One On One Break | DesignBreak

One On One Break Category

One On One Break | Liebling Shoes | Rock Star Duo

|June 1, 2011

Oh my… I can’t stress enough how long I’ve been waiting for this post to air… Karni and Lior, the duo behind Liebling, are like an extended family here at DesignBreak ;)
For their 2011 Summer Collection, I was lucky enough to get a closer look into their creative processes and more…
So, here comes one of my personal favorite One On One Breaks!
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Oh… I forgot to mention I really don’t take their stunning catalog for granted.
{Photos by Kfir Bolotin}

www.liebling-shoes.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	Actually, we both came from different backgrounds. Lior studied at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design and Karni studied art and building preservation. We both were drawn to the fashion industry but were unsure which path to follow. We both ended up in shoe design studies, where we met. At first, we shared a studio and worked separately on our individual collections. Working side by side led us to understand that we work even better together. After joining forces, we created “Liebling” which means “my darling” in German.	Liebling
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	Designing shoes is a very long and complicated process. Sometimes the first prototype we create looks nothing like the one that we decide to manufacture. There are a lot of decisions to be made: which mold to use, the heel height, the soles, the color of the zipper. If we’re not 100% satisfied with one of the models, it never gets manufactured. The best moment is when you get a finished prototype and you just know… It’s a winner :)	Liebling
	I’d love to here about your collaboration, how does it work and who does what?
	The design process is very dynamic. Sometimes Karni takes charge and sometimes Lior takes the handles. The bottom line is that we both agree on the final design before it is complete.	Liebling
	Which materials do you work with?
	We only work with high quality leather. We import most of it ourselves so we can keep our unique color palate.	Liebling
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	We participated in an original project by “The Marker” magazine. As part of the project we created our own version to the havaianas flip-flops, incorporating the infinity sign into it. It was a great adventure. “I (Lior) designed the National Chinese weather broadcast. Really, in my last metamorphosis as a graphic designer and I also did a TV ad for adult diapers, that never aired for some reason.”	Liebling
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	We just launched our summer collection and we’re already working on the fall-winter line. We have a lot of international customers, buying on-line, through our website. We would really love to start selling properly in Europe and in the US.	Liebling
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	This summer collection was inspired by the French Vacance. We found Karni’s Aunt old photos from her summer vacations in the french Riviera. The photos fading colors found their way into the collection, a mix of warm shades of red orange and yellow. In general, our work is inspired by contemporary design and architecture. We would rather look for inspiration in good graphic design work or in some beautiful detail in a building than in the latest fashion runway.	Liebling
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	The Japanese architect Toyo Ito, Charles and Ray Eames and Narciso Rodriguez but it changes all the time.	Liebling
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	DesignBreak, naturally :) We love blogs that are thought provoking. We look in Dezeen which always gives inspiration, and we also like The Cherry Blossom Girl but we also love Bakerella, a sweet cake blog.	Liebling
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do?
	It has been quite hectic these past few years so we cherish every extra hour we can get. We would probably spend it with our partners and loved ones which we hardly get to see. Sleep. Exercise. Hopefully nothing work related…	Liebling
	And finally, What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	“Yoga is not a competition” ;)	Liebling

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Leather, Shoes | 3 Comments.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Noa Himelfarb for the DMH

|May 19, 2011

So… Do you remember Noa Himelfarb?
Well, lately I interviewed her for the Design Museum Holon Magazine.
You can read my “Do It Yourself” interview right here. Noa shared some behind the scenes insight which I found quite interesting.
Hope you like it as much as I did.

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: 2010 Graduates, Bezalel, Interview | No Comments.

One On One Break | Olive Thomas | Stitching and Dreaming

|May 5, 2011

Olive Thomas. Any idea who she is? Well… Maya Levi, the gal behind the brand gave me the short version but here you can read the long one.
Maya is one of the nicest and the sweetest designers out there. She has an amazing ability to sweep a girl off her feet and get you immersed in the story behind her shoes. I didn’t want you to miss it so I decided to share with you bits of her journey.
Before you jump into this inspirational story, visit Olive Thomas’s Summer 2011 catalog.
{Photos by Dror Ben Naftaly}

www.olive-thomas.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I decided to study Industrial design while I was living in London. I was looking for a course in photography and stumbled upon a course in Industrial design, which sounded interesting. I ended up doing an Industrial Design degree back in Israel at Hadassah College in Jerusalem. Funnily enough it was the wish to design shoes that got me hooked, though somewhere along the three-year degree I forgot that. It was only when I completed my degree and looking for a direction that I returned to footwear-design.	MayaLevi
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	I start with a point of inspiration. It’s usually something abstract that becomes concrete in my prototypes. I research my inspiration, find an element the interests me and then translate the element into a pair of shoes. The different materials also have an important part in the end result. A model can be inspired by a particular last (a block or form shaped like a human foot and used in making or repairing shoes), or some unusual leather. Once I have my initial sketches I’ll build up a collection according to different “needs”- open or closed shoes, heels or flats, casual or elegant, with the hope that every customer can build her own “shoe-closet”. Development includes a number of prototypes until I reach the final model, at which point the production will start.	MayaLevi
	Which materials do you work with?
	The shoes are made of leather, however a shoe is made up from soles and heels and of course the last- all of which give the shoe its character. The materials offered in Israel don’t always satisfy my needs, in which case I’ll travel to Turkey or to Italy to find alternatives.	MayaLevi
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	During my studies at Akiles, I designed two pair of shoes made from wire – one showing the course of the ball in a basketball game, and the other in a tennis game.	MayaLevi
	What was the inspiration behind your 2011 Spring/Summer collection?
	A book I found at my parents house. It’s a souvenir from the days when girls studied “housekeeping” called “The Complete Guide to Sewing”. The graphics of the book are amazing. From there I continued to Burda magazines and world of stiches’ dressmaking and patterns. For example, “Mor” my take on the classic ballerina, is decorated with stiches resembling the markings for different sizes found in dressmaking patterns.	MayaLevi
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I started Olive Thomas three years ago because I wanted to provide an alternative in the local shoe market. My dream is to be able to give this alternative to as many people as possible. And to do a second degree at the Royal Collage of Arts, London (Central St Martins will do too :)	MayaLevi
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	I’m inspired by all the different areas of design: graphic design, architecture, fashion, industrial design and art. I’m especially inspired by points of interaction- between people, materials, even buildings.	MayaLevi
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	Proenza Schouler- Every collection I’m amazed by their ability to be so completely accurate, despite the inspiring amount of details in each garment, shoe or bag (one day I will own a PS1). I also admire Julia Lundsten and her label Finsk. She has a very unique voice and yet manages to make trendy, fashionable shoes.	MayaLevi
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	Nowness.com, Trendland.net- an inspiring source of art and design from around the world and Refinery29 for my fashion up-dates. I also really enjoyed Nekudot, Yaara Keydar’s blog, but unfortunaly she hasn’t written for a while.	MayaLevi
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do?
	I’d like to say do something productive, but I’d probably end up catching up on some much needed sleep!	MayaLevi

