Blog Israel Goods

PAULA JOFFE NEW MANAGER OF JEWELRY BLOG

Paula joffe is a  pro-Israel activist, 24/7. She is the former executive director of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce/Philadelphia Area, where she worked at the nexus of business and Zionism, helping to create commercial ties between the United States and Israel. Her vocation and avocation merged with the founding of her online jewelry store: www.FromIsraelToYou.com.

From Israel To You offers unique jewelry designs from the shops of skilled artisans, who craft silver and gold with gemstones into wearable works of art. From the northern Galilee to the Gulf of Aqaba in Eilat, from the Holy City of Jerusalem to the modern metropolis of Tel Aviv, influenced by 5000 years of history and various cultures, her artists create magnificent and fashionable jewelry that sets the standard for accessory style.

 

ISRAEL'S TOP WINES - RATED 93 POINTS

The preceding post listed Israel's top wines with ratings of 95 and 94 points.Those ratings, and those below came from "The Ultimate Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines", published by The Toby Press, and available from Amazon. Wines that garnered a rating of 93 points are:

Binyamina, The Cave, Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 (k)
Bustan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 (k)
Bustan Merlot, 2006 (k)
Carmel, Limited Edition, 2008
Carmel Mediterranean, 2008
Carmel, Single Vinyard:
  Cabernet Sauvignon, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2008
  Shiraz, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2008
  Gewurtzraminer, Late Harvest, Sha'al Golan, 2009
Chateau Golan, Touriga Natioanal Royal Reserve,2008
Chateau Golan, Og, 2008
Clos de Gat, Syrah, Har'el, 2009
Ella Valley Vineyards, Syrah, 2008 (k)
Golan Heights Winery
  Merlot, Kela Vineyard, Yarden, 2008 (k)
  Syrah, Avital Slopes Vineyard, Yarden, 2007 (k)
  Syrah, Tel Phares Vineyard, Yarden, 2008 (k)
  Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarden, 2008 (k)
  Cabernet Sauvignon, El Rom Vineyard, Yarden, 2007 (k)
Lewinsohm, 
  Rouge,Garage de Papa, 2009
  Blanc, Garage de Papa, 2009
Margalit
  Cabernet Franc, 2009
  Enigma, 2009
Pelter, I, 2008
Recanati
  Special Reserve, 2007 (k)
  Special Reserve, White, 2009 (k)
  Carignan, Reserrve, Kerem Ba:al, 2009 (k)
Saslove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserved, 2008
Tabor, Mes'cha, 2006 (k)

That should give you plenty of great wine from which to choose.

 

 

BEST ISRAELI WINES RELEASED IN 2011

Any wine that garners a rating or 90 or above is considered to be a great wine.This post lists Israeli wines, released in 2011, that were rated 95 and 94 in The Toby Press "The Ultimate Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines" This guide is very complete and is readily available from Amazon.

These highly rated wines are:

EARNING 95 POINTS
Golan Heights Winery, Rom Yarden,2007 (k)

Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Reserve, 2009

EARNING 94 POINTS
Clos de Gat, Ayalon Valley, 2007
Clos de Gat, Chardonnay, 2009
Golan Heights Winery, Syrah, Yonatan Vineyard, Yarden 2007 (k)
Flam, Cabernet Savignon, 2009
Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009
Pelter, Cabernet Sauvignon, T Selection, 2008

Wines earning 93 points will be listed in the next posting.

 

 

ROGOV'S LAST GUIDE TO ISRAELI WINES

Daniel Rogov, long the recognized guru of Israeli wines, passed away last September, of lung cancer. His Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines, published annually, provided to most complete information as well as ratings of individual wines and wineries.

The recently published, byThe Toby Press, is the moswt comprehensive edition of this essential book, which is readily available from Amazon.

A few hours before hisw death, Rogov posted his own obituary, which read, in part:

"Wine and food lto me are not simply things that enter our body. They are a reflection of our anthropology, history, psychology, social needs and, of course, pleasure."

