Textile Design Category
Shirly Rov | Chess Game Gone Wild!
Black and white. I think that my B&W obsession is in full force. Lately, while looking at my closet, I realized that this girl can’t have too many black pants and white tank tops. Trust me, it’s like a big chess game in my closet.
Anyways, when I bumped into textile goddess Shirly Rov’s black and white printed pillows the world paused for a second or two. I mean, how stunning are those prints?! It looks like Shirly had so much fun while composing all this oh-so-geometric beauty.
I think I’m in big big trouble. I want or better say need them all!

www.shirlyrov.com


Naama Hofman and Dikla Benari | Painting Like Light Objects
Today post is super bright and white-ish as we celebrate Shavuot.
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Naama Hofman, a girl who designs light objects, is on a roll. After designing the brilliant 005, 006 and 008 it was time to expand and test the boundaries a little more. And so, this time Naama collaborated with textile designer Dikla Benari and together they created the most amazing, painting like, light objects. I’m in love with the bright and sometimes happy splashes of color on the white surface and with Naama’s circled structure it’s truly one special artistic creation! FYI, this time it goes by the name 009. Duh!
www.naamahofman.com


Lee Schein | Blue Friday
I’m not really sure what I think about the color blue. I own one or two blueish pants but that’s about it. You know, I’m more of a yellow kind of gal. BUT, when Lee Schein told me about her oh-so-blue and fab brand new collection of felted necklaces, I knew I had to spread the word out there. Who knows, maybe the next step will be twisting Lee’s arm and make her make a yellow version of this extra special beaded necklaces. I have a feeling that Lee spent sooooooo much time making each and every bead that it’s almost outrageous! FYI, Lee is also one hell of an illustrator. I thought you’d like to refresh your memory ;)
www.leeschein.com

Dikla Levsky | Wear Your Art
Wherever I turn my head I see a crazy good textile designer who blows my mind. Just when I think I can’t find anyone who can top it, I find the next exciting designer (not that I’m complaining!).
Lately, thanks to the fab designer Mika Barr, I discovered one of her studio mates, Dikla Levsky and what a revelation it was! In her brand new Art to Wear collection, Dikla, uses her skills as a master of hand screen printing to bring to life the richest and most colorful scarfs. Oh… If you look closely you’ll find some breathtaking details…
{Photos by Michael Topyol}
You can get in touch with Dikla at:
diklalevsky {at} googlemail {dot} com


Student Break | Michal Fierstein | Woven Dreams
A collaboration between a huge company (aka Ikea) and one of the most exciting design departments in Israel (aka Shenkar’s Textile Design Department) can only mean heaven on earth! The 4th year students had to design “a big change at a small price” to make better everyday life for as many people around the world as possible. One of my absolute faves was Michal Fierstein and her two woven and hand painted crests. In Michal’s eyes, the mix between the traditional and modern techniques can be a bridge for lots of new ideas to invoke.
{Photos by Shacham Zaguri}
You can get in touch with Michal at:
fi.michal {at} googlemail {dot} com


One On One Break | Mika Barr | Love Me Some Textile Breeze

  • Geo Collection | Photo by Danielle Yashar
  • Pyramid | Photo by Danielle Yashar
  • Leaf Collection | Photo by Danielle Yashar
  • Geo Collection | Photo by Danielle Yashar
  • The lady behind these dreamy textiles | Photo by Daniel Tchetchik
I’ve been one of Mika Barr biggest fans since I first bumped into her graduation project back in 2009. And you know me, once I fall in love, it’s practically a love affair (exhibit a. exhibit b). Mika is one of these rare textile designers who know how to re-invent themselves time after time and each and every time the outcome is a textile piece of heaven! It was only a matter of time until I asked Mika to join me on my One On One Break. So… I’ll let Mika do the talking, you want to hear what she has to say… Lights. Camera. Action!

