Photo: Isri Halpern. Design: Menusi-Benoish. Styling: Nurit Bat-Yaar

Photo: Isri Halpern. Design: Menusi-Benoish. Styling: Nurit Bat-Yaar
All Photos & contents in this blog are protected by copyrights.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Israeli Fashion from "Israel Fashion Art" book in British & U.S.A Web-Magazines

A Silvia Vered design in a Ido Lavie photo exclusive for "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar.

Hi, The fact that Israeli fashion and creativity has a lot to offer internationally has been
proven time and again when world fashion icons such as Jacky Kenedy Onassis, Princess
Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Sarah Jessica Parker and many others had worn gowns, beachwear,
leather wear, and accessories designed by Israelis. This is all discussed in my album-book
 "Israel Fashion Art"   "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
both in a chapter devoted to the subject as well as in relevant fashion concepts chapters.
This is one of the reasons I would like to interest an overseas publisher who would help bring
this coffee table book of mine to international crowd of fashionistas and culture and art lovers. 
Hence, I was very happy to discover that awarness of the book had reached an English and an American web magazines this week. My thanks for this goes to Anna la Germaine

of the London based Fashion Politics magazine: Israel Fashion-Art Book by Nurit Bat-Yaar Fashion Politics
http://www.f-politics.com/
who published part of the interview about the book (which was originally done by Daina Ryan Reed and Sonya Golod of http://dreedtea.com/giveaway-israeli-fashion-art-coffee-table-book.html ) providing its readers with the option to go to Dreedtea and read the article in full and view all the images included in it.

Thanks very much also to Benjamin Ivry of The Jewish Daily Forward. In his book report there named: Israeli Fashionistas in Under 500 Years – The Arty Semite – Forward ... in which he discussed
another book by Anat Helman he refered to "Israel Fashion Art" as well writing: "

A useful complement to Helman’s historical reflections is the lavishly illustrated book by Nurit Bat-Yaar, Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008 out last year from Resling Publishers, Tel Aviv. Former longtime fashion editor of the Yedioth Aharonot daily"...

In addition to that, Benjamin Ivry provides his readers with two video recordings of  Television  interviews about "Israel Fashion Art" (which he must have picked in U Tube) in which I'm discussing the book with Liat Regev of Channel 1 and with Moshe Datz of Channel 2.

To see the above please click: http://blogs.forward.com/the-arty-semite/148632/

Thanks so  much!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art" Album-Book offered by DreedTea.com as a Holiday Gift

An article about "Israel Fashion Art" album-book at dreedtea.com website published today.
Hi, This week my album-book "Israel Fashion Art"  "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" enjoyed two different kinds of exposure. In the beginning of the week it was recommended by Nansi Brandes who hosted a panel discussion in the Moshe Sharet Hall of the municipality of Petach-Tikva. The panel included singer Miri Aloni, T.V. director Nurit Keidar, fashion designer Sasson Kedem, pasta producer chef Moshe Barel and physician author Dr. Dina Eisen. Each one was interviewed by the musician and humorist host Nansi Brandes about his profession/book and Miri Aloni sang some of her lovely hits. It was fun dear Nansi. Thank you very much.

Today, an interview Sonya Godol and Daina Reed-Eiland conducted with me was published in the dreedtea.com website at:
http://dreedtea.com/giveaway-israeli-fashion-art-coffee-table-book.html
It includes quite a number of striking images from the book as well as Yuli Ziv's of http://www.myitthings.com/ quote defining the book as "The first ever Israeli fashion Bible". Thank you very much dear Daina and Sonya. I appreciate it very much.

dreedtea is also offering a copy of the book as a Hanuka gift to whomever of its readers will win it
in the raffle they are holding. So, if you don't have the book yet or if you would like to get an
additional copy as a holiday gift for your dear ones this is your chance to win a free copy. Good Luck and Happy Holiday!!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Many Thanks to "Israel Fashion Art" Album Book's 2,222 Fans


An 1989 hat-mask by Yaron Minkowski exclusive to "Israel fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar.
Photo: Gadi Dagon. Styling: N. Bat-Yaar


Italian top fashion designer Roberto Cavalli leafing through "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar. Photo: Eliran Avital. TLV FW Nov.2011 

Hi, one of the most glamoros and exciting moments of TLV Fashion Week (initiated and produced by visionary Motty Reif and Ofir Lev) our first in the 21st century, was the visit of top Italian designer Roberto Cavalli who restaged his s/s 2012 collection in Tel Aviv. The press conference he held prior to his striking catwalk show was an opportunity for me to present the designer with my album-book "Israel Fashion Art" called in Hebrew:  "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
I gave it to him not only because it summarizes 60 years of creative Israeli fashion but also as a token of appreciation for his creative co-operation with several Israeli fashion designers. A co-operation manifested in the book via three images of outfits designed for him by Israelis. Thanking me, the charming TLV FW's guest of honor kindly said that he would surly get some ideas from the many full-color photos of the book.

Quite a number of Israelis also shared with me the fact that they were inspired by the book and I would like to take this opportunity of the book's fans club @ link:
  reaching 2,222 members to thank from the depth of my heart Zohar Shitrit, a photografic instructor who wrote to me:
"The book is astonishing, it helps me in my teaching and it provides me with fantastic inspiration." Designers Yosef Perets and Mark Goldenberg for writing: "The book is excellent".  Journalist
Chen Dagan for writing: "The styling of the images intoxicates the senses, its beauty is dazzling, one can feel your artistic eye and your great love of fashion..." and all the other book fans who were kind enough to share with me their enthusiastic responses quoted here.

This is the 15th bunch of responses to the book I'm uploading. The previous ones were posted on Oct. 3 2011, on Feb, 20, 2010,on Aug, 3, 2010, on Aug, 13, 2010, on Sept. 16, 2010, on Oct. 6, 2010, on Oct.23, 2010, on Nov. 26, 2010 ,on Dec. 16, 2010, on Jan.2, 2011, on March 16, 2011, on May 20 2011 on June 27, 2011 and on Aug. 1, 2011 posts.

Responses from the Academy were posted on (May 3, 2010 ), Museum Curators (July 18, 2010), and the Press (June 16, 2010) .
Shimon Peres, Israel's President's so highly appreciated, heart-warming response was posted on Oct. 15, 2010.


לילי לנדאו Lili Landau, FB. July 11, 2011
שמחה להצטרף למועדון נהניתי מכל רגע ספר מדהים!!!

זוהר שיטרית Zohar Shitrit, Photography teacher. July11, 2011
הספר מדהים אני מעביר הרצאות על צילום אופנה והוא עוזר לי המון ומהווה השראה נהדרת.

לאה זיכרמן רוצ'ין Leah Zicherman Rochine, FB. July 9, 2011
נורית שבוע טוב! ברכות על ספרך המרשים, בהצלחה.

