How to do Shabbat, the fashion way? The CFDA invited our fashion family and friends to celebrate the Jewish Friday night tradition at the buzzy new SoHo hotel The Manner.
Generously supported by Gap Inc. and Urban Zen, CFDA members such as Zac Posen, Rebecca Moses, Batsheva Hay, Kobi Halperin and Jacques Agbobly, and designers Andre Walker, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Kozaburo Akasaka, Conley Averett, Fe Noel, Taylor Thompson, Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell, and Jameel Mohammed celebrated the evening over festive cocktails garnished with challah bread, a three-course meal, and wine at The Otter, the hotel’s restaurant.
“This special gathering is more than a meal—it symbolizes connection, inclusivity, and the shared values that unite us as creators and collaborators,” Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, said. “Coming together for this tradition allows us to celebrate the importance of community and the role of visibility in fostering a more inclusive and representative industry. By hosting this dinner before New York Fashion Week, we reaffirm our commitment to diversity and cultural heritage.”
Celebrated comedian Modi Rosenfeld served as master of ceremonies, and lead blessings for Kiddush wine and challah bread accompanied by his husband Leo Veiga, both clad in a full Todd Snyder suit.
Guests also included Ann Dexter-Jones, Benji Park, Clara Perlmutter,Jack Mizrahi, Jill Kargman, Liana Satenstein, Mayan Toledano, Michael Halpern, Nicky Campbell, Nicole Zisman, and more.
This Shabbat was made possible with the generous support of Gap Inc. and Urban Zen. The menu riffed on Jewish classics such as Borscht, Latkes, and Halibut as the fish course, followed by Pistachio Tiramisu. The Breads Bakery Challah and Rugelach added to the spirit of the night, as did Don Julio 1942’s playful NYC Jewish touches for cocktails such as a NY 1942 Sour with a float of Manischewitz wine and mini Challah garnish, Apples & Honey with a dehydrated apple crisp garnish, and the non-alcoholic LES Pickle Martini.
As the evening came to an end, CFDA member Rebecca Moses took the microphone to express her gratitude and appreciation for the space. “Whether you’re religious, or whether you’re Jewish or not, Friday night dinner is a time to connect as human beings,” she said. “That’s the beauty of our religion, Friday night is sacred. We need laughter, we need joy and we need delicious moments.”
To that we say, Amen!