www.mikabarr.com
I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
I’m 29 y/o, born and raised in Israel (Ra’anana, to be precise). As a child I was exposed to a lot of art and at about 15 I realized that it affected me…
I Graduated my B.Design at the Shenkar College in 2009, later in mid 2010 moved to Milan, there I completed a post graduate course, that was followed by an internship at Material Connexion Milan (Milan’s material library). When I returned to Israel I started working independently.
MikaBarr
Where do you live, what do you like about it and how does it affect your creations?
I live in Ramat-Gan. I loooove the fact that it’s near the park (Hayarkon). I like that it’s super close to Tel-Aviv and that I have action and quiet, subjected to my choice. However I’m not that sure if it affects my creation. Maybe it’s just a reflection of the fact that I like cities, with a healthy balance of nature here and there.MikaBarr
What does a normal day in your life look like?
Well… I get up and from there it’s a mix of: COFFEE. food. studio. computer. screen-printing. errands. meetings. and at the end of it all I’m back home. You can mix the order and multiply some words but those are the common ingredients.MikaBarr
What are the advantages/disadvantages of being an Israeli based designer?
Advantages… ummm let me think… As much as I like Israel, I think it’s hard to be an independent designer around here. Having said that, I do have to admit that there is now a growing awareness to the importance of local design. We are starting to receive some support from funds that recognize that
young entrepreneurs and designers constitute a group by themselves, with specific needs and challenges. Other advantages are born of disadvantages – we don’t have any large scale manufacturers here, so we find our own resourceful, economic ways of self production. Necessity is the mother of invention, right?
MikaBarr
What makes you different from other Israeli designers?
I see my working with 3D soft surfaces as an aspect that individualizes me from other designers, not just Israeli. It also unifies me with others, because it’s a “hot” field of design these days.
Can you describe your work process for me?
It usually starts from an idea of trying something new in terms of material or pattern or a combination of the two. Then I start experimenting, and from there it takes on a life of its own…MikaBarr
As a textile designer, you often collaborate with other designers. What is it like and what do you look for in collaboration?
First of all, we need to have a good starting point in terms of communication. We need to respect each others point of view. I prefer to collaborate with designers that have skills or design characteristics different from mine, I think that’s what makes a good collaboration and can lead to great outcomes. Plus, it’s fun (!!!)MikaBarr
Is there anything in particular that fuels your creativity as a designer?
For me it’s all about nature and it’s flowers and plants.
Also a good magazine can be a creativity booster.
MikaBarr
Which place in the world most inspires you and why?
The Milan design scene is definitely an inspiration, but I like to go every once in a while to Gan HaSlaim (Rock Garden), One of the special gardens in Ganei Yehoshua (Park Hayarkon). I find that there is something magical in that hidden garden.MikaBarr
Could you share with us your progression as a designer, compared to when you first started out, how have you changed since then?
I have grown as a person as well as a designer since I graduated.
As an independent person, I learned that you have to also know how to explain and market yourself. My design process has become more focused and “down to earth”. Even if I am making a piece for an exhibition, I still try to be as efficient as I can.
MikaBarr
Are there any up and coming designers you admire?
I really like Patricia Urquiola but she’s not that up and coming… She practically rules Milan. I also like Cristian Zuzunaga, a great graphic/visual designer with a distinguished language. And I also like Raw Edges, they are wonderful!MikaBarr
What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting out?
That patience is the mother of all virtues.MikaBarr
What do you find most rewarding about your career?
That I create my day, everyday. Also, when I get good feedback from a customer on one of my products – that’s a really incredible feeling.MikaBarr
At the age of 20, what did you think you were going to do “as a grown up” – where do you see yourself in the future? Has your dream come true already?
I’m definitely living my dream everyday. Of course I don’t feel that I’m “there” yet, but it’s really great working everyday in order to “make it”. Who knows, maybe it will always feel like I’m not “there” yet… that’s why I appreciate what I do each and every day and try to enjoy (or at least appreciate) the difficult parts as well.
The funny thing is that at age 20 (after the mandatory military service), I had a short period in which I thought to approach design as a hobby and to go study advertisement …
I’m so happy I didn’t!
MikaBarr
And finally, please share with us something nobody knows about you.
Well, some people do know that but it’s time to share it with the rest of the world – I have strong groupie tendencies and I absolutely adore Berry Sakharof (!!!)MikaBarr

Student Break | Mor Levy | Textile Extravaganza
It all began when Mor Levy played with transparent sellotape and the texture of her fingers were imprinted into it. We all did that at one point or another, the only difference is that in Mor’s case it turned out to be a textile extravaganza! She created sculptural textile objects that are weaved as a whole object while using rubber threads, polyester, cotton and linen. The only smart thing that I can say right now is that we all need a lot more of this Introspection! FYI, Mor is a 2012 graduate out of the Textile Design Department at the Shenkar College.
{Photos by Noa Kedmi}