מרק גולדנברג Mark Goldenberg, Shenkar's 2011 award winner. July 18, 2011

בהחלט ספר מצויין!

יוסף פרץ July,25, 2011 fashion designer Yosef Peretz

ספר מצויין.

לאה גלובוס Lea Globus, wife of film magnate Yoram Globus, July28, 2011
נורית יקרה . ממהרת לרכוש את הספר המומלץ ומוערך שלך

דניאל אסייאג Daniel Assayag, Shenkar textile student, July29,2011

"נורית , ספרך הוא חובה על כל מדף של מעצב אופנה וטקסטיל בארצנו"‏

תלמה מן Talma Mann ,author Lihi Lapid's mother, July 30, 2011
לכבוד לי-ספרך המרתק מונח דרך קבע על שולחן הסלון שלי בבית וכל מי שנכנס מדפדף ומוקסם

ארז דה דרזנר Erez Da Drezner, FB. Aug. 4, 2011

: ‏"קראתי את הספר , ספרך הוא התנך״ של אופנה צמרמורת עלתה בי שראיתי את תמונות של ארכיון מעבר פשוט מדהים הספר התרשמתי מאוד "

צאלה הילרוביץ FB. Aug.13, 2011 Ze'ella Hilerowicz
הצטרפתי לעמוד :) ובהזדמנות זו אומר לך תודה ענקית על הספר המרתק, שכל כך נהנתי לקרוא וכמובן למדתי המון בזכותו! צאלה

חן דגן Chen Dagan, Salona journalist FB. Aug.20, 2011

‏"נורית, יש כאן סטיילינג מעלף חושים, יופי מסנוור, עין אמנותית ואהבה גדולה לאופנה. כמי שעוסקת בעיצוב בעצמה אני יכולה לחתום על כך שכל תמונה כאן ראויה לדאבל אקסטרה לייק. תודה ששיתפת - חן דגן


אורית לבה Orit Laba, FB. Aug. 22,2011
הי נורית, יש לי את הספר שכרון העיצובים, לדעתי הוא חובה לכל תעשיית האופנה. העבר היה מדהים ונותרו זיכרונות מתוקים.. כל הכבוד על כתיבתך ספר זה

דבורה נבו Dvora Nevo, FB. Sept.1, 2011

נורית, כחובבת עיצוב ואופנה, מכירה את הספר ומעריצה אותך על פרויקט מדהים! ‬

שושי לרון Shoshi Laron, FB. Sept. 4, 2011

הי נורית, זכיתי לעיין באופן מעמיק, בספר. הספר מרשים מאד מבחינה עיצובית, אך יותר מכל פותח פתח להבנה מעמיקה ומעניינת בנושא. ישר כוח.

רונית אדלר Ronit Adler, Export Institue manager of marketing & buisiness develop. Sept. 7, 2011

הי נורית,אני רואה את הספר, והוא יפיפה.משקף את כל ההיסטוריה של האופנה הישראלית. ספר מדהים.כל הכבוד !בברכת שנה טובה, רונית אדלר


קניית בגדים מחול Sept. 10, 2011 FB
..ראיתי את הספר זה פרוייקט מעולה ויפה שההוצאה רסלינג עזרו להוציאו. אז כל הכבוד, שנה טובה ואיך אומרים - כתבת "תולדות" ישראל.. עכשיו - העולם? אני לא מכיר ספר טוב בעברית על תולדות האופנה בעולם או לפחות בעולם המערבי.. כל טוב..‬

Monday, November 28, 2011

Coins - From 1968 Fashion week to TLV's 2012 FW & "Israel Fashion Art" Book.

Dorit Bar Or, "Dodo". Photo: Avi Valdman
TLV Fashion Week for s/s 2012

Tel Aviv Fashion Week organised and produced by fashion shows' director and TV producer Motty Reif and by Ophir Lev of the Israeli Textile and Fashion Association brough an air of glam to the country's cultural capital last week. Guest of honor Roberto Cavalli showed his s/s 2012 fabulous collection and fashion reporters from the international arena arrived to cover 16 fashion shows of local Israeli designers. One of the new designers who inaugurated her catwalk experience during the TLV FW was Dorit Bar-Or of "Dodo". Bar-Or was also one of the few designers whose collection was inspired by Israel's cultural heritage. Her main motive being golden coins - she concluded her show with a short performance by a profesional belly dancer.

All this brought to mind my album-book "Israel Fashion Art"  "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
and its chapter: "Coins - from Mobile bank to the Sexiest Sight on the Beachfront". In this chapter I trace the source of the use of the coins element in clothing from the times coins were integrated in Yemenite womens' hoods and in Beduine women's veils to whom they served as a means of survival till modern times in which they are used as a purely decorative element.

The use of coins in modern day Israel had a special significance. If I may quote my own words in my book: 'coins that turned up in archeological digs...exposed the biblical past and helped create a unifyng national identity for citizens of Israel who were gathered from exile, and also confirmed our ancient claim to the land of our fathers." Through the designs of Fini Leitersdorf of "Maskit" and her followers coins became one of the most exciting components of the new original Israeli style both as a unique, exotic ornament and as a medium that bridged the past and the present.
A 1968 Fini Leitersdorf creation for "Maskit". Photo (exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar): Peter Hertsog

Above, you can see the use of coins in a "Maskit" creation shown in 1968 Fashion Week. In some of my previous posts I've uploaded other coins images from "Israel Fashion Art" book such as the Yemenite coins hood worn by singer Ofra Haza (Nov. 9, 2010 post) and the 1997 red-carpet style coins gown of Shay Shalon (July 28, 2010 post). Dorit Bar-Or whose design image is at the top of this post manifests yet another exciting interpretation of the subject. In her design the element which corresponds with Israel's cultural heritage is combined with the current geometric trend which gives it a whole new perspective.

Dorit Bar-Or's finale, describes above, also corresponded with some the book's coins-chapter opening lines: "...there's nothing more intoxicating...than the site of gold coins twirling, glinting, delicately chiming, when they're wrapped around the silky curves of an exotic dancer."

Monday, November 7, 2011

Roberto Cavali, TLV Fashion Week & "Israel Fashion Art" Album-Book

The photo exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar shows 1973' Tamara Yovel Jones designs
for Roberto Cavali modeled by Tamara herself and former beauty queen Hava Levi

TLV's Fashion Week produced by Motty Reif in co-operation with Israel's Textile Association planned for later this month - will feature a special guest appearance of Italian designer Roberto Cavali. Cavali who would present his 2012 collection would give the event an exciting international touch. Few of the distinguished viewers of the TLV FW, among them fashion editors who are expected to arrive from abroad are aware of the long romance Cavali has with Israeli creativity.
But, in "Israel Fashion Art" "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" I devoted a whole chapter to the success stories of Israeli designers around the world one of which was that of Tamara Yovel Jones.
Tamara was actually the first Israeli fashion designer who was adopted by an overseas fashion house and this fashion house was Roberto Cavali's. "I always felt that I could work anywhere and by joining
Cavali I proved it", Tamara told me adding that "after starting to design for him in 1972 this fashion house more than doubled the demand for its outfits."
In the 1990's, she recommended to Cavali several of her Shenkar graduates. Among them were Victor (Vivi) Belaish, Alon Siman Tov, and Rotem Ram. The collections these three Israelis designed for Cavali were so unique and creative that during their time there the Cavali fashion house was referred to as the new Gaultier.

