Designist Dream

Designist shouts out a big welcome to the Middle Eastern blogging block to new eco-informed blog Green Prophet by blogger Karin Kloosterman. Karin is a contributor to blogs Treehugger and Carbon Copy and a writer for the Jerusalem Post. She also seems to have her ear to the ground because her posts are incredibly informed and updated with the latest development in Israel’s environmental policies and action. So check it out to learn more about how the Holy Land is working to replace politics with pollution not only as the most pressing issue of our day but one that also requires our immediate attention.

On that note, doing her part is Israeli designer Ilanit Neutra who recycles inner tubes and tires into handmade, purses and wallets and other accessories like belts and sketchbook bindings. We all know that tires are an environmental nightmare but Neutra gives new purpose to the toxic tubes. Their texture and coloration – even after they’re been used – take center stage in a chic, black minimalist design and render each item unique. Consider the perfect shopping purse featured above. With zippers and interior pockets – also halfway down the outside – the chic design of the bag itself serves to magnify the beauty of the raw rubber (re)used. I was afraid the material would lend itself to a more manly aesthetic but the curves and delicate integration of the tire design, definitely leaves it feminine enough to go with a skirt or dress. Obviously not the floral or chiffon ones though. Perhaps the most important aspect to readers abroad is that they’re available through IDesign for purchase in the US! I know ‘going green’ is all the rage, but now you could look like you’re setting the trends, not just following them.

Update: Oy! I forgot to link to the Green Prophet! Please visit Karin and her informative blog here, here and here.