Tel-Aviv Fashion Weekend July 12-14

Summer in Tel-Aviv. Since I moved here from Canada, I always welcome the hot and humid Tel-Aviv summers. Summer here means great weather, less clothing, beautiful beaches, drinking ice cafe at your favourite coffee house, plenty of parties, and of course lots of events pulsating throughout the city. With always something to do and see, no wonder Tel Aviv is known as one of the cities that never sleep.

Tel-Avivians are very found of their coffee houses. Just when you think there couldn't possibly be room for another one, another one springs up. Where I used to live in the trendy Basel Street neighborhood, there were about 13+ coffee houses crowded around a small piazza. Each one would be full on any given Friday morning when Tel-Avivians like to sit outside with friends, talk on their cellphones, people watch and display the latest fashions all while sipping a cappucino/ice cafe/beverage of choice behind their large sunglasses (small or large dog optional). I am planning on doing a brief city guide on Tel -Aviv in the future but for now, I want to write a short critique on the Tel-Aviv Fashion Weekend of July 12-14 held on at the Tel-Aviv exhibition grounds.





















Over 100 designers were there selling their creations. There was a large turnout and it was overwhelming with everyone on top of one another making it difficult to browse. The first few designers that my sister and I saw were obviously very talented and among the higher end of the bunch. As we moved through the exhibition, it became clear to me that there is still room for my sister, an aspiring fashion designer, to enter the Israeli fashion market.

Israeli fashion designers tend to cater towards the religious community (read: conservative pieces with long wrap skirts and jumbo pockets and silly cartoonish flower detailing), the young and trendy (clothes which are too skimpy and not work appropriate) or your average woman who tends to dress casually.

I prefer to look overdressed at work as opposed to underdressed. And no Miss Coworker, a Neon Yellow backless halter top is not appropriate work attire for a receptionist at a Law Office (true story)! I wanted to see better dresses in a variety of fabrics, nicer pants and more European styled design overall. I was disappointed that there weren't any designers who presented a strong collection of office attire that is comfortable, functional and beautiful. There weren't really any designers with a strong focus on dresses for more formal functions such as weddings, cocktail parties or that perfect dress for a business function.

The fashion fair this weekend confirmed that a lot of new Israeli designers prefer to work with jersey knit material. This is fine but I prefer a little variety. How about giving some love to silk, linen or cotton! Jersey knit is great but you also need to remember that you see every little lump and bump because it hugs so close. In the picture above, you can see two women trying on some Jersy knit dresses. Trust me, they looked much nicer in person and you were able to wear them in more than one way. This was a trend (incorporating ties and wraps etc.) displayed throughout the fair which gives you more bang for your buck.

The fair introduced me to a lot of designers who I hadn't heard of before. Belts were popular as accessories as were long multi-layered necklaces
.

Pictured above was the work of a great local designer who actually had quite reasonable prices, great quality/range of fabrics and beautifully contructed clothes. The colour palette was non-existent (grey, white and black are only shades) but she really gave some great wardrobe staples. I definitely have to check her out in the future but I have to find her name in my brochures first and then I'll update. Sharon (insert last name here)...
Some of the jewelry designers were a little overpriced. I have found some great Israeli jewelry designers throughout the city with much more unique pieces. I did however, like this beautiful bracelette dipped in 24k gold (retails for US$72) but it was too rich for my blood. I secretly want to become a jewelry designer but I don't know how to get started (my designs would be Greek/Roman/Ancient Near East inspired).

Madina Milano was the only cosmetic company represented. I generally like their products but I'll do a more in-depth review of their line in the future.

Conclusion: The fashion fair was an insightful glimpse of the Israeli fasion market (I can't wait until my sister starts designing and then I'll just shop there). I purchased a dark grey wrap jersey dress (when in Rome, right?). The fair showcased many new designers and old favourites. I hope to see improvements in the future such as sleek dresses for work, pencil skirts with a twist, elegant tops and sexy cocktail dresses, but overall a good show.