Creativity is not taking a timid back seat to terror in the Jewish state. Forget army fatigues and utilitarian kibbutz attire. Homegrown Israeli designers are scaling fashionable heights once limited to workrooms in Paris, Milan and New York City. In case youve been living under a denim rock, heres a list compiled by Womens Wear Daily Israel correspondent Jessica Steinberg of the top 10 Israeli designers.
Ronen Chen may be Israels best known fashion brand abroad for his classic looks for women in search of a statement. Mirit Weinstock creates feminine, Victorian looks. Kedem Sasson offers great options for full-figured women. Yigal Azrouels designs (by the way, he has no formal training) are worn by celebrities Salma Hayak and Sarah Jessica Parker. Gal Feldman didnt start out to be a bag designer but crafted one because she couldnt find what she needed at the stores. A star was born.
Frau Blau the line established by Helena Blaustein and Philip Blau is No. 1 for the Israeli hipster set. Dorin Frankfurt, who offers longer versions of her clothes for religious Jews, caters to the lady in all of us. Hagar Satats accessories incorporate leather, silver and gold in stylish jewelry. Agas and Tamar (Einat Agassi and Tamar Harel-Klein) have a shop in New York City but also sell their jewelry in Neve Tzedek in Tel Aviv. Naama Bezalel (such a revered name!) offers dresses inspired by the 40s, 50s and 60s.
Israeli designers are symbolic of the country itself. The dangers may lurk, but Israelis hold their stylish heads high. We salute these designers for their ability to look beyond their enemies.
Copyright © 2011 by the Intermountain Jewish News