Friday, November 4, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art", Tel-Aviv Museum of Art, & Prof. Motty Omer.

"Israel Fashion Art" by Nurit Bat-Yaar book's jacket
Photo on left by Miri Davidovits. Author's portrait by Ron Kedmi.
Hi, the other day I was invited to the official openning of the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art's new extraordinary building in which eight diferent art exhibits opened simultaneously. It was quite a unique
experience architechtulary, artistically and socially. The museum's 6 new floors were overflowing
with art lovers of all ages and there were quite a number of fashionistas dressed in individualistic
looks expressing exciting personal styles.

Yet, in the midst of  all the excitement I couldn't help feeling sad that the person behind this initiative,
Prof. Motty Omer, General Manager and Chief curator of Tel-Aviv Museum Of Art wasn't there
to enjoy this great achievement of his. It was he who chose American architect Preston Scott to create this geometric structure regarded as part of the sercond wave of unique wow architecture after Farnk Gery's Bilbau's Guggenheim.

Unfortunately, Prof. Omer, passed away several months before the new structure was completed.
This was a very sad experience for me personally as well. About 3-4 months before Prof. Omer left for a better world - I met him at the opening of an art exhibit in one of the galleries of the old building. It was after my book "Israel Fashion Art"  "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" (Resling) came out and was sold in the Museum's lovely book and artifacts store.

Prof. Omer must have read the book and I can only assume that he was highly impressed by it, particularly by the chapters devoted to the love story between fashion and art and the dialogue between fashion and sculpture . Because, when he saw me at that opening at the gallery mentioned above - he told me: "It's about time we do something together". Since I very much wanted to curate a fashion exhibit as as continuation to the book, I replied: "בשמחה רבה" meaning "with great joy".

To emphasie his true intention Prof. Omer repeated his suggestion: "הגיע הזמן שנעשה משהו ביחד" and I,
in response, repeated my reply: "gladly, with great  joy". But, life apparently had other plans, as shortly afterword Prof. Omer had to be hospitalised, eventually leaving the mondane art world in order to perhaps meet in heaven art's greatest masters. May his soul rest in peace.

The new Tel-Aviv Museum structure inaugurated Nov.1,2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

Did "Israel Fashion Art" Album-Book by Nurit Bat-Yaar Inspire Paris' S/S 2012 catwalk?

Liza Boker fabric snake outfit in Avi Ganor's photo exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art"
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar, modeled by Tami Ben-Ami.

Hi, when prince charming, beloved Alber Albaz of Lanvin (who made the presigeous Time magazine's 100 List) kindly wrote an introduction to my album-book "Israel Fashion Art" "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" he concentrated on our very first encounter. It was before he had even registered for fashion studies at Shenkar. He was a soldier in charge of cultural affairs and approached me asking if I would agree to give a fashion lecture to some soldier girls within a small fashion show of Liza boker's designs. No wonder Boker, was Alber's choice. She was one of Israel's most creative fashion talents in the 1980s and was very highly regarded by Alber.

After viewing Lanvin's s/s 2012 magnificent show a couple of weeks ago - I couldn't stop thinking of
Elbaz's appreciation of her. The reason was Alber's stunning Svarovsky snake dresses design. Was Elbaz inspired by Boker's fabric snake design seen here above. By the idea of its swirling around the the model's body and neck? I believe so. Consciounsly or un-consciously seeing it and recalling it in "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" must have influenced his own very unique snake dresses designs.
And thus, I am happy to conclude that the historic album-book "Israel Fashion Art" had its share in inspiring Paris catwalks creations.


Alber Elbaz for Lanvin Paris s/s 2012 Photo curtsey of Style.com
This was not the first time Alber made references in his Lanvin's creations to his Israeli cultural hertigage. Another one was a collection he created from long strips of grosgrain ribbons which corresponded with a dress Maskit's Fini Leitersdorf designed for Golda Meir (for her meeting with Gana's President) from such ribbons during the Tsena period, when rationing policy made fabrics scarced and need became the mother of invention.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art" and the ATA exhibit.

The ATA Kova Tembel Hat from "Israel Fashion Art" album book by Nurit Bat-Yaar

This 1954 photo may not be a typical "Israel Fashion Art" "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" picture as the book concentrates on the creative and imaginative aspects of Israeli designs, yet it is included in it since it depicts the pioneers' garb made from sturdy ATA haky cotton and its most famous accessory the "kova tembel" hat. This hat became one of the typically Israeli head-cover in the early days of the state. It protected the heads of kibuts inhabitans, urban youth during their trips around the country, kids on the beach and workers in the fields. Along with the "biblical sandals" it became the symbol the the Tsabar born in the holly land.

The reason I'm showing it here at this time is an exhibit devoted to ATA at Museum Erets Israel which will open next week. ATA was the first and largest textile conglomorate in Israel. It was founded in the 1930' by the Muller family and specialised in quality cotton basics providing the British Army's uniforms, and Israel's need for haki working clothes used to build and protect the country. ATA's "presentor" was David Ben-Gurion himself whose haky's slacks and shirt helped him to express his ideology about the importance of creating new kibutsim and other settlements and protecting them and give up personal adornments in favour of public ideals.
Ben-Gurion with Itsak Rabin and Igaal Alon in ATA's haky uniforms in 1949 photo from "Israel Fashion Art" album-book.

At some point, ATA also offered embroidered Rubashka shirts which were worn by 1940' and 1950's youth on festive occasions. The hand-embroidered ones were supplied to the ATA stores by Rut Dayan who provided work to newcomer embroiderers. While at Maskit, Rut Dayan used ATA's cotton fabric for Maskit's less expensive printed dresses.  At Maskit, the fabrics were adorned with Maskit's typical Israeli colorful motives such as vineyard leafs, menoras, and Morocan ceramic inspired prints.
ATA was also an exporter that participated in the Israel Fashion Weeks held by the Export Institute. In the 1960' and in the 1970' the company hired fashion designers and tried to appeal to fashion-oriented men and women. However at that time most of its local clients were middle-aged men and women who remembered and appreciated the quality cotton outfits. The younger crowd prefered the boutiques' more swinging approach to fashion.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Dan Patir Salutes "Israel Fashion Art" Album-Book

A Yaron Minkowski hat-mask photo exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art" by Nurit Bat-Yaar.
 Photo: Gadi Dagon. Styling: Nurit Bat-Yaar.

