Danny Mizrahi, a prominent Israeli fashion designer known for his elaborate bridal and evening gowns, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 66.
Mizrahi began his career in the late 1970s working under the brand “Rosh Indiani,” a fashion label founded by his older brother, Nissim. He launched his own label in the 1990s, building a decades-long career as one of Israel’s most recognizable designers in the bridal industry.
Despite facing financial hardship throughout his life, including millions of shekels in debt and the loss of his home in Herzliya Pituach, Mizrahi continued designing gowns and working with clients.
Born and raised in Tel Aviv’s impoverished Manshiya neighborhood near Carmel Market, Mizrahi was the son of immigrants from the Ural Mountains and Iran. His family’s original surname, Orkali, was changed to Mizrahi by his father after immigrating to Israel. In interviews, Mizrahi spoke openly about the discrimination he faced as a child and his experiences growing up in poverty.
Due to financial difficulties, Mizrahi and some of his siblings were placed in the Beit Apel children’s boarding school. He remained there from age 8 to 14 before dropping out of school, like his four brothers.
In 1990, Mizrahi opened a fashion house under his name on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv. Though the storefront featured his name, the business remained linked to “Rosh Indiani,” the family label. The store’s minimalist white design and lack of displayed dresses stood out at the time.
Mizrahi’s bold, dramatic style drew both admiration and criticism. “Since I entered the field, I’ve changed the standard for bridal fashion. People began planning the event around the dress,” he said in a past interview.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Mizrahi became one of Israel’s most sought-after designers, operating large boutiques in Tel Aviv and dressing celebrities including Einav Bublil, Nicole Raidman, Pnina Rosenblum and Sigal Shachmon. His longtime muse, model and television presenter Galit Gutman, was frequently featured in his campaigns. He also designed gowns for contestants in Israel’s Miss Beauty Pageant, run by La’Isha magazine.
In later years, Mizrahi spoke candidly about the contrast between public perception and his personal struggles. “People thought I was the richest man in the world—but now I have nothing,” he said in a 2020 interview. He described difficulty accepting help from others, despite offers from clients and friends.
Mizrahi also experienced a period of estrangement from his brother Nissim, which he said had healed in recent years. His death shocked Israel’s fashion community.
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“Danny Mizrahi was my first boss in Tel Aviv,” said Moti Reif, a leading figure in the local fashion industry. “He was a man of vision and heart, someone whose fantasies didn’t always match reality—but that was part of his magic. He was a trailblazer, especially regarding gender and identity. At a time when no one dared to bring the LGBTQ community onstage, Danny was already there, opening doors.”
Reif added, “I’ll remember Danny for his big heart and his honest voice. I’m sure he’ll keep shining from above.”