Designist Dream

Hooray for Election Day in the States! I can’t remember an election day - or even campaign - has been this electrifying for ex-pats abroad. I can only imagine how incredibly exciting things are over there in the US. It’s historic. It’s epic. I think the inspiration is infectious - in fact, it’s getting my creative juices back in gear. And I hope it’s a big win for Obama - mostly because he means a big victory for everyone, especially the US.

And from the political, I’ll segue into the visual with Yanga Bags. I saw their amazing tote, shoulder and hand bags a few weeks ago while shopping in Tel Aviv. I had never heard of them before and was taken immediately by the interesting shapes they designed, layers of beautifully textured fabrics, and overall construction. The bags were both practical and sensual. Looking at their website, their pictures don’t seem to do their bags justice. But the cool thing is that you can customize your own, ideal, bag through their website (Hebrew only) or in-store on Diezengoff Street in Tel Aviv.

Everything from the shape to the straps, embellishment (satin strip or ribbon trim where applicable) and lining fabric is for your (s)election. Reasonably priced too - considering it’s exactly what you want - prices are upwards of 200 NIS - an especially lovely option for those of us who prefer fabric bags to leather and don’t want to sacrifice quality or style. And my shoulder bag in ‘08 vote goes to the top left ‘Skirt’ bag in a black Damask-like fabric with purple trim.

Here’s to hoping all our dreams come true with Obama as President in 2008!