Hi, I can't thank you enough for your appreciation of my book "Israel Fashion Art"
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל". After investing over seven years in the research behind this book
and pouring all my artistic know-how and sensitivities into the selection of its photos and into the creation of some of them - I am very grateful for getting your important responses, some in-person or by phone but most via this marvelous channel called FaceBook.

People like Yael and Dan Patir, former Press Attache in the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C, who told me that "the book is a masterpiece" and that they "salute" me "for creating it" definitely made my week. I was no less excited reading the accolades received by Adi Navon who wrote to me that it's "a marvelous book, the first Israeli one on the subject of fashion that was done in an ultimate professional manner, including a deep analysis, on a level parallel to that of the Taschen and the Victoria and Albert Museum books."

I was very happy to hear from: Sigal Henennson that she bought several copies of the book as gifts for her many fashion, art and textile fans' friends; from Keren Baruch that she is looking forward to getting the book now that she is moving up to her next position and leaving her present job since at the company she works at is giving the book as a parting gift; and from Jacko Gabay who is planning to give the book as a holiday present to the employees of his fashion chain stores.

I would also like to thank Gonen Nesher who wrote that "the book is one of the most fascinating he has seen in the past several years" and thanked me for "the exciting visual experience and reading" and to all the other fans whose lovely responses are attached here.

This is the 14th bunch of responses to the book I'm uploading. The previous ones were posted on Feb, 20, 2010, on Aug, 3, 2010, on Aug, 13, 2010, on Sept. 16, 2010, on Oct. 6, 2010, on Oct.23, 2010, on Nov. 26, 2010 ,on Dec. 16, 2010, on Jan.2, 2011, on March 16, 2011, on May 20, 2011, on June 27, 2011 and Aug. 1, 2011 posts.

Responses from the Academy were posted on (May 3, 2010 ), Museum Curators (July 18, 2010), and the Press (June 16, 2010) .


Shimon Peres, Israel's President's so highly appreciated, heart-warming response was posted on Oct. 15, 2010.

עדי נבון Adi Navon, FB. June 3,2011
ספר נהדר שקניתי בעודו חם עם ריח נייר גזור ודיו טרי, הספר הראשון בארץ בתחום שעשוי בצורה מקצועית לעילא כולל ניתוח מעמיק , ברמה של ספרי טאשן ו'ויקטוריה ואלברט' נמצא אצלי במקום של כבוד בספריה המקצועית

מריה אלפר Maria Elper, designer. June 5, 2011
"חובה בכל בית :)"

דרור כץ Dror Katz, Photographer. June 15, 2011
בטח, כבר יש לי את הספר המדהים הזה! כבר קיבלתי עותק ואני משוויץ בו כל הזמן (-:

עדה רפאלי Ada Refaeli, FB. June, 20, 2011
איזה יופי!!!סוף סוף ספר בנושא!למרות שאני מכירה נסיונות אחרים, הספר הזה נראה בהחלט שווה ונאה. איך ניתן להשיג אותו בבקשה?‬"

מיכל גוטפריד Michal Gottfried, FB. June, 20, 2011
"תודה נורית ובהצלחה, הספר מרשים מאוד!"

ברוריה הראל (שניידר) Bruria Harel, Artist. June,20, 2011
הי נורית - את בטח זוכרת אותי כברוריה שניידר מגינגט - הרבה שנים חלפו מאז. ב26 השנים האחרונות גרתי באמריקה, עסקתי בפיסול ובאמנות ציורי הבד שלי, שעליהם בזמנו כתבת את המאמר הצבעוני הראשון בדפי האמצע של מגזין השבת של ידיעות אחרונות, פלוס השער הצבעוני הראשון שהיה ציור שלי מתערוכת הקרנבל בריו.
את הספר המקסים שלך יש לי כמובן! עשית עבודה נפלאה. ראיתי גם את הכתבה בטלויזיה. את נראית יופי כמו תמיד. כל טוב ולהתראות ברוריה"

סיגל הננסון Sigal Henennson, FB. June 26, 2011
היי נורית...רכשתי כבר אי אלו עותקים ואני מעניקה אותו כמתנה לכל מי שאני מאמינה שטכסטיל בכלל ואופנה ישראלית בפרט קרוב ללב

עדה הוז פלס June 26, 2011 Ada Hos-Peles, N.Y. Journalist
ספר/אלבום מדהים!!! כתבתי לך שיר הלל ארוך בפייסבוק שנמחק לצערי בתואנה ש'יש יותר מדי מילים'... אז שלחתי לך אי-מייל רגיל, שמשום מה חזר אלי. אכתוב לך שוב. ותודה, תודה

יחזקאל אדירם Yehezkel Adiram, journalist. June 30, 2011
אצטרף ברצון למעריצי הספר שלך.הוא אכן ראוי לכל המלצה

רינת אונגר טמבור Rinat Ungar Tambour, FB. June 30, 2011
הי נורית, תודה רבה! הספר נראה מדהים! יום קסום. רינת

דליה ארזי Dalia Arazi, wife of Scitex' genious founder Effi Arazi
July 1, 2011
נורית מדהימה, כיף לראות את
ספרך המדהים. כל ההדפסים היפים, והצבעים
המרהיבים. אחד הספרים הכי יפים שיש.
ואכן השם כל כך מתאים "שיכרון עיצובים"..:)
שבת שלום.

רני ששון Rani Sasson, artist. July 3, 2011
הספר שלך על תולדות האופנה בישראל מקסים ומרתק ,שבוע טוב
רני.‏

גונן נשר Gonen Nesher, FB. July 9, 2011
הי נורית,
מכיר היטב את ספרך
מהמרתקים והמושכים בהם נתקלתי בשנים האחרונות.
תודה על חוייה קריאה ויזואלית מרשימה
ובכלל - על כול פעולך בתחום

אמשיך לעקוב,
גונן

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

TV Host Yoav Ginay: "Israel Fashion Art": "A Marvelous Book".



Hi, Quite a few exciting things have happened regarding my album-book "Israel Fashion Art" since I've updated you guys. I guess the most important one was a joint interview on TV's Channel 1 (IBA) which took place about ten days ago. Fashion designer and singer Yuval Kaspin, vintage store owner Tali Kushnir, and I were invited to the program "Live Summer" to discuss Israel's first and largest conglomerate ATA. The company that supplied all the khaki cotton basics of early Israel, including David Ben-Gurion's military garb, the cova-tembel hat that all children and youngsters wore on trips
and farmers on their farms and kibbutzim to mention just a few.
Charming hosts Yoav Ginay and Lucy Aharish also mentioned "Israel Fashion Art"
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" which includes some nostalgic photos of David Ben-Gurion and Itshak Rabin in khaki garb, the cova-temble hat etc. in addition to the over 400 full-color images of creative designs.

