwriting of the brand but allows the customer to wear it for different occasions, in different ways from day to evening.

How has your brand evolved over time?

When we first launched, I envisioned a super-sophisticated, dressed-up brand. But as I connected more with our customer—especially post-COVID—I understood her desire for comfort and ease. Our brand has evolved into a more versatile, lifestyle-focused label, allowing her to wear with her denim or in a more dressed up fashion. It’s no longer about imposing our vision on her but about supporting her in feeling her best, wherever life takes her. The only way for her to look chic and elegant is to be at ease and be comfortable.

What were some of the challenges as you built your brand and what lessons did you learn from them?

Challenges are part of our industry, but I see each one as a chance to grow. I encourage my team to embrace obstacles, find creative solutions, and learn from them. There are many challenges in making the product to the level I want. While many brands compromise on quality, we remain committed to craftsmanship and value. It’s not about being the cheapest— it’s about delivering extraordinary value and spoiling our customer with pieces that exceed her expectations.

What, in your view, have been key highlights of the past 10 years?

Each milestone has enriched our brand’s story and strengthened its identity.

My initial commitment was to having a journey and every interaction with our customer, whether in the stores or in our showroom has been a highlight of that journey.

As an American designer, becoming a CFDA member gave me a sense of being a part of a community. It was a very proud moment.

Joining NYFW was also a pivotal moment. It solidified our place in the fashion community. It was also the moment I felt we could tell a story and make sure it was represented in our way so it could be told all the way –- it’s all about runway.

Other significant highlights have been each time we launch a new category—whether swim, outerwear, or our latest, denim—all have been a celebration of the brand’s growth.

When I became the Creative Director of Emanuel Ungaro five years ago, it was a phenomenal moment for me. Paris is very close to my heart and to become an international designer and be able to design Ungaro also helped to inspire the Kobi collection as I believe our aesthetic is very European.

From a marketing and PR point of view it opened my mind to new opportunities which myself and my team really appreciate. The experience positioned us as a designer brand in a contemporary price point.

Lastly, at our recent Fall ‘25 fashion show, it was such an honor to be able to share with everyone the original music and sounds from my journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela in India. To be able to tell the story through my own voice and bring others into the experience was very powerful.

Tell us about your most recent show/collection theme, “Threaded In Unity.” What were key looks? How did the theme play into the anniversary?

From the beginning, our shows have been about more than fashion—they’re about sharing hope and unity. The most amazing moment for me was our show after October 7th, amid the heartbreak of events in Israel, the collection became an illumination of hope and the beginning of sharing a message of connection. The next show was about healing and our latest collection was about unity and my experience traveling in India, particularly attending the Maha  Kumbh Mela. This profoundly influenced our storytelling.

To be able to use all of the visuals of people with their colorful flowers, entering the water with such hope was the moment I visualized the finale. It inspired the styling, the shapes, the designs and embellishments.  I envisioned our models with their flowers and confetti spreading the message of hope amongst everyone and imagining a better world for all of us. You could feel the energy in the show and in the audience and to me that was the perfect way to start the celebration of our 10-year anniversary.

Here we are, celebrating our 10-year anniversary and I am working in New York for 30 years, and I still feel like the Kobi that just graduated from Shenkar College. I feel as though I am still a student doing his work and loving the process and loving the inspiration behind it. This to me is the magic. This is the formula to keep this energy and passion and process of a young designer but use your experience to be able to combine them together in the best way possible.

What are some of the things you are planning for the next decade?

Our 10th anniversary feels like just the beginning. My vision is to expand into every aspect of our customer’s lifestyle—from accessories and home décor to fragrances—while maintaining our intimate, family-like connection with her. We plan to grow internationally, strengthen our direct-to-consumer business, deepen relationships, and use technology to take the business to the next level. At the core, it’s about staying true to our values, spreading kindness, and using fashion as a means to unite and uplift.

Finally, how did you celebrate the anniversary?

The most important moment for me was after our recent show. We gathered as a team, celebrating not just the brand’s success but the incredible people who make it possible. It was a reminder that this journey is not just about me—it’s about all of us. This is just the beginning of our year-long celebration, with our upcoming trip to Paris, visits to stores across the U.S., and countless moments to honor this milestone.

We’re not just celebrating 10 years; we’re setting the stage for decades to come.

What does this milestone mean to you?

Celebrating our 10-year anniversary feels both like a fresh start and a significant achievement. My passion for the brand is as strong as ever, but this milestone also brings a sense of responsibility. We have earned our place in the industry, building deep, loyal connections with our customers and they feel the love and care we put into every piece. This drives us to want to take care of her in other aspects of her life by expanding into a full lifestyle brand.

Our 10 -year anniversary brings us a lot of joy and I tried for myself and my team to celebrate this moment at our recent fashion show. It was a way to share our love and passion and combine it with fashion, product, business, and storytelling. It was not only about our accomplishments but also about our mission to use fashion as a powerful force for unity and connection.

Take us back to when you launched the collection. What did you set out to accomplish?

From the start, our goal was clear: create a designer brand that makes our customers feel smart, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality or creativity. We have built a unique space in the market—providing designer-level product at a contemporary price point. This did not exist before.

We are not willing to compromise on design. Everything starts from scratch. We design prints, hardware and define and design many of our fabrics.  We love creating the feeling of designing clothes with a European aesthetic. With all of the challenges that are out there we are very committed and passionate about our quality and craftmanship. This is something we set out to accomplish and I am proud of this.

What was the brand DNA?

