A member of the New York City Council, Inna Vernikov, recently made headlines at the annual banquet of the Manhattan Republican Club due to her unusual clothing choice. The Israeli flag and Jewish star were prominently placed on the blue and white evening attire.
The message that accompanied Vernikov’s clothing emphasized the significance of fearlessly expressing Jewish identity. She encouraged her Jewish community to openly display Israeli support or symbols of pride, such as the Star of David.
An outspoken supporter of democracy and human rights, the councilwoman was born in Ukraine to Jewish parents. She spoke out against Vladimir Putin’s policies in her home country and brought attention to threats against American Jews.
Vernikov said that the garment was designed by the famous Irina Shabayeva, who was a contestant on Project Runway. The fact that Shabayeva made the dress in under 24 hours grabbed everyone’s attention. A trifecta of Russian, Jewish, and Georgian ancestry makes up the designer.
Vernikov voiced her worry in an Instagram post featuring herself in the blue and white gown. She said that many Jewish people in New York and college students elsewhere are afraid to display their support for Israel, Jewish identity, or to wear a kippah or Star of David. She insisted that people get over their fears, that they should be loud and proud of their Jewish identity, and that they should stand up for what they believe in without fear of reprisal.
Other prominent figures have made such daring fashion statements in the past; for example, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez notably wore a “Tax the Rich” gown to the 2021 Met Gala. In contrast to Ocasio-Cortez’s political declaration, Vernikov’s dress served to strengthen Jewish identity and show solidarity with Israel while in context.
Considering the recent uptick in antisemitic acts following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the councilwoman’s outfit choice was seen in this context, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Many were quick to compare Vernikov’s outfit to other daring fashion choices made by famous people in the past. Nevertheless, she continued to express her personal and political views by promoting Jewish identity and standing in solidarity with Israel.
