In keeping with the trend started by fellow Israeli designer Alber Elbaz some years ago, Gottex designer Keren Gasner — a graduate, like Elbaz, of Shenkar College — recruited the house’s favorite models of a certain age to celebrate the swimwear giant’s 60th anniversary during Tel Aviv Fashion Week.

Gottex has long been Israel’s most recognized brand, swimwear or otherwise, established in 1956 and designed until 1998 by Lea Gottlieb, a Jewish refugee from German-occupied Hungary. Lore has it that she sold her wedding ring to buy her first bits of fabric, thus realizing her dream of designing swimsuits that were unique to Israel, inspired by the colors of the Middle East.

In addition to swimsuits, Gottex produces caftans, tunics, and other beachwear. The first manufacturer to introduce Spandex back in the 80s, Gottex was loved by Princess Diana, Spain’s Queen Sofia, and Hollywood stars including Elizabeth Taylor. By 1993, Gottex emerged as America’s top importer of swimsuits, a trend that continues to this day.