Designist Dream

Many of you have been asking about Israeli fashion, and I’ve been trying to figure out how to summarize or explain, so hopefully an alternating fashion-focused Friday posting (with general design Friday photos) will help start to formulate some sort of general picture. The only problem will be that many of the designers seen on Israel’s streets and fashionistas do not seem to have websites. Even if they have one in Hebrew, I’ll be happy to link to it. But sometimes a few pics will be all that’s possible to capture.

That said, enter Israeli fashion favorite Sigal Dekel. Although her website is under construction there are plenty of images on the page to give you an idea of her newest collection. My favorite is featured top left. I also love her colors this season - plum, forest green, orange, brown and always black. Very Fall inspired - ironic considering the lack of foliage in these desert parts. The overall look is very trendy although certain pieces can be picked out to match with more basics - like tailored black pants, white button downs or grey tweed blazers - to update your wardrobe this season. In each collection, Dekel - who has received some of Israel’s top designer honors and recently opened a NY studio - creates a sporty, classic and avant-garde line.

I personally like the more retro and classic pieces rather than the very trendy 80s look now being sold and seen. I think back to what I wore in the 80s - big splatter paint tees, tied up into knots or bunched over a big thick belt, and all atop black leggings with bunched up socks and hand-crafted Keds - and forgive myself because I was all of 12. Now in my 30s, long tees with leggings and anything bunched up or one-shouldered looks downright ridiculous. So if I were to shop this season at Sigal Dekel I’d have to stick to her dresses which seem capture a modern femininity that’s romantic without being too frilly or too tight. And I would steer very clear of the MC Hammer looking black and silver shiny pants!