Gideon Oberson: Revolutionizing Israeli Fashion

Born in Italy, Oberson and his family moved to Yugoslavia towards the end of World War II. At the age of six, they made their way to Israel, where he grew up in Tel Aviv. He pursued a formal education in fashion design at the prestigious school of the Federation of the Israeli Fashion Institute in Paris.

In 1968, Oberson established his fashion studio, known as "The Round House" (Hebrew: "הבית העגול"). His innovative and modern approach to fashion design, heavily influenced by his studies in Paris, challenged the prevailing modest and utilitarian styles that had dominated the Israeli fashion scene. His work drew attention after a visit by the First Lady of Israel, leading to significant press coverage. That same year, he designed costumes for the film "Iris."

In 1987, a highly publicized advertising campaign featuring model Pazit Cohen in a provocative swimwear pose garnered widespread attention in Israel. The controversial campaign led to efforts by religious lawmakers to pass legislation prohibiting the display of human body parts on billboards.

Oberson, refusing to back down from the campaign, ultimately lost his position as a designer at the "Carmel Carpets" factory, owned by Member of Knesset Abraham Shapira, due to the controversy.

From 2002 to 2009, Oberson served as the chief designer for the fashion brand Gottex, where he designed swimsuits and evening gowns for beauty pageant contestants, among other creations.

Oberson often collaborated with his daughter, Karen, who became his partner in the fashion world.

In December 2018, Gideon Oberson made the decision to close his eponymous fashion house and store in Tel Aviv, marking the end of a long and influential career in Israeli fashion.