Over the past decade, fashion has increasingly been understood as more than just clothing—it is a form of emotional language and therapeutic expression. Thoughtful wardrobe choices can help people process stress, anxiety or trauma, rebuilding a sense of identity and control through color, texture and silhouette. In times of uncertainty, fashion offers comfort, grounding and a path to healing.
Since October 7, several fashion projects in Israel have emerged with the aim of processing collective trauma—from collaborative embroidery circles where men and women stitch their stories, to survivors of Hamas captivity walking the runway at Tel Aviv Fashion Week in acts of personal and communal triumph.
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Former hostage Emily Damari launches he ÉMILY collection in collaboration with Story
(Photo: Shai Franco)
One of those survivors is Emily Damari, who on Wednesday launched a capsule collection named ÉMILY, in collaboration with the fashion retailer Story, to mark one year since her release from captivity.
“This year taught me that the fractures don’t disappear—they just change form,” said Damari, 29. “This collection is a kind of therapy for me, part of my healing journey.”
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'The conscious choice to expose myself, to get up, get dressed and be stronger—and not be ashamed of my wounds.'
(Photo: Shai Franco)
Damari told ynet that 'creating heals me. Not to erase what happened, but to make the conscious choice to expose myself, to get up, get dressed and be stronger—and not be ashamed of my wounds. This collection is a reminder, for me and anyone who chooses to wear it, that you can come back—and you can come back stronger.”
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The EMILY collection is being released to mark the one-year anniversary of Damari's release from captivity
(Photo: Shai Franco)
The collection delivers that message through four items, each imbued with symbolism. Her injured hand is embroidered on a T-shirt and a baseball cap, one of Damari’s signature accessories. A black hoodie bears the phrase “I Returned Louder”—a bold, unambiguous declaration of her survival and strength. Prices range from 129 shekels for the cap to 299 shekels for the sweatshirt. All proceeds go directly to Damari.