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Handmade, Leather, Shoes | No Comments.

One On One Break | Michal Farago | Ceramic Mind

|April 24, 2011

I’ve been looking for a way to get in touch with the ceramist behind the Handy Nut for quite some time with no luck, but then… I got an email from Michal Farago… the lady herself (I’m sure you guessed it by now) and I couldn’t be happier! Immediately I seized the moment and made her take part in my One On One Break ;)
Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
BTW, you get a sneak peek at Michal’s graduation project!
You will also get to see the final creation this summer. Stay tuned.
You can get in touch with Michal here: kiltbanana {at} gmail {dot} com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	My relationship with the art\design world had never begun, it was always there. There wasn’t any certain point where I said to myself ‘this is it’, it was always clear to me that that is what I will do, It didn’t feel like I had any choice. I think that one of my major decisions had to be going to study at the ceramic design department. I was actually really into fashion and while making my portfolio for Bezalel I came across this material and I just felt for it. I feel my journey is still at it’s beginning. I’m at my final year at the Bezalel academy, and my final project feels to me like the first big step of this journey.	MichalFarago
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	My process is pretty hectic, after deciding on the main concept of the project, I usually go through a number of sleepless nights in which I start researching, develop my idea and usually doing more writing and less sketching. I start model making in an early stage, I prefer doing mock ups over sketching; it gives me more information and gets the process going.	MichalFarago
	Which materials do you work with?
	As you can guess, I’m really into ceramics. Ceramics is one word for many materials, it gives you endless possibilities and being the technology freak that I am, I really have lots of fun with it. I do work with other materials like wood, plastic, metals and so on.	MichalFarago
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	Well, the most unusual piece I did is definitely what I’m working on now, my final project. I’m working on sponge structured porcelain bodies. The sponge modeling gives me a chance to create a new esthetic for porcelain and it gives me so much freedom, shape wise.	MichalFarago
	Can you share a glimpse into your graduation project?
	I wish I could ;) My graduation project is in the making. All I can say is that it’s going to be very innovative by it’s tactility and it will be very surprising in its form, especially for porcelain objects. You are invited to come and see it on the next Bezalel graduate exhibition.	MichalFarago

	What’s next? What is your dream?
	my dream is to find a cooperative multidisciplinary studio with a team of designers that will fertilize, teach and inspire each other but will work separately. Other than that I’d like to go on studying and get a master’s degree.	MichalFarago
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	My inspiration comes from many sources. Sometimes I get my inspiration from the workshop process or the material itself, I’m trying to stretch the limits of it and still make it work. Other times I get it from my wonderful homeboys at studio blitzkrieg.	MichalFarago
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	At the moment I’m taken by Jaime Hayon’s work, his works for Lladró are stunning. Also I’m a big fan of dutch designer Marije Vogelzang. I find her work fun, exciting, experimental and bold. Another one of my favorites is Maarten Baas, his smoke collection is great and his clay furniture collection is just fun. Another one is Hella Jongerius which needs no introduction. I could go on and on, but I guess I’ll finish with a couple local studios, Reddish – Design Studio which I love, it looks like they are having fun and I guess that’s what it’s all about. And another one is fashion designer Elinor Zilberman who’s better known as Evil I, her street wear collection is pretty sweet.	MichalFarago
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	I check in regularly to Designboom, Dezeen, Core77, MoCo Loco and Slipcast, which is a blog about ceramics.	MichalFarago
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	The best advice I ever got was “Anything’s possible”. I know it’s kind of cliché but if someone like Mr. Yehuda Koren says it toe me then it’s a whole different story. Yehuda was teaching the ceramic technology class at Bezalel, he is the most dedicated teacher I had ever had, always willing to help and always smiling.	MichalFarago
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Wax my legs, seriously.	MichalFarago
	And finally, please do share something random or quirky about yourself!
	Well, as the small girl that I am, I have quite the muscles. I won an arm wrestling match against one of my adult male friends, whose name will be kept classified ;) I beat him 2 out of 3 times!	MichalFarago

in Ceramics, Israeli Designer, One On One Break, StudentBreak | Tags: Bezalel, Home Decor, Porcelain | No Comments.