Yoav (who already interviewed me on radio last year) picked up the book showing it to the viewers saying that "it's a marvelous book" while Lucy added that it depicts "a wonderful fashion and cultural history". Designer Yuval Caspin said that the book is a must-have one not for fashionistas only, adding
that in his home it's not in the book case but rather out in the open so everyone who visits him can see it.
They sure made my day and I am very thankful for their kind words.

Another person I would like to thank from the depth of my heart is textile designer Levita Tadmor. Levita who specializes in handweaving was one of the designers I had interviewed for the book. Her success was an international one and included special awards she gained for her creations. In her
letter she expressed her very high opinion about the scope of the research which went into the book saying that it justifies awarding me the Pras Israel (Israel Award). Thank you so very much dear Levita.

Meeting jewelry designer Gil Newhouse in some exhibit opening a few days ago I was very happy to
hear from him that my book is exhibited in his jewelry branch in Moscow. Gil is represented in the book in the chapter about the use of seashells with an exquisite photo of a conch ring.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Fantastic Designs by Fini Leitersdorf from "Israel Fashion Art" album-book on Exhibit.

A Fini Leitersdorf creation inspired by Yohanan Simon's painting from Nurit Bat-Yaar's book "Israel Fashion Art". Photo: Ben Lam

Hi, I have just returned from the opening of a very special exhibit which will be open to the public for one week beginning this Sunday. It's an exhibit of Israel's most inspiring designer "Maskit"' Fini Leitersdorf held at Vila D in Neve Tsedek by her grandaughter Dushi Leitersdorf.
This exhibit is very special to me on several counts. Firstly, because of the uniquness of Fini's timeless artistic creations most of which can be worn today inspite of the fact that they were created in the 60s and the 70s.
Secondly, because of the extremely important part Fini played in the creation and the consolidation of the identity of Israel's style's which was the triger for my writing my book. She did it by applying the arts and crafts of the Hebrew tribes gathered together from over 100 diasporas to western timeless bohemian lines in a very remarkable and admirable way.


The  third reason I enjoyed  the exhibit so much - is that it enables people to see live quite a number of the designs depicted in the album-book "Israel Fashion Art"  "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" photos. The one seen here, for example,  that was inspired by a painting of Yohanan Simon - opens the chapter Fashion & Art - A Love Story. Others, enrich the chapters about the use of coins, of seashells, of bejeweled gowns, of hoods, of textiles etc.


Finally, the exhibit took me back to my youth when Fini Leitersdorf who saw me (when at my dad's request I delivered to her studio some olive wood buttons), insisted I become her model. Although at the time I refused, I eventually did participate in a modeling course she opened-up for Maskit. And it was my modeling career (along with a fashion illustration courses I took) which opened for me the door to the world fashion journalism.  So, in addition to my great admiration of Fini I feel that she provided me with the jumping board to my career.
Another fine memory of Fini I have relates to my artistic creativity. She once invited me to the opening of a painting exhibit of her husband artist Yohanan Simon. I showed up in a dress I designed myself in the spirit of the Maskit's multi-cultural meets pure western lines-  concept. Many of the guests assumed it was Fini's latest creation. Fini, Larger than life as she was, came over to me, shared with me that info and told me "Nurit - you are a fashion personality!" This was the greatest compliment one could get from such a gifted designer, and I felt that it definitely gave me the stamp of approval into the artistic magical realm of fashion.

Monday, August 1, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art" Book by Nurit Bat-Yaar shows that "Israeli Fashion is Authentic & Kicking".

One of the Castro design images (1997) exclusive to the album-book "Israel Fashion Art". Photo: Isri Halpern
Styling: Nurit Bat-Yaar. model: Amit Machtinger.

Hi, Book Week is over by now. Nevertheless, a few days ago I came a cross a great recommendation about my book
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
 in the Castro Fashion magazine in an article called Inspiring Books in honor of Book Week:  "The book of the fashion researcher and journalist Nurit Bat-Yaar is a milestone in the country's fashion literature. It's a lavish historic album that is fun to leaf through and discover cherished clothes...which remind us that we have an authentic, kicking Israeli fashion.
"ספרה של העיתונאית וחוקרת האופנה נורית בת יער הוא אבן דרך בספרות האופנה בארץ, והוא אלבום מהודר של צילומי אופנה מההיסטוריה הלא ארוכה של האופנה בישראל. נחמד לדפדף בספר ולגלות פרסומות, בגדים אהובים מהאייטיז ותמונות ארכיון שיזכירו לכולם שגם כאן יש אופנה ישראלית בועטת ואותנטית".

שבוע הספר האופנתי
http://www.castromagazine.co.il/
ספרי עיצוב, ספרי צילום, ספרי אופנה וכל מה שנותן לנו השראה לכבוד שבוע הספר
Other, highly appreciated responses the book earned came my way via Facebook. Here are some of them. This is the 13th  bunch of responses to the book I'm uploading. The previous ones were posted on Feb, 20, 2010, on Aug, 3, 2010, on Aug, 13, 2010, on Sept. 16, 2010, on Oct. 6, 2010, on Oct.23, 2010, on Nov. 26, 2010 ,on Dec. 16, 2010, on Jan.2, 2011, on March 16, 2011, on May 20, 2011 and on June 27, 2011 posts.

Responses from the Academy were posted on (May 3, 2010 ), Museum Curators (July 18, 2010), and the Press (June 16, 2010) .
Shimon Peres, Israel's President's so highly appreciated, heart-warming response was posted on Oct. 15, 2010.

הדר מרום Hadar Marom, FB. May 10, 2011 חגיגה לעיניים. הצטרף לא מכבר לרשימת המתנות שלי לעצמי.

נעמי נוריאל Naomi Nuriel, FB. May 11, 2011
אהבתי את הספר עוד כשראיתי אותו בסטימצקי לפני פחות משנה, אז קניתי אותו.

שרון פייביש Sharon Faibish, fashion designer. May 12, 2011
קראתי את הספר הנהדר. כל הכבוד ו... תודה על האיזכור. שרון. לכבוד הוא לי להיות מוזכר בספר.

אורית פרייליך Orit Freilich, Shenkar prof. May 16, 2011 ספרך מרהיב ביופיו

דנה וקסלר-ספקטור May 16, 2011 Dana Wexler-Spector, former Beauty Queen.
מרשים ביותר..קיבלתי את הספר כמתנה לפני כשנה:-))

ליאלי האווה Lialy Hawa. FB. May 18, 2011
שלום
היום קניתי את הספר שלך
רציתי להגיד לך שאני נהנית מכל מילה שכתבת בספר
במיוחד הרקמות עשו לי את היום המון תודה
בכבוד רב
ליאלי

תמי גוטמן-משיח Tami Gutman-Mashiah, Prof. @ Wizo Haifa Academy
נורית בת יער היקרה, אשמח אם תפרגני גם לי ותציגי את הדגם שלי של הצפרדעים מיערות הגשם ,מתוך ספרך המדהים. ממליצה בחום לכולם לקרוא ולצפות בו,ספר חובה לכל ישראלי ולא רק לחובבי האופנה.

