Miss Universe contestants touring Israel ahead of the competition in Eilat on December 12 modeled for a Hanukkah fashion show produced by Haboydem, a Jerusalem secondhand clothing store and women’s rehabilitation center.
Parading across the wooden platform of Jerusalem’s First Station complex, were Miss Turkey in red flounces and combat boots, Miss China in gray sequins, and other contestants in an array of finery from the “pre-loved” clothing that the social project sells, said general manager Eris Avihod.
Haboydem encourages wise consumer behavior, to show that dressing in secondhand clothing doesn’t mean compromising on quality or trends, said Haboydem stylist Stephanie Strauch.
“Many of our Haboydem customers come to us for ideological reasons, while others come to support and encourage our workers during their rehabilitation,” said Strauch. “Although many of our shoppers do so from choice and ideology, others are mostly financially motivated.”
Haboydem is a social project of Rehabilitation and Integration — Shaf Yativ — a non-profit organization that sells second-hand clothing and offers employment training for people with disabilities, particularly those recovering from issues relating to mental health.
Each employee has a personalized rehabilitation plan, explained CEO Guy Avihod, designed with the organization’s in-staff occupational therapist or social worker, with employment experience in short shifts when required.