One On One Break | Mal Bags | Bags. No Need To Add A Single Word

|April 3, 2011

When you have the chance to get inside one of your favorite designers’ mind and find out more about her, it’s priceless! There are no words to describe my feelings when I get to spend time with my Mal Bags. I’m like a kid in a candy store. Mali’s “Close to the body” 2011 spring collection is the perfect time for a One On One Break with this special lady.
Mali Rokach Danai, take it away ;)

www.malbags.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	After finishing my design studies at the Accademia Italiana in Rome, I cam back to Israel and studied architecture for five years. My thesis work focused on the “inner garden”, which characterizes the overall vision of the “middle space”.	MaliRokach
	Why did you decide to design bags?
	I find my design processes as a continuation to my thesis. I define a bag as a transition space where the woman carries her personal belongings: transition between the woman’s private space and the outside world. It’s not only bridges over places, but also over styles and states of mind. It becomes a personal posession which will accompany its owner for the years to come.	MaliRokach
	What led you to start your own label?
	Like all good things in life, even my love affair with leather began accidentally in 2002. I went into a furniture store in order to collect leather leftovers from the upholsterer and started binding various products such as diaries, phone books which I made as gifts for friends. Then, without any expectations, I went with these product a well known store in Tel Aviv and introduced the products to them and the rest is an history. All these unique products, which were created by me one by one in my home, sold in surprising quantities and from there the way into expanding the product line and spreading into other shops was a short ride.	MaliRokach
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	I’m inspired by the world of architecture. You can say that I’m a magazine junkie cause I have subscriptions to many architectural magazines from around the world and it definitely has a massive influence on my designs. I enjoy the unpretentious architecture. For me, the beauty is hidden in the simplicity of everyday life. I don’t appreciate busy or over decorated designs and it translates directly to the process of my design and the bags themselves.	MaliRokach
	What was the concept behind your spring collection?
	I decided to name my collection “Close to the body”. The concept for this collection was anti – design, almost an unsensed sophistication, invisible even. There is a raw beauty in the items, not pretending and based on the paucity of the material itself.	MaliRokach
	And what about the inspiration for this collection?
	I drew inspiration for this collection out of industrial aesthetics and the basic packing methods. This along with the motifs of the Japanese art of folding paper, origami. I sculpted the leather into a bag or purse and added only the necessary details, nothing more. Other than that, the natural colors palette is a reference to the nude human body.	MaliRokach
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I don’t have big dreams when it comes to professional aspect because I believe that things happen when the right time comes, I believe in slow and steady growth and I have lots of patience. Where I got and all I have is above and beyond what I have ever expected. Really, I didn’t think I would get to this point where I run a successful business which has two stores (the third is on the way) and sale all over the US, not to mention in the store of the SFMOMA Store and in the well known ABC Home in New York City.	MaliRokach
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I have a close friend, who is also a designer and from time to time we brainstorm together. Whenever we sit together and start talking about design and fashion, I get a burst of inspiration and all I want to do is start sketching. BTW, Her name is Luci David and she is amazing and talented all at once.	MaliRokach
	Can you tell me which websites and blogs do you visit regularly?
	One of my favorite blogs is The Sartorialist. Other then than, I visit from time to time some Israeli blogs such as Nekudot by Yaara Keydar, Schiller’s Blog by Yael Schiller and DesignBreak by Einat Kayless Argaman ;) I think you all do a wonderful job.	MaliRokach

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Bags, Body, Leather | 1 Comment.

One On One Break | Romi Hefetz | Spins It!

|March 22, 2011

I can’t explain how excited I was when I first realized that the lady behind “Romi Ceramics” is actually Romi Hefetz, a native Israeli, who now lives in Long Island City, New York.
Romi’s ceramics have a certain flow to them. It feels like a magic hand danced it’s way to create a smooth vase… And these bold colors… I just love them!
So… there is no other way than to have Romi as my next One On One Break.
BTW, her Etsy Shop is just a click away.

www.romiceramics.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	While studying Product Design at Parson School of Design, I took a ceramics class with Marek Cecula, who was one of the most inspirational teachers I’ve had. I ended up taking this class again and again. After working as a product designer for about a year and a half, I realized how much I miss working with my hands. I started by renting a space at a communal ceramic studio, and working in the evening and over the weekend. A couple of years later I decided to do it full time. What has always attracted me in the slip casting process is that it encompasses both the hands-on craftsmanship quality as well as the production line aspect, which requires thinking of how to reproduce each piece, and adds another challenging tier to the design process.	RomiHefetz
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	I usually start by deciding which kind of product I want to make, and continue with free sketching whatever comes to my mind. When I’m happy with one of the ideas, I usually elaborate on it a bit further, to make sure I arrive at a shape that is both visually pleasing and can be produced. Then comes the production stage, in which I figure out the best way to make the model and which materials would be used for it. And then, making the mold and start casting…	RomiHefetz
	Which materials do you work with?
	I work with porcelain slip, which I sometimes mix with different stains. I like the bone-like matte finish of the porcelain itself, so I usually don’t glaze the external surface of my pieces in order to preserve the quality of the bare porcelain. All of my pieces are glazed on the inside though. And I also use plaster to make the molds. Other than that I use various materials to create the original models from which I make the mold. These can include paper, plaster, clay, plastic etc.	RomiHefetz
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	It was a project I called Puccino that I worked on at Parsons. It was a coffee set in which all the pieces had a double wall. The idea was to eliminate the handles, while still being able to hold the cups, when filled with hot liquid. The molds for this design were very complicated to make, as well as casting the actual pieces.	RomiHefetz

