The other side of Israel

(Part 1)

TEL AVIV — Israel is a country of great biblical stories, pilgrimages, gastronomic Kosher cuisine and technology. In the world of Christianity, it’s popularly known as the “Holy Land,” and proof to this are the hundreds of thousands that flock yearly to this sacred landscape, home to more than eight million people.

Though unknown yet in the world of global fashion, a breed of designers and brands is creating a growing style scene of forward fashion. Welcome to a world wherein the old and new come together creating various point of view but with a unified voice for the future. In the last decades, chic hit the Holy Land with the rise of these names that are putting Israel on the fashion map.

Elisha Abargel

Leading the current generation of fashion movers in Israel is multi-awarded designer Elisha Abargel, who is the current toast of Tel Aviv.  A graduate of Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, he recently showcased his new collection in Gindi TLV Fashion Week.

Elisha’s aesthetics showcase contemporary design in modern day wear. A fusion of sportswear and tailoring, his on-the-radar pieces comparatively equal runway pieces of top international designer brands. His fashion-forward designs define the practicality of form and function from runway to reality.

(For more information, visit www.elisha-abargel.com.)

Golan Taub

Graduating from the esteemed Shenkar Tel-Aviv School of Fashion, Golan created Taub, a young accessories brand that creates style-forward designs with strong feminine aesthetics interpreted in a whimsical point of view. Bold colors play in distinct combinations showcasing eye-catching statements of contemporary fashion. Unique totes, cross-body bags, clutches and key chains display an impeccable attention to detailing, flawless craftsmanship and high-quality leather that echo the nowness of modern day luxury.

Before venturing into his own business, the designer had work experience with renowned brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Jonathan Saunders in London.

(Visit www.golantaub.com or @taubofficial on Instagram.)

Eden Saadon

Textile and 3D lace designer Eden Saadon’s artistic expression is through the power of the pen. While finishing her studies in textile design at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, she became fascinated with a 3D drawing pen. From there, her whole process of creation began by producing fabric structures made of yarn. Creativity runs wild as the designer explored various techniques such as weaving, flatting and knitting to produce his outstanding pieces. Each 3D masterpiece makes the fabric itself without stitches and the garment takes the body shape in the drawing process and is custom-made for a person.

In her latest collection, the creative genius draws on a garment by hand using a 3D pen to create undergarments called Flexy Black.

(Visit www.3dlace.com.)

Yael Keila Sagi

Fashion is all about the bold and beautiful. For this artist, making statement jewelry has been style setting her career even before graduating from the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. Due to high demand of her ingenious talent, what started as something for fun by playing with materials ended up opening a business in 2012 and a brand with her name on it. Her purist aesthetic champions contemporary design as it combines classical crafting with modern and industrial minimalism to create fashion. Today, her body of work goes beyond jewelry as it has transcended into art and modern clothing as well.

(Check out www.yaelkeilasagi.com.)

(For more information, call the Israel Ministry of Tourism at 883-9550, e-mail Marketing-ph@goisrael.gov.il or visit www.goisrael.com.)