Israeli Designer Irma Orenstein Debuts Mezuzah Collection at Lalique Manhattan
French crystal house Lalique hosted Israeli designer Irma Orenstein in Manhattan to launch her new luxury Mezuzah collection. The historic Upper East Side venue showcased this unique blend of Jewish tradition and global design art.
When a traditional Jewish ritual object takes center stage in a historic Manhattan mansion alongside legendary French crystal, it marks a striking crossover of heritage and high design. On Tuesday, November 10, the renowned French crystal house Lalique, founded in 1888, hosted a glittering evening to celebrate its collaboration with Israeli architect and interior designer Irma Orenstein. The event debuted the "Mezuzah by Irma" collection, bridging ancient Jewish tradition with the sculptural artistry of European luxury craftsmanship.
Inside the Historic Upper East Side Mansion
The showcase unfolded at Maison d’Artiste, Lalique’s flagship building located on 63rd Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Constructed in the 1880s, the five-story urban estate carries a rich history spanning over a century of New York culture, fashion, and commerce. It was acquired in 1888 by Lyman Bloomingdale, co-founder of the iconic department store empire, and later served as the private home of legendary music icon Diana Ross during the 1970s.
Orenstein co-hosted the exclusive reception alongside Pierre-Antoine Bola, CEO of Lalique North America, sharing the creative vision behind the collection with distinguished guests. Attendees included former Israeli cabinet minister Ayelet Shaked, media personality Judy Nir Moses, fashion designer Galit Levi, Julia Seguskin, Dolly Makler, Murat Motlo, and Jay Domb. The gathering offered an intimate glimpse into how contemporary design can reinterpret sacred symbols for an international audience.
Complementing the crystal displays, fashion illustrator Margarita Kurtova provided live portraits for attendees. Guests received personalized illustrations on custom postcards featuring original sketches of the mezuzah collection on the reverse side. This fusion of French crystal elegance, New York history, and Jewish heritage underscored how traditional motifs continue to cross cultural boundaries into the upper echelons of global design.