	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I would love to expend my business without loosing the “hand-made by me” aspect of it. I have more ideas that I would like to explore and produce, and it would be great to have a business that is big enough to allow keeping a steady production line, while introducing new products every season.	RomiHefetz
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	This is a very difficult question to answer, I think. It is impossible for me to separate between which is a source of inspiration and which is not. My inspiration can derive from seeing an exhibition, from watching a great film, from having a conversation with someone smart, from cooking a delightful dish, from just taking a walk or going camping, or from any other daily activity. It is really about being receptive at a certain moment, in my opinion.	RomiHefetz
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	In no particular order: Gio Ponti, Joe Colombo, Isamu Noguchi, Ingo Maurer, Josef Hoffmann, Picasso, Alexander Calder, Castiglioni, etc etc…	RomiHefetz
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	I can’t think of one piece of advice that has changed my life. As long as I meet interesting smart people along the way, read good books and just absorb the world around me as much as I can, I’m bound to be given many many good advices.	RomiHefetz
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	I wish I could have an extra hour every day! I would probably use it differently every time. One day I would take advantage of it to accomplish some studio tasks that I never get the time to do, another day I would just read a good book and relax and on another I would probably go to see an art show…	RomiHefetz

in Ceramics, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Etsy, Porcelain, Salt Shaker, Vase | No Comments.

One On One Break | Me-Dusa | Under The Sea

|March 15, 2011

Gili Rozin and Adi Singfer are working in full gear! The two graduated two years ago and since then they are unstoppable.
A while back I wrote about them but I felt like I need to know more about these driven ladies. Their ever growing collection of bags, jewelery and laptop cases is a sea of color, fun and madness.
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BTW, the girls of DreedTea.com had a Me-Dusa party. Don’t miss it. It’s lots of plastic fun ;)

www.me-dusa.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	Me-Dusa is a new brand that we founded in 2009 after graduating from the Jewelry Design Department at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. Our mutual work began from friendship during our studies and led us to try and work together in the last year. It turned out to be a success when we became finalists in the ITS#8 competition in Triest, Italy, in the final year of our degree. At the end of our studding it was only natural that we will start working together.	MeDusa
	Can you describe your work process?
	The items are all handmade from processed plastic, through an industrial technique that is not traditionally used for jewelry and accessories. The process from it’s begging to it’s end takes place in Israel and the designer takes part in every step.	MeDusa
	I’d love to here about your medusa collaboration. How does it work and who does what?
	In every good collaboration, we think, every one contributes the best way he can. In Me-Dusa we work on the design part together and the rest of the things that need to be done we split between the two of us. For Me-dusa to work well it takes the two of us, we are very different and this is what makes Me-dusa.	MeDusa
	Which materials do you work with?
	Plastic which is processed by us and metal parts.	MeDusa
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	We have a good friend who is a singer performing in Israel around the world, she asked us to make her special accessories for her show. It was this big necklace\top that covered all the top part of her body. It was colorful and original. just what she needed for a special show.	MeDusa
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	That question is in our minds all the time… We hope to develop as a brand, that will be seen all over the world. We have several new bags and have many ideas for more, and maybe even do accessories for the house, furniture and more…	MeDusa
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Go outside, see people, look for new ideas and inspiration.	MeDusa
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	Our inspiration comes from a rich world of imagination. The items feature floral elements, amorphous shapes and a unique sense of textile, nature and the sea.	MeDusa
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	AlexanderMcQueen, Hussein Chalayan, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte and many many more.	MeDusa
	Can you tell me which websites and blogs do you visit regularly?
	NotCouture, The Cool Hunter/Fashion, Jak&Jil Blog and many many more.	MeDusa
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	Don’t take advice from strangers!!!	MeDusa

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Bags, Case, Jewelry, Plastic, Shenkar | 1 Comment.

One On One Break | Atara de Lange | Rubber World

|March 8, 2011

One of my first posts I ever wrote was about the work of art by the extraordinarily Atara de Lange.
Have you ever thought about knitting with rubber? Well, I sure didn’t until I first stumbled upon her one of a kind creations.
Since then, Atara got bigger and better than ever!
Join me for a One On One Break with this unique lady.

www.ataradl.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I am a textiles and fashion designer. I knit accessoires from eleastic thread. Since I designed my graduation project at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, I’ve been working and experimenting with elastic threads.	Atara
	How is it like working with a rubber?
	Knitting rubber requires special tools. I use special knitting needles made out of wood in various sizes. The naked rubber is a natural material, produced by the rubber tree and it deteriorates as time passes. My items are handmade and one of a kind.	Atara
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	In my eyes, all of my designs are unusual. At the moment they are being sold in museum shops around the US. The fact that my designs are being sold at the MoMA Store in New York, is a great honor for me.	Atara
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I hope and dream that all of this will go on and develop into something bigger.	Atara
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	If I could have an extra hour, I would definitely do some yoga.	Atara
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	My inspiration comes from within and also by working and playing with different materials.	Atara
	Can you tell me which websites and blogs do you visit regularly?
	I have to admit that I don’t spend too much time on blogs and various websites.	Atara

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Knitting, Rubber | No Comments.