Our brand DNA is rooted in nostalgia and tradition, drawing from my childhood treasure box and the memories of my grandmother selecting fabrics, choosing the details and sewing the garments.  I feel that with modern technology everything we do today is better than the past, except when it comes to making clothes. There, we actually lost something.  For me, it’s always been about recreating this beautiful product which allows the customer who wears it to shine and allows her to feel and look beautiful.  It’s not about being a fashion victim and being the trendiest, it’s about simply making beautiful clothes that can stay with you and be part of your closet for many seasons.  It’s about quality and subtle, lasting beauty—not fleeting trends or loud logos.

I believe we are consistently delivering this type of product. The DNA is about reconnecting to the past it’s about being able to make the customer wearing the clothes to feel at home. We always say that especially in challenging times like today, the idea of fashion and the idea of clothes is actually about protection, and I really believe that somehow with the clothes we are making, when the customer puts it on they have this nostalgic feeling of home. It does not matter if our backgrounds are different, we all have the same nostalgic timeless pieces that make us feel at home, protected, and truly seen.

What have you learned about your aesthetic and yourself in the process of starting your brand?

Designing for my brand has shown me how truly connected I am to my past. It strengthened my connection to my heritage and deepened my love for our customers.

I am so proud to say that after designing my brand for 10 years, it’s still a love story. Over the years traveling to the stores and meeting with customers, I have learned that our brand transcends age and body type—it’s all about a shared attitude and aesthetic. I cherish seeing generations of women—mothers, daughters, and granddaughters—bonding over our designs. My focus has always been on versatility, creating pieces with our signature craftsmanship that allow her to style it in diverse ways based on her needs. It always has the handwriting of the brand but allows the customer to wear it for different occasions, in different ways from day to evening.

How has your brand evolved over time?

When we first launched, I envisioned a super-sophisticated, dressed-up brand. But as I connected more with our customer—especially post-COVID—I understood her desire for comfort and ease. Our brand has evolved into a more versatile, lifestyle-focused label, allowing her to wear with her denim or in a more dressed up fashion. It’s no longer about imposing our vision on her but about supporting her in feeling her best, wherever life takes her. The only way for her to look chic and elegant is to be at ease and be comfortable.

What were some of the challenges as you built your brand and what lessons did you learn from them?

Challenges are part of our industry, but I see each one as a chance to grow. I encourage my team to embrace obstacles, find creative solutions, and learn from them. There are many challenges in making the product to the level I want. While many brands compromise on quality, we remain committed to craftsmanship and value. It’s not about being the cheapest— it’s about delivering extraordinary value and spoiling our customer with pieces that exceed her expectations.

What, in your view, have been key highlights of the past 10 years?

Each milestone has enriched our brand’s story and strengthened its identity.

My initial commitment was to having a journey and every interaction with our customer, whether in the stores or in our showroom has been a highlight of that journey.

As an American designer, becoming a CFDA member gave me a sense of being a part of a community. It was a very proud moment.

Joining NYFW was also a pivotal moment. It solidified our place in the fashion community. It was also the moment I felt we could tell a story and make sure it was represented in our way so it could be told all the way –- it’s all about runway.

Other significant highlights have been each time we launch a new category—whether swim, outerwear, or our latest, denim—all have been a celebration of the brand’s growth.

When I became the Creative Director of Emanuel Ungaro five years ago, it was a phenomenal moment for me. Paris is very close to my heart and to become an international designer and be able to design Ungaro also helped to inspire the Kobi collection as I believe our aesthetic is very European.

From a marketing and PR point of view it opened my mind to new opportunities which myself and my team really appreciate. The experience positioned us as a designer brand in a contemporary price point.

Lastly, at our recent Fall ‘25 fashion show, it was such an honor to be able to share with everyone the original music and sounds from my journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela in India. To be able to tell the story through my own voice and bring others into the experience was very powerful.

Tell us about your most recent show/collection theme, “Threaded In Unity.” What were key looks? How did the theme play into the anniversary?

From the beginning, our shows have been about more than fashion—they’re about sharing hope and unity. The most amazing moment for me was our show after October 7th, amid the heartbreak of events in Israel, the collection became an illumination of hope and the beginning of sharing a message of connection. The next show was about healing and our latest collection was about unity and my experience traveling in India, particularly attending the Maha  Kumbh Mela. This profoundly influenced our storytelling.

To be able to use all of the visuals of people with their colorful flowers, entering the water with such hope was the moment I visualized the finale. It inspired the styling, the shapes, the designs and embellishments.  I envisioned our models with their flowers and confetti spreading the message of hope amongst everyone and imagining a better world for all of us. You could feel the energy in the show and in the audience and to me that was the perfect way to start the celebration of our 10-year anniversary.

Here we are, celebrating our 10-year anniversary and I am working in New York for 30 years, and I still feel like the Kobi that just graduated from Shenkar College. I feel as though I am still a student doing his work and loving the process and loving the inspiration behind it. This to me is the magic. This is the formula to keep this energy and passion and process of a young designer but use your experience to be able to combine them together in the best way possible.

What are some of the things you are planning for the next decade?

Our 10th anniversary feels like just the beginning. My vision is to expand into every aspect of our customer’s lifestyle—from accessories and home décor to fragrances—while maintaining our intimate, family-like connection with her. We plan to grow internationally, strengthen our direct-to-consumer business, deepen relationships, and use technology to take the business to the next level. At the core, it’s about staying true to our values, spreading kindness, and using fashion as a means to unite and uplift.

Finally, how did you celebrate the anniversary?

The most important moment for me was after our recent show. We gathered as a team, celebrating not just the brand’s success but the incredible people who make it possible. It was a reminder that this journey is not just about me—it’s about all of us. This is just the beginning of our year-long celebration, with our upcoming trip to Paris, visits to stores across the U.S., and countless moments to honor this milestone.

We’re not just celebrating 10 years; we’re setting the stage for decades to come.