cargocollective.com/morloi


World Break | Karen Barbé | Chilean Pattern
Back in 2008 Karen Barbé played with the idea of designing her very own pattern inspired by the Copihue, which is also known as Chilean Bellflower and as a national emblem. Fast forward to 2012 and Karen is launching her own Copihue totes, tea towels and kitchen aprons. Karen’s pattern has the most beautiful mix of colors (and it’s nothing like the traditional designs)!
It’s the most amazing feeling to be able to join the ride from the starting point until the end result!
{This is a Chilean Break}

www.karenbarbe.com


World Break | ALL Knitwear | Illustrated Sweater
When I first bumped into Annie Larso‘s colorful playground, I was convinced that she is an illustrator. Little did I know that this wicked lady knits sweaters and hats for a living! AND if I want to be precise: “Each piece is designed, knit, and assembled by Annie on a Brother KH-965i knitting machine” which means it’s all about one of a kind pieces and if you ask me, it looks like art. I’d leave it just the way it is with the box and everything as a collector piece! I can’t believe this is the first time I’m hearing about this rad designer and it is too good to pass!
{DesignBreak found Annie here}
{Photos by Aaron Wojack}
www.allforeveryone.com


Tamar Branitzky | Flowered Scarves

After falling head over heels with Tamar Branitzky’s Stained Journey scarves collection, I had to check what’s new in her textile heaven and… she didn’t let me down! Tamar continues her journey with the blooming Flowered Journey. The inspiration behind it was “a beautiful bridal Bouquet left on a shelf and observed how the natural dehydration process is slowly taking place, shrinking the flowers to stage of decay.” It’s always exciting hearing a little bit more about the inspiration that led to the final product and with having said that, I can definitely imagine myself spicing things up with one of Tamar’s whimsical scarves.
www.tamarbranitzky.com

Mayka | The Queen of Prints
For the past six years Makya is doing her thing in London Town and there is no way she is going to slow down any time soon. Her S/S 2013 INpRINT is a collection of mad prints, that has been out since September (my bad!) and as we speak she is working her magic on a brand new Light Up the World collection!
One thing is certain, you won’t be invisible with Mayka’s show stoppers. I should take some confidence lessons from this fearless designer, who knows how to dream big and live big!
{Photos by Dave Wise}

www.lovemayka.com


Pro-Ducks | Sitting on A Chocolate Banana Cloud
Not so long ago I interviewed Gil Sheffi and Yoav Avinoam for the Jerusalem Post and since then I keep coming back to their Pro-Ducks kingdom, as these two create even in their sleep. I guess this is the only way to explain everything that’s going on over there. While interviewing them, they showed me some images of Poli, their new lounge chair. It was created in collaboration with one of my all time favorite textile designers Mika Barr, which I wrote about more than once. I feel like this threesome is meant to be and I have a feeling that a few more pretty, origami like creations are in the making.
www.pro-ducks.com


World Break | Sian Thomas | Happy Patterns
Do you remember my One On One Break with Sian Thomas? I must admit that I fell hard for the vibrant world of this beautiful lady!
Sian knows what needs to be done in order for the world to see her super fun and colorful creations (she is everywhere!). And when I say creations, I’m mostly talking about her brilliant patterns, now turned into home accessories, from pillows to tea towels to wallpapers.
When you look at her patters there is no way you won’t be smiling from ear to ear. How can you not, it’s the happiest creation ever!
{This is a British World Break}
www.sianelin.com


Lee Coren | A Pattern of a City
I’m not really sure where I first bumped into Lee Coren’s beautiful scarves, but as I can feel the autumn breeze starting, it’s time to start thinking about expending my scarf collection (hope the Mr. won’t read this specific line!). Lee’s Exformation – Local Environment project, and her adaptation to local icons in typical Israeli cities, were the base of her screen printed scarves. Curved window bars, white plastic shutters and mailboxes are the inspiration behind all these mysterious prints.
BTW, as I have some well known issues with bags, I had to share with you Lee’s dark and night time vibe bag as well.
www.leecoren.com


Student Break | Shira Galon | Blue Horizon
I don’t understand much about fashion but if there is something I can appreciate is the mad talent these young designers hold within them!
Shira Galon and her “Flat Nature” collection, was and still is one of those designers, who made me miss a beat. She wanted to explore the dialogue between form, print and two and three dimensions. And so she decided to use the Japanese Kimono with it’s natural prints as her starting point… You need to take a much closer look at her prints… They are BREATHTAKING!
BTW, Shira is a 2012 graduate of the Shenkar College.
{Photos by Asaf Einy}
wix.com/shiragalon


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