The next entry in this BLOG will list the best Israeli wines released in 2011.

WINE FROM GRAPES GROWN IN THE NEGEV DESERT

Two thousand years ago, the Nabataeans made wine in Israel's Negev Desert vineyards. Daniel Kish (picture above) has brought grapes and wine back to the desert.

Only a very special kind of person would plant a vineyard in a desert that gets less than 4 inches of rain per year. Kish, by himself, built his home and winery, and planted the vines, near Sede Boger. Kish produces 4,500 to 5,500 bottles each year, featuring blends of six different grapes, from merlot to syrah.

Kish's wines are sold in two Tel Aviv restaurants and to visitors to the winery.

Kish is working with researchers at nearby Gen-Gurion University to further develop the science of growing grapes in the desert. One of the researchers believes that, with careful management, the drought response can produce a better wine.

BIG thanks Israel 21C for the above story.

70TH ANNIVERSARY DIVA DESIGNS

The posh Diva swimwear label sells in more than 40 countries - including the up-and-coming BRIC nations and even (through third parties) some Muslim lands.To mark Diva's 70th year, Diva designed seven Special Limited Edition styles in black and white microfiber, each typical of one decade in the history of the company.                       

Each swim suit was inspired by a 20th century Hollywood heartthrob; Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Kim Novak, Jane Binkin, Bridgitte Bardot, Claudia Cardidnale, Elizabeth Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, Marilyn Monroe, Raquel Welch. The stars names are not on the labels, but the styles are meant to subtly evoke images of these box-office beauties among Diva's core customers - well-heeled women in their 40s and 50s.

Many of the suits are for younger bodies All design, modeling and sampling is done in Israel. This year, sewveral Diva swimsuits make use of an innovative elastic  plisse that stretches in both directions.

BIG thanks and credits Israel21c (www.israel21c) for this interesting news.

ISRAELI WINES ATTRACT CONNOISSEURS TO TEL AVIV WINEEXPO

As reported by ISRAEL21c (www.israel21c.org), about 18,000 wine consumers, businesses, and connoisseurs attended the 2012 Israel Wine Exposition in Tel Aviv. Wine maven Haim Gan, known as The Grape Man, organizes this annual exposition.

Gan estimates Israel's wine production at 58-60 million bottles  per year. Since the 1990s, and especially in the last 15 years, the industry in Israel has become state-of-the-art and produces world class fine wines.

With about 300 wineries in Israel, the five largest are Carmel, Barkan, Ramat Hogolan, Binyamina and Teperberg which combined control about 80% of the local market. Other strong wineries are Tishbi, Dalton, Galil Mountain and Recanati. There also many fine boutique wineries.

Israel wineries offer varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz (particularly suitable for Israel's climate) and Bordeaux. Many of the best wines are blends.

Israel's wines are among the best in the world and deserve a place on dinner tables at home, at restaurants, and at banquets.
 

TEL AVIV FASHION WEEK

Last month, Tel Aviv had its first fashion week in 30 years and it was worth the wait. Roberto Cavalli showcased his sparkly spring/summer 2012 collection which is a sign of oncoming collaboration between Tel Aviv and Milan. Every season a Milan based designer will show at Tel Aviv as well as the country's new and promising rising stars will showcase their work at Milan Fashion Week. This is a wonderful beginning and only a glimpse of whats more to come. 

This wasn't the first fashion week at Tel Aviv. During the 1970s, there were two a year. Back then though, things were a bit different. There were companies and manufacturers. Now it's more about the talented designers that are emerging. 