One On One Break | Lucca | Noa Luria | Shoes For The Road

|February 24, 2011

It’s no secret that I’m a bit crazy when it comes to my shoe collection. After closely following Noa Luria’s “Lucca” it was time for me to get some answers from the lady whom I can’t get enough of her creations. I’ve written about her line not once but twice, so I decided it’s time for a One On One Break.

www.luccashoes.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I started my professional education in art and design studies at he H.I.T. Holon Institute of Technology and then continued with shoe design studies at Achilles. After I graduated from Achilles, I started working on a pair of boots in order to learn and understand the working process from the sketch to the final production. In the summer of 2008 I founded my own brand and started working under the name “Lucca”. My first model was a pair of flip flops with textile elastic bands in various colors. The responses from costumers were great. After this experience I decided to make my first handcrafted leather collection. Since then I keep on doing so every season.	NoaLuria
	Can you describe your work process?
	when I start my design process I usually have a main idea about how I want my collection to feel and look like. This idea can be abstract or a figurativ image that will be translated into a sketch. This transition from an idea to a shoe and the figurativ research is the most fascinating part in the design process.	NoaLuria
	Which materials do you work with?
	Leather is the main material that I work with. Recently I started combining textile and industrial materials and would like to use any material that will agree to become a shoe.	NoaLuria
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	My Disco Shoes. Those shoes may not be the most exceptional, but they are definitely one of my favorites, especially since they represents the way I see my self as a designer.	NoaLuria
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	My dream is to continue developing and improving my visual language in order to become a better designer, and by doing so I will be able to expand my shoe brand.	NoaLuria
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	If I had an extra hour during the day I would use it for day dreaming.	NoaLuria
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	As children we imagine ourselves as grownups: how will we look like? what will we do? where will we work? who will we marry? We all have ambitions and desires for our future, but in real life, we don’t necessarily pursue or reach those dreams. This gap that exists between fantasy and reality is my constant place of search and inspiration.	NoaLuria
	Can you tell me which websites and blogs do you visit regularly?
	One of my favorite blogs is The Street Walker. It’s a wonderful and energetic blog and it has links to similar websites all over the world. This is as close as a virtual travel can get to a real one.	NoaLuria
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	“All you shoe designers look the same”. That was the sentence I heard right after my first collection was done. This sentence is not precisely true but it is definitely a reminder to always look for my own voice and visual language. I carry this sentence with me till this day and always try to examine my work, try to be aware and look for ways to differentiate my designs. I check every model in the collection as an individual and also as part of the collection.	NoaLuria

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Leather, Shoes | 2 Comments.

One On One Break | Oded Arama | Put Yourself In His Shoes

|February 7, 2011

I’m inspired by driven people and with this guy, I guess it’s an understatement!
Oded Arama looks like the guy who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it, full speed. That’s why this time my One On One Break is extra special to me. The fact that at this moment Oded designs only men shoes makes me love him even more. We need men like him around here!
That doesn’t mean I won’t look for his creations for women.
His blog and Etsy shop are just a mouse click away.

www.so-arama.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I guess I have always been drawn to shoes. Starting at the age of 5 when I first watched a short TV film about the industrial shoemaking process. I always found the way a shoe is made to be magical. The way a piece of fine leather, an insole, a shank and beautiful sole can transform into a gorgeous 3d object. Beautiful to view on it’s own and even more on the wearer. A shoe can transform a look from casual to elegant in seconds, as well as our posture and walk. Years later, as I was about to obtain my BDes in Fashion Design at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, I was working with a shoemaker in Tel Aviv to help me create the shoes for my womenswear collection. I was absolutely amazed by the creative process for the shoes and its beautiful outcome and just had the feeling it was only the beginning of something much greater. Months later I travelled to London for a very exciting internship in fashion studio Preen, where I had the privilege of being part of the creative process for the 2009 spring/summer collection. Later that summer, I applied for a footwear diploma at Cordwainers College which is one of London College of Fashion schools. I had an amazing experience learning the craft of shoemaking where legends such as Georgina Goodman, Rupert Sanderson, Nicholas Kirkwood and Jimmy Choo made their first steps in the footwear arena. Finally, I realized my dream – opening a luxury footwear brand for men, based in the city of Tel Aviv.	OdedArama
	Can you describe your work process?
	My work varies from design aspects to manufacture, distribution and PR. The design process is very long and rewarding at the same time. It would either begin with a sketch, a photo or a piece of material I simply go crazy for. Next, I would copy the design’s lines to the last that seems to be the most suitable for my design. I would forward it to my pattern-maker for the first pattern. Then I would proceed to work with my manufacturer, doing as many samples as it takes to make my visual dreams come true (this process usually takes 1-2 months). I tend to create the samples and then make up my mind which ones are the strongest one to be part of the actual collection.	OdedArama
	Which materials do you work with?
	Since I have Graduated my BA in Fashion Design at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, I believe I have gained a strong knowledge and openness towards different sorts of materials. Therefore, I like using anything from amazing moire taffeta fabric to genuine black calf leather. My soles are all leather, which makes them very comfortable and breathable.	OdedArama
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	While studying at London College of Fashion I have designed a black square-toe shoe with a very unusual leather sole unit, that looked amazing with a unique silhouette.	OdedArama
	Do you think you will ever design women shoes?
	It’s actually “in the making”, but that’s all I can say for the time being…	OdedArama
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I have lots of dreams and ideas.I would like to expand my collections in the upcoming future, establish international selling points and open a cozy boutique in Tel Aviv. I love collaborations and so I would love to collaborate with other artists and designers to create interesting projects together.	OdedArama
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Probably a lot! Even though life has a tendency to have you make the most of less time. It’s all about time management!	OdedArama
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	I believe I am like a vessel filled with different sorts of visual beauties that attracts me. Each time I design I would reach to something that “feels right” and that would be the starting point, and later things would evolve further on… I admire photography art by Man Ray, abstract paintings by Gerhard Richter, music by Bjork and Tori Amos and the beauty of organic shapes in nature.	OdedArama
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I admire the late New Yorker footwear designer Beth Levine for her amazing creations. I am inspired by the work of the late French designer Madeleine Vionnet for her views about the design process and timeless design signature.	OdedArama
	What about some websites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	I really like checking stumbleupon.com, where I always find interesting things happening. I also like The Shoe Snob, a very interesting blog by a young footwear designer living in the U.K.	OdedArama
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	I don’t believe there is such a thing as “best advice”. I learn new things everyday from people around me: family, friends, colleagues and clients. I would say the most important thing is to be open-minded to the world around you.	OdedArama

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Etsy, Leather, Men, Shoes | No Comments.