שרון דובז'ינסקי Sharon Dobjinsky, "At" journalist , May 26, 2011
נורית היקרה ביותר!
גם הספר וגם קטלוג התערוכה "הבזקי זוהר" הם מעבר לנהדרים!

אורלי רוזן Orli Rosen, Designer. FB. May 27, 2011
Hi Nurit,
I am very much familiar with your book, and I think your work of research is quite exquisite.
I myself have been very occupied by Israeli fashion through out the decades, to realize that we have a very unique sense of style that is able to modify itself.
Your book is essentialy educating for generations to come, and to hopefully encourage more books to be written about Israeli fashion.
Kind regards,
Orli.

דפנה מאור בלסקי Dafna Maor Belsky. FB. May 30,2011
היי נורית,
יש לי את הספר בבית והוא מדהים, ממש עבודת קודש עשית. מצאתי בו דברים מרתקים, במיוחד לאור תחום העיסוק שלי... נהנתי מאוד לקרוא אותו. שאפו!‬

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bar Refaeli in "Israel's Fashion Art" album-book's FB's Fan Club Page which counts now 2,000 FANS.

Bar Refaeli in a 2004 Eyal Nevo image exclusive to the album-book "Israel Fashion Art" by Nurit Bat-Yaar.

Hi, "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" album-book's Facebook Fan Club reached 2,000 fans!!! Thank you so much dear book fans!!! On this happy occasion I would like to share with you this very special image of a very special model: international fashion photography model BAR REFAELI, former love of film star Leonardo Dicaprio and one of the most perfect specimens of world beauty.

This is one of several full-page photos of Bar featured in the album-book. This specific one opens the chapter "Talking Clothes" which is about T shirts and other fashion pieces featuring written-up slogans and messages and photos that are printed on them. Believing that slogans such as :"A woman without a man is like a fish without bicycles" (by Feminist Gloria Stenheim), "Make Love Not War", "Black is Beautiful" etc., provide sort of a quick course about free world culture  - I decided to devote a special chapter to this concept.

As I did in other chapters here too I traced the sources of the custom to attach words to clothes to the Bible's High Priest, widening the discussion to its appearance in art works such as Braque and Picasso's collages and to present day's Jenifer Bar-Lev's fabric works, etc.

To visit FaceBook Book's Fan Club Page please go to link:

By the way, do you have any idea what does the white swan pillow is doing in the picture? It has nothing to do with the film "White Swan, Black Swan". Nor with the Sawn Lake ballet. It's there as a reminder that Bar's nick-name is Bar-Boor, the Hebrew word for swan! 


Monday, June 27, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art" Album-Book Hearts Mark Zuckerberg

A 1989 creation of Dana Ziv-Carmi of Wizo-Canada-Haifa Academy, exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar. Photo: Isri Halpern. Styling: Nurit Bat-Yaar. 

Hi, naturally when my album-book "Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" came out after the seven or so years that I had worked on it, I hoped people would appreciate the blood and sweat I poured into it or should I say the embroidery silk threads, the golden coins, the cultural, historical and artistic glimpses, as well as the creative fantasy I had woven into it. However, I never realized that I would get that many loving responses and I think that if it weren't for FACEBOOK much of all this love wouldn't have reached me.

So, firstly I would like to thank FACEBOOK and its creator MARK ZUCKERBERG for making it possible.

Thanks from the depth of my heart also to all the book's fans who took the time to share with me their feelings and impressions of the book. Your opinions are very dear and important to me.

Thanks to designer Dani Kalmar who wrote: "Finally a book which is both fascinating and enlightening." To author and former journalist-editor Liora Einy who wrote: "Nurit's book is superb". To renowned architect Ilan Pivko who wrote: "The historical Israeli fashion looks fantastic in your book. You must have thrown light on timeless creations which is why they still look relevant and up to date." And thank you to all the other very dear readers who are sharing here with me their enthusiasm from
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל".

This is the 12th bunch of responses to the book I'm uploading. The previous ones were posted on Feb, 20, 2010, on Aug, 3, 2010, on Aug, 13, 2010, on Sept. 16, 2010, on Oct. 6, 2010, on Oct.23, 2010, on Nov. 26, 2010 , and on Dec. 16, 2010Jan.2, 2011, on March 16, 2011 and on May 20, 2011 posts.


Responses from the Academy were posted on (May 3, 2010 ), Museum Curators (July 18, 2010), and the Press (June 16, 2010) .

Shimon Peres, Israel's President's so highly appreciated, heart-warming response was posted on Oct. 15, 2010.

Vered Vizovitch Kaponi, Bags Designer. March 16,2011                ורד ויזוביץ קפוני
התמונות מאד יפות. זה ספר שיהיה מונח אצלי בחנות!


Dotan Sofer, musician.FB. March 16, 2011 דותן  סופר                                                                                                   נורית! אמרתי לך כבר שלדעתי ספרך

יכול וצריך לקבל הכרה בינלאומית בגלל העושר שלו בתחומו! .

מיכל פלדמן
Michal Feldman, Facebook. March 17, 2011
ואחרי שהצצתי בספר ובתמונות.... ואווו....כי כל מילה אחרת תגמד את העוצמה והיצירתיות. נדירה ומרגשת!

ועוד ממיכל:
Michal Feldman 18 מרץ 2011‏ בשעה 04:59‏
נורית יקירה...
אתחיל עם הספר המרשים ביופיו, בתוכנו ובתכניו. אכן ניכרת עבודה רבה והשקעה מאומצת שהובילו לתוצאה מרשימה

שולה שפיגל Shula Spiegel, TV docu film producer, March22, 2011
נורית... הספר מרתק

דני קלמר Dani Kalmar, Fashion designer. March 27, 2011
הספר מרשים ביותר.סוף סוף ספר גם מקסים עיצובית וגם משכיל.

שמוליק בכר נייס Shmulik Bechar Nice, Producer. April 2,2011
ראיתי את הספר ממש מוצלח ומעניין טרם התעמקתי בו לקריאה מלאה אבל שאפו על העבודה המורכבת של איסוף החומרים...

ליאורה עיני , former editor of Signon, Maariv.April3,2011 Liora Eini
ספרה של נורית בת יער ספר מעולה - תוכן ועיצוב - ניכרים השקעה רבה ואהבה רבה. אנא מיסרו לנורית שלאחר דפדוף ראשון אקרא כל פרק בעיון ובהנאה

מיטל ארז Facebook. April 5, 2011 ,Meytal erez
הצטרפתי למועדון אוהדי הספר, אין מילים מהמםםםםם.... כל מה שקשור לאופנה, סטייל, ועוד.. אני פה...

