Martyrs of the Kingdom
Category: Apparel
Competitions: International
In this project, I explore clothing as a symbol of Jewish-Israeli identity, inspired by a sculpture by Italian artist Corrado Cagli, which resembles a Star of David. Through my research, I encountered the concept of "Kedoshei HaMamlacha"—Jews killed for their Zionist activism or simply for their Jewish identity. Historically, visible symbols like the Star of David necklace, kippah, tzitzit, and Hebrew language were often hidden or suppressed. This project seeks to gently reintegrate these symbols into garments, expressing resilience, belonging, and cultural continuity. I chose cowhide leather to represent toughness, strength, and stability. The black and white palette reflects Jewish-Israeli identity and references the traditional tallit garment. The round silhouette of the garment, designed for presence and movement, symbolizes defiance, strength, and the enduring power of the Jewish people.