One On One Break | Kobi Levi | A Sculpture To Wear

|January 13, 2011

Today is the opening day of “Walkable”, a retrospective of Kobi Levi’s work. His designs are all over the blogosphere these days so I’m honored Kobi took the time to answer my questions.
You can watch an Hebrew friendly interview with him (click it anyway, you’ll get a sneak peek at his studio).
Kobi’s creations at his blog are just around the corner.
You can get in touch with Kobi here:
kobilvi {at} 012 {dot} net {dot} il

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I’ve always liked shoes as an artistic object as well as a fashion accessory. I find shoes more interesting than clothes since they have a life of their own. I started to design shoes when I was in high school, but was making cardboard models then… I pursued my passion at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, studying jewelry and accessories design. After my graduation, I also put a lot of effort to learn a lot of techniques to help me develop my ideas into actual shoes.	KobiLevi
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	An idea can just “pop up” and I keep thinking about it until I decide to start developing it. Or, I choose a theme and start my visual research for related images. I start with 2D sketches, from various angles, then, if it feels right I continue to make a 3D model that will develop into a first real pair.	KobiLevi
	Which materials do you work with?
	I “let” the idea decide which materials will work best. I like to work with various materials, traditional like leather and textile to others like wood, plastics, metal etc’…	KobiLevi
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	Well, I think I’m pushing the limit with each new design… that keeps things more interesting… I’m working on a new piece that I think is the most unusual so far…still a secret. You’ll see…	KobiLevi
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I hope this artistic line will grow more, also the commercial line I’m working on, “Shoola”, women’s fashion shoes.	KobiLevi
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	More designs… Yes… Workaholic… But it is fun when it is about creation.	KobiLevi
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	Literally everywhere and everything, from images I choose to situations that “hint” a design… I like to design with things that are not common as an inspiration or maybe take a “common” theme and design with it in a totally different way.	KobiLevi
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I like things from various people as I look at the creations more than the name. To name a few, I like Alexander Macqueen and Vivienne westwood. I find their work exciting with their own unique “signature”.	KobiLevi
	What about some websites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	Virtual Shoe Museum is a great website with a huge shoe images collection and DesignBoom is another website that showcase interesting shoe design.	KobiLevi
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	I think the best one was to “just do what you believe in and feel that it’s good”. Not to hesitate, just go for it and see, why not?!	KobiLevi

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Handmade, Sculpture, Shoes | 1 Comment.

One On One Break | Koto Handbags | Bag Crush

|October 26, 2010

As I mentioned lately, my bag obsession is out of control. I’m trying to calm things down but when I come across a drop dead gorgeous office bag there is nothing I can really do about it.
Tali Huldai and Amir Levin are the two designers behind “Koto Handbags” and after viewing their new collection I just had to dig in a bit more.
BTW, love the fresh and unique layout of the brand. Well done guys!

www.kotodesign.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	Following my gradation from the H.I.T. Holon Institute of Technology as well as graduating from ARS school in Milan (shoes and bags design), it became clear to me that what I want most was to set up a design studio for hand bags. My partnership with Amir was the result of a natural process, and after four years of mutual study we set out on a long and complicated journey. It first began in a production process in Turkey, followed by visits to exhibitions in Italy which led to our understanding that controlling the process of production must take place in Israel. Today, most of the material are imported from Italy but production is carried out under strict inspection in Israel.	KotoDesign
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	The onset of our initiative starts with an idea, followed by sketches and 3D designs using computer applications together with the process of choosing materials. I believe that the designing process is a kind of a circle that begins with an idea and ends with a final product which corresponds to the idea. I must admit that gaining experience has shortened the process as reality and marketing dictate to a large extent the process of designing. It is important to note that within the existing data we are still trying to maintain a particularly personal language without being too much influenced by changing trends. Our motto in designing bags centers around elements of timelessness that are very similar to the design of Eames chairs.	KotoDesign
	I�d love to here about your koto collaboration. How does it work and who does what?
	By nature, Amir is a graphic designer who is charge of the graphic, the logo and the like. I am mostly involved in marketing our final products. However, we share full cooperation in our work at the studio, especially in designing and development.	KotoDesign
	Which materials do you work with?
	Mostly with different kinds of leather.	KotoDesign
	What�s next? What is your dream?
	To dream is a positive way of living!!!	KotoDesign
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	Almost everything that we come across becomes a sort of inspiration, consciously and unconsciously. I believe that whenever a new process of designing begins, a new kind of inspiration emerges.	KotoDesign
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I am basically affected by the Bauhaus school of design. We both believe that the combination of cleanliness and simplicity evokes perfection and harmony.	KotoDesign
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	The truth is we are not the �wandering� type, when it comes to surfing the web, we get the handbag.com and Net-A-Porter newsletters and most of the time don�t even open them because we don�t have enough time. We admit we are less fashion and more industrial design and architecture oriented. One of our favorite websites is The Selby.	KotoDesign

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Bags, Design Studio, Leather | No Comments.

