From left: Wendy Liebmann, Galia Lahav and Pnina Tornai

Steven A Henry/Getty; Rommel Demano/Getty; Mike Coppola/Getty

Fall is traditionally the style world’s busiest season, however the devastating Israel–Hamas War has modified all that, with a slew of beauty and fashion events being canceled for the upcoming weeks. Nonetheless, some insiders feel that the industry’s muted response has been a results of firms valuing profits within the increasingly necessary Middle Eastern market over taking a robust moral stance.

In accordance with Women’s Wear Daily, as of Oct. 12, beauty’s biggest players, including L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, The Estée Lauder Cos., Kering and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton have didn’t make any statements on the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel or the humanitarian crises unfolding on the Gaza Strip.

“I actually have at all times been proud that the sweetness industry has been on the forefront of social justice and activism,” said Blushington CEO Natasha Cornstein, whose company released a press release in support of Israel. “As a human being, I’m dissatisfied by the overwhelming silence concerning the terrorist attacks, and I hope the sweetness industry will speak up.”

Global fashion and sweetness brands are also grappling with a various, multinational workforce with differing beliefs, together with fear of political reprisals. “Some people may be concerned about speaking up after every little thing that happened with Anheuser-Busch, Goal and Disney. They don’t need to put themselves into that position,” Wendy Liebmann, founding father of WSL Strategic Retail told WWD. “Or they may very well be so stunned by it they don’t know what to say. But for an industry that has been far more engaged in social, economic and political issues, the quiet is a bit of surprising.”

They could fear backlash, like that geared toward Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the French fashion industry’s governing body, which was criticized by insiders after releasing a press release condemning the Hamas attacks, while ignoring the death of Palestinians by the hands of Israel.

Nonetheless, some fashion players have spoken out. American Eagle posted a picture of the Israeli Flag on their flagship billboard in Times Square. Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP have all released statements expressing sympathy for the suffering of the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Council of Fashion Designers of America issued a press release reading: “The CFDA condemns Saturday’s attack on Israel and stands with those determined to fight terrorism. We mourn the lack of life and pray for the cycle of violence to finish for a long-lasting peace.”

Corporations have rushed to guard their employees throughout the conflict zone. Fashion company Inditex, which owns Zara, shuttered stores in Israel, as did H&M and Spanish retailer Mango. In accordance with WWD, Chanel’s global executive chairman Alain Wertheimer sent an email expressing horror over the terrorist attacks and the unfolding humanitarian crises. He also stated that the corporate’s priority was to make sure the security of all Chanel employees in Israel and that the corporate would donate $4 million to humanitarian aid. 

An increasing number of events around the globe have also been canceled or postponed within the wake of the conflict. Vogue Arabia, Chopard and Italian jeweler Pomellato have canceled upcoming events within the Middle East. We Design Beirut, a 4-day design festival scheduled for the tip of October in Lebanon, was postponed for the security of all participants. 

The 2023 Fashion Trust of Arabia Awards, originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 25 in Dubai, has also been postponed. “At FTA, our purpose has at all times been to support the talent of designers within the MENA region,” Fashion Trust Arabia said in a released statement. “Nonetheless, we consider that, given the present situation within the region, it might be inconsiderate to proceed with our event.”

Events in Latest York have been postponed as well. SoHo Commando canceled their Soho Green opening slated for Oct. 19 “in light of the heartbreaking world events that proceed to unfold.”

Israeli designers Pnina Tornai and Galia Lahav each canceled showings of their latest collections at NYC Bridal Fashion Week in solidarity with their country. “Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating conflict,” Lahav stated. “We hope for a future where we are able to come together to rejoice the sweetness and creativity that outline our brand.”