The organizer was Ofir Lev, deputy CEO of the Israel Textile and Fashion Association and a former model. He wanted to show that there is fashion and creativity in Israel. He used his contacts and brought together foreign fashion writers to Tel Aviv for the three-day fashion fest. Lev is ready planning another Fashion Week for next April. His intent is to get Israeli-American Elie Tahari as well as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Italian designer Miuccia Prada and fashion luxury house Dolce & Gabbana on board. Sasson Kedem, a creator of artsy, architecturally styled pieces for women who also served as a mentor on the one season of “ Project Runway Israel,” said the designers that come out of Israel are different and unique. They have to learn how to improvise, they are inspirational, creative and think outside the box. 

International press included England, Russia, Mexico, Italy and the United States. Some of the Israeli designers who made a splash were Dodo Bar Or, Israel Ohayon, Tamar Primark and Mira Zwilinger. Other names include  Ofir Lev, general manager of the Israel Textile and Fashion Association,  Gideon and Karen Oberson, Sasson Kedem, Yaniv Persy, Yosef Peretz, Alembika, Netanel Zikri, Sasson Kedem, Dorin Frankfurt, and Alon Livne of “Project Runway Israel.

Tali Kogan: Tel Aviv Couture

BIBLICALLY INSPIRED...

As if the beauty of the Galilee isn't enough to inspire any artist, Ruth Doron's designs are kissed by the Bible.

Her jewelry design studio is located in a small, pleasant village in northern Israel, nestled in the valley between Mt. Tabor and Mt. Gilboa, near the Sea of Galilee. The ancient road that crosses nearby was the route taken by King Saul and other biblical ancestors. It's no wonder that Ruth's designs express antiquity. What is wonderful is that they also reflect the modern influences of Israel.

A graduate of Israel's prestigious Shenkar School of Design, Ruth crafts precious metals and gemstones into expressive wearable art.

Using CAD or Computer Aided Design, as well as traditional design techniques, Ruth Doron Designs presents complete lines of themed jewelry with names like Royal, Ocean, Harmony and Nature. 

Recognizing the global attraction of Israel, the Holy Land, she creates an entire line of Christian jewelry. Being so close to Nazareth, it's hard not to include her interpretations of the symbols important in Christianity. 

Ruth is a featured designer at From Israel To You, a webstore specializing in Israeli designer jewelry. Her new lines will soon be available.

ASYMMETRICAL TREND

The ever popular asymmetrical trend had made way for the opportunity to be unique with your outfit. Israeli designer Sigal Dekel has made a statement with this trend for the season. Sigal Dekel has grown to become a trendsetter brand, having been on the scene since 2000. Since Sigal Dekel has embraced this asymmetrical trend with their latest collection, it's safe to say that this is one of the trends of the season. Giving you the ability to flatter a variety of body shapes, and alter to fit any individual style, this trend is very diverse.

As pictured, this Sigal Dekel asymmetrical dress is very simple in deetail, but gives the ability to use your own creativity by accessorizing with bold pieces. The Asymmetrical silhouette of this dress sets it apart from other summer dresses. Available in black and white, the neutral colors allow acceesorzing with bold colors of the season.

 

WELCOME TO BUYISRAELGOODS BLOG FOR WOMEN'S APPAREL MANAGED BY TALI KOGAN, OWNER AND FOUNDER OF TELAVIVCOUTURE.COM

 
Tali Kogan is an Israeli by way of Ukraine who moved to Chicago in 2003 to study business and accounting. In 2007, Tali decided to follow her heart and left her accounting position to launch a company that incorporated her passion for Israel with her love of fashion. Now Kogan represents more than 25 Israeli designers, including Sigal Dekel and Inbal Gvili, whose background in costume design and stints working for Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood are evident in her sweeping designs.

Kogan doesn't have any hard and fast rules about what to carry, but her artfully assembled combination of designers reflects a bold, unconventional aesthetic. She runs her Chicago show room devoted to the clothing and accessories of the most innovative Israeli designers and now has launched telavivcouture.com.

Tali will manage this section of the BLOG and will provide regular postings about fashion trends and designs. Her picture appears above.