One On One Break | Shiri Avda | Bed Time Stories

|October 16, 2010

I’m gonna wrap up this week with a special treat, a One On One Break with the talented Shiri Avda.
It’s no secret that I have a thing for typography, therefore Shiri’s creations made me fall in love…
Dig in to shiri’s world of inspiration. Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
You can get in touch with Shiri here:
shiriavda {at} gmail {dot} com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I have always loved art and fashion but never thought of it as a profession. Actually I studied law at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and really enjoyed it. I was sure I found my direction in life but my plans changed soon enough. During my internship I realized that I didn’t enjoy office job, the lack of personal expression and the manual aspect of things. After working for 11 months as a lawyer I decided to leave, I just couldn’t bring myself to go to work. The decision to leave was easy, but I didn’t know exactly what my backup plan would be. Then one morning I just got up with the clear understanding that I want to study jewelry design. Once this decision fell, everything followed naturally.	Shiri
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	I realized that there is a need for a work process only during my studies at Shenkar college of engineering and design. At the beginning I was wrong to think the immediate realization of my initial idea is the beginning and the end of the work. I thought my goal was to perfect the idea in my head and then execute it at once. During that time my designs were very preliminary and undeveloped. Then I realized that the freedom to play with the material, try different compositions, evolve from sketch to sketch and not be afraid to make mistakes, enriched my work and brought me to places I could’t even imagine. My mental process of liberation from the responsibility of the end result and letting myself make mistakes was very hard for me, and it was the turning point that enhanced the quality of my work.	Shiri
	Which materials do you work with?
	For me, each material is a good candidate. Once you start to process the material, it can reach very interesting and surprising places. I have created jewelry using a combination of classic materials such as metal, semiprecious, precious stones, enamel etc. But for me, the most interesting outcome was when I combined materials such as canvas, nylon, pantyhose, plastic or even rubber. In my graduation project I worked with old books, both as a source of ideological inspiration and as a raw material. I spent days and days researching the book as I made countless attempts during which I discovered there is no limit to the amount of products and configurations that can be derived from them. I’m sure I would continue to experience with this material in the future.	Shiri
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	When I turn to design a new item I try to keep an open mind and not fall to conventions. It is hard to say what is the most unusual item I created, since at the end of the day, when the design is done ,it always seems to me quite “normal” although not always everyone agrees with me. Now, for example it seems quite natural to me to wear a jewelry that is made out of old book pages, and only 5 years ago I would have thought it as far fetched.	Shiri

	What�s next? What is your dream?
	I can say happily that my career change worked out well. I love the world of design and jewelry and I wish myself to continue to design and produce. At this moment I don’t have a definite direction but I am on this exciting phase in which everything is open and I have the privilege to choose which way want to turn… Only time will tell.	Shiri
	I�m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	For me, Inspiration can come from anything and anywhere at any moment. It is usually some sort of object, image or text that catches my eye. If it doesn’t come naturally, you can always go look for it, the world is full of inspiration and you only need to open your eyes and embrace it. It is usually something less tangible and more of a feeling or an atmosphere that I try to pass on along with my interpretation accompanied by material, color and shape.	Shiri
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	My artistic endeavor began with painting and therefore I was inspired by various painters like Gauguin and Van Gogh. When I got older, I was fascinated by fashion designers like John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and many more. To this day I watch religiously after Fashion Week online. Recently I stumbled upon �20? a traveling exhibition by Maison Martin Margiela and was really excited about their unique concepts. When it comes to jewelry design, I love Tone Vigeland and luxury jewelry from the Art Deco and many other young designers working with unconventional materials.	Shiri
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	I’m addicted to web design sites, especially fashion sites, street fashion photography and modern jewelry. My favorite site is style.com and then in no particular order: klimt02.net, Charon Kransen Art, The sartorialist and many others.	Shiri

in Fashion, One On One Break, StudentBreak | Tags: Accessories, books, Jewelry, Shenkar, Typography | Comments Off.

One On One Break | Inbal Ithachi | Get inside her creative mind

|October 3, 2010

It’s been a while since my last One On One Break, but I’m sure it was worth the wait.
I first ran into Inbal’s “Jewel for a button” about a year ago and tried to find her everywhere. Well, I guess Inbal sensed it ’cause a few weeks ago she wrote me an email and you can imagine how excited I was.
For me, Inbal got the right mix with her clean geometric lines and her love for textile, fashion and architecture.

www.inbalithachi.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	Since I can remember, I liked to collect different materials and articles, and create something new out of them. I can remember the first time I entered into Shenkar college of engineering and design, I walked through the hallways and saw studios filled with machines and students working, and I know that this is the place I want to study at. I studied 4 years in the jewelry design department, 4 years of creativity, many interesting projects in which I made use of different materials, sometimes from other fields of design. What intrigues me most in jewelry design is the connection jewelry has to the body. To me, a jewel is a kind of an art-piece, intended for a specific area in the body, something between small scale architecture and body sculpturing. Upon completion of my bachelor studies at Shenkar, I started my master in design at the prestigious Creative academy in Milano, Italy. The studies there were a great experience for me, I was exposed to old traditions and techniques, used at luxury designs brands. During the program I designed products for luxury brands such as Cartier, Piaget, Chloe, Mont-blanc and Lancel. As part of my bachelor and masters studies, I was an intern at a fashion jewelry company in New York, and as a designer at Lancel in Paris. My current work combines aspects from the worlds of textile, fashion, architecture, and jewelry design.	Inbal
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	My work process can have different starting points, in some cases the process begins with the material itself, I find a material that inspires or fascinates me and I start to test its boundaries, from there the work begins. In other cases, I start from the place in the body to which the jewel will belong. I conduct a shape, material and visual research, then the piece of work will go through several steps until I feel it is complete.	Inbal
	Which materials do you work with?
	I usually work with soft materials, different kinds of fabric and leather, materials that I transform through different sets of processes. What inspires me the most is the interaction between a soft material such as fabric, and a hard material, like metal. The balance and combination between them intrigues me.	Inbal
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	I designed a skirt on which I hand-stitched 200 wires in a grid shape which allowed the fabric to have movement and sculpture-like qualities.	Inbal