במבי קטן Bambi Katan. FB. April 8, 2011
קניתי ונהנית מאוד. תודה.

מיכל ענבר Michal Inbar. FB. April 10, 2011
קיבלתי במתנה את הספר האדיר (תרתי משמע) שלך ואני הולכת לישון איתו כל לילה גומעת ממנו בצמא! איזה כייף לי... תודה רבה נורית על הספר :-)"


יעל גלעד Yael Gilad, FB. April 13, 2011
ראיתי אותו בלימודים וממש אהבתי תודה

יפית ריקלין Yafit Riklin, Accessory designer. April 14, 2011
הי נורית יקרה
את הספר המקסים רכשתי כבר מזמן בתערוכת אות העיצוב – עשית עבודה מדהימה ואני נהנית מהספר
ראיתי את האזכורים עלי בספר, זה הרגעים הקטנים האלו שפתאום אני מבינה את העשייה ושהיא חלק ממשהו תרבותי שנעשה פה בארצנו המיוחדת
חג פסח שמח לך

Yaffa grebenau, former model & exporter April 14, 2011
יפה גרבנאו קניתי לאורלי דנקנר את הספר גם לרונה הבת שלומדת בעקבות ליקוש בשנקר שנה א... הן מאד נהנות מהספר..

איילת קרבצקי Ayelet Kravetzky. FB. April 15, 2011
ספר מדהים אני אקנה לי אותו מתנה לחג

ליסה מרז Lisa Mraz. FB. April 18, 2011
אני מאוד מעריכה אותך ומתה על הספר שכרון עיצובים! חג שמח אישה יקרה!

אילן פיבקו Ilan Pivko, Architect. April 19, 2011
הי נורית ראיתי אתמול את ספרך שכרון עיצובים והתפעלתי מאד. האפנה הישראלית לדורותיה נראית נפלא בספרך. כנראה שידעת להאיר את אותן יצירות שישרדו ולכן נראה הספר כה עכשווי
ובכלל "גוף העבודה " שלך על פני כל השנים הללו מרשים ביותר

Zvi Elhyani, Israel Architecture Archive Iaa April 25, 2011 צבי אלחייני, ארכיון האדריכלות הישראלי .
נורית שלום, מאוד אוהב את ספרך שיצא לא מכבר, גוף עבודה מצוין כינסת שם, צבי אלחייני ארכיון אדריכלות ישראל

נורית זוארי , FB. May 10,2011 Nurit Zoari
תמונות מדהימות. חברתי רוצה לרכוש אותו עבורי כמתנה... עיינתי בספרך מאוד נהניתי תמונות מרהיבות ממש רמה.

נטע לבנה Neta Livne, FB. May 10, 2011
ספר מקסים...

Friday, June 17, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art" FB's Fan Club reached 1,900 Fans

A Menahem Oz photo exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art"
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
album-book of an Alon Siman-Tov creation. Styling: Nurit Bat-Yaar.

Hi, Today I would like to share with you the happy event regarding the book's Facebook Fan Cub which marks over 1900 fans. Thanks so much dear

"Israel Fashion Art" fans.

During my many years as "Yedioth Ahronoth" fashion editor I was always eager to discover new talents, young designers uninhibited by conventions and marketing limitations. Usually, I would find such free spirits in the fashion academies. I would then initiate stylised editorials which provided the imaginative students a springboard to fame and success and my newspaper readers an exciting aesthetic experience. Thus I fully iidentified with Diana Vreeland's motto: My purpose is to show my fashion readers things they don't even know they want.

One of the unique creations I discovered at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design was the above hat by Alon Siman-Tov. Alon designed it within a hat design course taught by creative hat-designer Gil Becher his inspiration being the film "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids". His was one of about five-seven hats I selected for the editorial, and the only one which ended up in the album-book.

Like many of the students whose unique and exciting designs were included in the book - after his graduation Alon became a very successful designer who left his mark on the international arena. Among the Fashion Houses he designed for were Enrico Coveri, Roberto Cavali and Levi's accessories.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Israel Fashion Art Album-Book Review in Spanish

Hi, book reviews, interviews and articles about "Israel Fashion Art" album-book
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" were published up to now in Hebrew, English, Russian, and Swiss-German. Today I am posting the latest review which was published in Spanish.

Unfortunately, I don't read Spanish so I am unable to provide you guys with some quotes from the article.  However, my former colleague fashion editor Chikita Levov who wrote it told me she couldn't find words to express the very special feelings the album-book aroused in her.

So, in case some of my readers do read Spanish here it is.
 As far as the images from "Israel Fashion Art" album-book go, the article features a portrait of mine by Ron Kedmi, a Gottex photo of beachwear designs (by Ben Lam), and a Maskit, Fini Leitersdorf embroidered caftan (by Ben Lam),  in the first page.

In the second page a photo of a golden coins tunic by Silvia Vered (Versano) (by Ido Lavie), the book's cover picture of a Shenkar's Jacob Harpaz gown (by Miri Davidovits), and a Dana Ziv-Carmi of Vitzo-Haifa creation (by Isri Halpern. Styling: yours truly).



A Chikita Levov article about "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar in Spanish. Page 1.
A Chikita Levov article about "Israel Fashion Art" album-book by Nurit Bat-Yaar in Spanish, page 2.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" and The Perfect Style Experience".

"Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" among ten fashion books recommended by Signon on June 1, 2011

Hi, Yesterday a very pleasant surprise awaited me at "Signon" the lifestyle weekly magazine of "Maariv"'s daily newspaper. On the occasion of the coming-up Book Fair - Michal Israeli made up a list of the ten  recommended fashion books and album-books. In the article's sub-title she wrote: "We chose ten fashion books that would provide you with the perfect style experience". 

 "Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" (Resling) was mentioned next to nine imported books such as Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 by Carol Squiers (Abrams), Vogue Model: The Face of Fashion by Robin Derrick & Robin Muir (Little), Fashion by Charlotte Seeling (Hf Ullmann), The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman (Penguin) etc.

In her item about "Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008"  "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל" Michal wrote: "In this lavish book Nurit Bat-Yaar offers an historical viewpoint about Israeli Fashion which focuses not only on the aesthetic aspects but on social and cultural aspects as well. In addition to the marvelous and nostalgic photos which Bat-Yaar collected and saved from extinction and in addition to text which discusses the cultural role Israeli Fashion's played - the book is also spiced with true behind the scenes stories of the fashion industry."

The review was accompanied by a picture of the album-book's cover featuring a photo by Miri Davidovits of a Jacob Harpaz gown modeled by Adaya Meirtcek.

Thank you very much dear Michal Israeli.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Design Award to "Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" Graphic Designer.

"Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" by Nurit Bat-Yaar (Resling 2010) book cover. Designed by Nadav Shalev - recipient of Israel's Ministry of Culture 2010 Art & design awards in design category.
 
