Blog Israel Goods

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.

 

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

BLACK AND WHITE TREND

Black and white hasn't been known for colors of the spring and summer season in the past, but leave it to
Israeli designer Sigal Dekel to make a splash on the fashion scene. Sigal Dekel has contributed to embracing the use of black and white combinations for the season, a color combination typically used for the fall and winter season. It's a fresh take on the color combination to see them being used in summer silhouettes like their black and white bow blouse seen in the picture. Pairing this blouse with black satin shorts to cropped pants gives a chic summer look that's unexpected.

This trend also gives you versatility to incorporate the pieces into your fall and winter wardrobes by pairing them with black pants or a blazer to transform the summer look to a season-appropriate look. Sigal Dekel's spring/summer collection displays this trend in the best way with vesatile pieces that are trendy for the season, but timeless with their style.

TOP TEN BEACHES IN ISRAEL

ISRAEL21C (israel21c.org) published  a list of the top ten beaches in Israel, which are:

1 - Beit Yannai Beach (Mediterranean - North of Natanya)
2 - Coral Reef Beach (Red Sea) - Best for snorkling.
3 - Banana Beach (Mediterranean - Southmost Tel-Aviv beach, near Jaffa)
4 - Mineral Beach (Dead Sea) - Don't' miss the black mud.
5 - Dado Zamir Beach ( Mediterranean - Central Haifa)
6 - Sironit Beach (Mediterranean - Netanya)
7 - Metzitzim Beach (Mediterranean - Northern Tel-Aviv)
8 - Dor Habonim Beach (Mediterranean - South of Haifa off of Route 4)
9 - Dolphin Reef (Red Sea -  Pay to enter, but worth it)
10 - Aqueduct Beach (Mediterranean - Caesarea amidst Roman ruins)

Visit: http://israel21c.org/travel/israels-top-10-beaches for more complete information.

 

 

KABBALAH STAR OF DAVID

 The Star of David is a symbol of Judaism. The shape is a hexagram, which is the compound of two equilateral triangles. According to the Kabbalah, the two David Star triangles represent the contrasts in our lives:

Good and evil
Spiritual and physical

The top triangle pointing up symbolizes the good aspect in life which bring the positive power to the triangle pointing down. Each of the Star of David's vertexes represents a day of the week, and the center reresents the Sabbath.

Kabbalists also think that the Star of David's six points represent G-d's rule over the universe in six directions: east, west, south, north, up, and down.

The special shape of the Star of David has also been thought to represent Israel's 12 tribes, as there are 12 sides at the outer six triangles.

There are numerous designers of Star of David jewelry, for both men and women, including:
www.holylandprecious.com

ROGOV'S TOP ISRAELI WINES - CONTINUED - SCORES 94-96

Rogov's Guide to Israeli 'Wines - 2011 lists the top-scoring Israeli wines released in 2010. Last week, we listed those wines that scored 93. Listed below are the wines that scored 94-96.

EARNING 96 POINTS 
  Golan Heights Winery, Rom, Yarden 2006 (K)

EARNING 95 POINTS
  Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special r'eserve, 2008

EARNING 94 POINTS (In alpha order by winery)
  Clos de Gat
    Cabernet Sauvignon, Har'El, 2008
    Merlot, Har'El, 2008
    Ayalon Valley, 2006
  Golan Heights Winery
    Chardonnay, Odem, Organic Vineyard, Yarden, 2008 (K)
    Syrah, Ortal Vineyard, Yarden, 2004 (K)
    Syrah, Yonatan Vineyard, Yarden, 2007 (K)
    Cabernet Sauvignon, El Rom Vineyard, Yarden, 2004 (K)

  Margalit
     Enigma, Special Reserve, 2007
     Cabernet Franc, 2008

For a complete guide to Israeli Wineries and wines, do buy Rogov's Guide - 2011.

 

DANIEL ROGOV'S BEST ISRAELI WINES IN LAST TWELVE MONTHS

Daniel Rogov is Israel's most influential and pre-eminent wine critic. His book - Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines - 2011  - lists the top 26 Israeli wines released in 2010. All of these wines scored between 93 and 96 points, making them among the best in the world. Rogov's book is very comprehensive,  was published by The Toby press (www.tobypress.com), and is readily available at amazon.com.

Listed below are the Rogov picks scoring 93, in winery alphabetical order. The wines that scored 94-96 will be listed next week. The symbol K means the wine is kosher.

Carmel Winery
  Single, Shiraz Single Vineyard, Kayoumi Upper Galilee 2008 (K)
  Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee 2008 (K)
  Mediterranean, 2008 (K)
  Limited Edition, Upper Galilee, 2007 (K)
  Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Single Vineyard, Sha'al Golan, 2009 (K)

Castel Winery
  Chardonnay "C", Blanc de Castel, 2008 (K)
  Grand Vin Castel, 2008 (K)
  Petit Castel, 2008 (K)
 
Clos de Gat - Syrah, Har'El, 2008

Dalton - Matatia, 2008 (K)

Flam - Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2008

Golan Heights Winery
  Katzrin, 2007 (K)
  Syrah, Ortal Vineyardm Yarden, 2007 (K)
  Cabernet Sauvignon, El Rom Vineyard, Yarden, 2007 (K)
 
Margalit - Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

Pelter
  Petit Verdot, T-Selection, 2008
  Cabernet Sauvignon, T-Selection, 2006
 
Racanati - Special Reserve, 2006 (K)

Yatir
  Yatir Forest, 2007 (K)
  Shiraz, 2007 (K)

For complete infoirmation on Israel's wineries and wines, do buy Rogov's book.

NO MORE EXCUSES FOR MODEST DEDICATED EXERCISERS

  

 The new running/exercise skirt from KOSHER CASUAL just took away your last excuse for not getting out there and exercising. The amazing polyamide Lycra skirt with built in leggings will have you feeling and looking great every step of the way.

The leggings skirt ismade from 88% polyamide/12% Lycra for the most comfortable and modest running, swimming, aerobic, walking skirt ever.

Or, if you want to go very lightweight, then go for the exercise skirt  without the leggings underneath. Get the same amazing fabric and cut, but without the extra layering.

Also available is the 7/8 length legging capris with 10% Lycra. The super stretchy and super soft leggings will be the most versatile item in your closet. Available in both girls and women's sizes in both black and charcoal.

 

EARN COMMISSIONS FOR YOUR SCHOOL

Kosher Kasual is affiliated with many schools and organizations and offers commission sharing programs with them. To find out more for your organization, make contact at info@koshercasual.com.