	What’s next? What is your dream?
	Since returning to Isreal from my masters in Milano, I have participated in a show at Periscope gallery in Tel-Aviv and in the 2010 Israeli jewelry biennale. I am currently working on my first independent collection which will soon be on sale. My dream is that my designs will get to and touch many people, that my pieces will allow people to think different and to see a different point of view.	Inbal
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	As a designer I am open to many areas of interests. My inspiration comes from different and diverse fields: a dance show I have seen, a book I had read, a trip to somewhere, some special food and etc. I like to take inspiration from one area to another, for example I took the elements I saw in passion fruit and designed a set of jewels using those values.	Inbal
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	There are too many, among them are: Coco Chanel, Issey Miyake and Victor & Rolf.	Inbal
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	I visit a variety of sites, some of them are design brands, some are independent blogs: yatzer, style.com, Hermes and Creature Comforts Blog.	Inbal

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Button, Jewelry, Shenkar, Textile | No Comments.

One On One Break | Shankabanka | Shany Harary

|July 11, 2010

When I see a design for the first time, especially if I don’t know the designer, I get butterflies and I must find everything I can about it. This is what happened to me when I saw Shany’s prints for the first time. My investigation started with her Sense Of Fashion page and the rest is history… Her color aesthetics and smart prints make me love her “Shankabanka” line even more. I like it when designers don’t treat children as children but as small adults.
I’m so happy to share with you Shany’s behind the scenes ;)
You can get in touch with Shany here:
shanyharary2000 {at} yahoo {dot} com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I initially planned an academic career in literature. After the army I went to Rome to study English literature at la Sapienza University of Rome. Why Rome? Because that’s what I felt like doing at the time, and when you’re 20 you do what you feel like doing. Life as a poor student forces me (and in hindsight I am thankful for this) to ‘make do’ with second-hand items. Rummaging through markets and stores selling second-hand clothes, of which Rome is plentiful, quickly became an inseparable part of my life and with time I started altering clothes, joining parts of clothes and doing stuff, which I did not know at the time, was in fact customizing. When I received a sewing machine as a gift I started making clothes and bags from anything sewable, for myself and for friends. I started studying fashion and costume at accademia di costume e moda and at the same time my daughter was born. After two years at the academy I returned to Israel, and continued my studies at Shenkar’s Textile Design Department, where I specialized in printing and weaving. During one of the first semester breaks I participated in the T-Market and sold singlets for children and women, some of which I sewed myself and the others I bought and dyed, and added embroidery and buttons. I branded them “Shankabanka”, a name my husband came up with spontaneously when he installed Photoshop on my computer years ago. The demanding studies at Shenkar left me little spare time to develop the brand but from time to time I made a small amount of items and sold them or gave them away, mostly to friends and acquaintances. Until about six months ago I worked as a textile designer for the Carousella design house in Tel Aviv. Working there taught me a lot about quality work, smart management in the industry and guts. Since leaving Carousella, I have been dedicating myself to “Shankabanka”.	Shany
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	Since all my work is hand-made and each item receives “personal treatment”, I create small series of singlets, shirts, bags and accessories by topic, for example, “animals”, “space”, “circles”, “field”. For each topic I select images and print or sew them. Choosing the topics is pretty intuitive and hard to reconstruct, but I will try: It can be a photo I saw in a newspaper, a book I’m reading, a child I saw on the street, a combination of colors I noticed. The ideas mix in my head and somehow, in a way that still seems to me as wondrous, they are eventually translated to a shape and image. One of the most exciting moments at work is searching for the composition. I have been working lately a lot on pair compositions. I make sure that I enjoy working and I do not get bored, because it is clear to me that whatever bores me will also bore the client. If I notice any boredom, I stop and do something else. I dye my products myself and print them using stamps or stencils that I cut myself or have cut by laser according to my own design, using nets (silk screen printing) or objects such as sponges that can be used for printing. Sometimes, instead of printing I sew onto the products, or use a textile marker or embroidery. Sometimes the basic dye is interesting and I don’t feel like hiding it, so I don’t add anything. I try to work with materials that are “friendly” to the customer and the environment, that are not toxic (very important in baby clothes). I want the product to be pleasant and cozy for the customer. “Shankabanka” is primarily for children, but due to demand, I design small quantities for women. I think choosing to focus on children’s products comes from the biological characteristic of “cuteness”, typical of small things: they are attractive, charming and seductive (my daughter is very pleased with this!) However, it is important for me to maintain a high level of sophistication, and use designs that are not too childish or ingratiating, but rather exciting and intelligent.	Shany
	Who is your ideal costumer?
	My designs are intended for customers looking for quality and uniqueness, who are excited about small details and who are willing to dress their child, for example, in a gray singlet with black spots, or a baby girl with a leotard that has fighter planes printed on it. I find that my clients have a sense of humor and very inquisitive and open attitude to fashion and design.	Shany
	What’s next? What is your dream?
	Regarding my future plans, over the past few months I have developed work and friendship relations with several Tel Aviv boutiques that sell Shankabanka items. I plan to open a studio-store in the city where I can work on new products and meet clients. I have no interest in being present in all the possible children’s stores, but to remain exclusive and maintain a context that goes with my designs, regarding style and prices. With regards to dreams: they are many, they are vague, secret and grandiose. At this stage I prefer to keep them to myself.	Shany
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	I have many cultural sources of inspiration, not all of them are necessarily from the world of design or fashion. I think that the combination of all of them together creates my personal style: messy, refined, wild and intimate.	Shany
	I’d love to hear which web sites and blogs do you visit regularly?
	Milk Magazine, Oh Joy, and La Garconne.	Shany