Hi, Today I would like to share with you guys the happy announcement made last week by Israel's Ministry of Culture headed by Ms. Limor Livnat regarding its Art and Design Awards for 2010. Among the five recipients of the award in the design category is Nadav Shalev - who was "Israel's Fashion Art - 1948-2008" (Resling 2010) graphic designer.

Nadav concentrates on designing mostly art and design books and catalogs for museums' exhibitions and for Shenkar college. But his latest largest project was my 440 pages album-book which includes over 400 color images. Congratulations Nadav!!!

Nurit Bat-Yaar in Liri Halperin's article in "Ahbar Ha-Ir" of May 26, 2011 about the state of Tel-Aviv's young fashion designers today.

Last week I was interviewed by Liri Halperin of "Ahbar Ha-Ir" weekly magazine about
the state of young Tel-Aviv fashion designers. To her question what is the future holding for them, I replied that in view of the fierce competition from the international chains which opened branches in Israel and the import of designer's fashion to high-end boutiques, they need to take more risk and get out of their conch of "safe" neutral colors. I also suggested that they try to fuse practicality with a touch of fantasy.

"Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008"         "שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
mentioned in the article could be a real good place to start.

Friday, May 20, 2011

More Accolades to "Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" Album Book

Hanoch Reichelson in an Alber Elbaz creation designed during his Shenkar years. Photo exclusive to Nurit Bat-Yaar's book "Israel Fashion Art - 1948-2008" :Sami Ben-Gad


Hi, Today I would like to thank some of the many readers of "Israel Fashion Art -
1948-2008" album-book published by the academic publishing house "Resling" which is called in Hebrew:
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל"
The readers which were kind enough to share with me their heartwarming impressions from the book.

This is the 11th bunch of responses I have posted here. The previous ones were posted on  Feb, 20, 2010, on Aug, 3, 2010, on Aug, 13, 2010, on Sept. 16, 2010, on Oct. 6, 2010, on Oct.23, 2010, on Nov. 26, 2010 , and on Dec. 16, 2010, Jan.2, 2011 and on March 16, 2011 posts.

Responses from the Academy were posted on (May 3, 2010 ), Museum Curators (July 18, 2010), and the Press (June 16, 2010) .

Shimon Peres, Israel's President's so highly appreciated, heart-warming response was posted on Oct. 15, 2010.

The first two responses Cybil Goldfeiner of Comme Il Faut: "A stunning book", and
designer Dorin Frankfort's WOW!!!!! were actually received last year. The delay in including them in the blog is a result of the fact that they weren't sent via the net but were written on greeting cards attached to symbolic tokens of appreciation.

The rest of the responses were received via the net, mostly from my virtual Facebook friends. Some as a response to a post in which I suggested the book would make a fit gift on the occasion of a certain holiday. I am very grateful to all the people for their enthusiastic responses and accolades and especially to Hanoch Reichelson who expressed his opinion that my special contribution to the country justifies granting  yours truly the "Israel's Award" ("Prass Israel").  Thanks so much from the depth of my heart Hanoch.

סיביל גולדפיינר Cybil Goldfeiner, Comme Il Faut. Feb. 2010
לנורית, רציתי להגיד מברוק. ספר מדהים.
כל הכבוד,סיביל וכל משפ. קום איל פו.

דורין פרנקפורט Dorin Frankfurt, Fashion Designer. Feb. 2010
WOW!!!!!

תמי קאלי Tami Kali, Facebook. Feb.27,2011
"גם אני רכשתי... אני קוראת בעונג רב. ספר חשוב שנותן מבט היסטורי על צבעי הגיזרה של החברה הישראלית. תודה נורית למתנה מופלאה."

דריה מוזס Darya Mozes, Feb.28, 2010. FB .
ספר מופלא שקיבלתי מבן לם מתנה,אושר צרוף

רפאל קינן Rafaelle Kynan, March 1, 2011. FB .
ספר מצוין התבוננתי בו ורכשתיו לפני כשבועיים

שחף לילך Lilach Shachaf, FB. March 2, 2011
יש לי את הספר מרגע השקתו והוא מקסים ומאוד מעשי

קרן גוטמן Keren Gutman, March3, 2011. FB.
נורית שלום
מעריכה מאוד את כתיבתך ופועלך
תודה על ספרים וקטלוגים נפלאים
חזק ואמץ
בהערכה
קרן.

אטי יעקובזון . Eti Yakobson, fashion designer. March,3,2011
אכן הספר הוא עדות "לתפארת האופנה בישראל" שחלפה ואיננה עוד לצערי."
אביבה בראל Aviva Barel, FB. March 4, 2011
היי נורית, ערב טוב
תודה על חברותך הוירטואלית! אצטרף בשמחה ובהנאה מרובה למועדון אוהדי הספר! יישר כח על העבודה המדהימה!!! ברכות מירושלים, אביבה

ליאורה בסון לרש Liora Bassoon,B.A., Researcher. March 9, 2011 Lerech
ספרך מונח במרכז הסלון אצלנו בבית. אנחנו נהנות לדפדף בדפיו המשובחים ובצילומים הנהדרים. את מומחית בתחומך וראויה על הערכה רבה על האלבום הזה.

יסמין לוי Yasmine levi, "Yedioth Ahronoth" Journalist. March 10, 2011
מתנה מופלאה ונהדרת. כמוך

דבי צבעוני Debbie Zivoni, Facebook. March 11, 2011
"אכן מומלץ ביותר!"

חנוך רייכלסון Hannoch Reichelson, Fashion. March 16, 2011
נורית, אין עליך, שנה הבאה אני ממליץ עליך לפרס ישראל על תרומה מיוחדת למדינה".

Friday, May 13, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" and the President's Two Wives

Harem-style overall pants by Miri Shafir. A 60s photo exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" by Ben Lam.
Hi, the wonderful letter Israel's current President Shimon Peres wrote to me about the album-book "Israel fashion Art 1948-2008"
"שיכרון עיצובים – אמנות האופנה בישראל"
was posted here on October 15, 2010. Today, I would like to share with you an anecdote related to the book and an additional Israeli president:
former President Itshak Navon.

President Navon who like President Peres was closely associated with Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion purchased the book as a gift to his wife Miri Shafir. Hearing this from Miri, naturally made me very happy.

Unlike any other person – former President Navon had not one but two reasons to get the book: his two wives. His present wife Miri shafir is a former fashion designer whose creations are featured in the book. His first wife the late Ofira (Erez) Navon, who was Israel's first lady during his presidency years – is also featured in the book.

Ofira Erez as the "Typical Sabra" in 1956 in a photo exclusive to "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" album-book
In her youth, in 1956 Ofira was chosen by the weekly magazine "Haolam Haze" as the "Typical Sabra" representing the best-looking Israeli-born gal. With her lovely thick braid and her Yemenite-embroidered festive gowns she was sort of a fashion icon. I remember that as a young girl I used to look up to her and the excitement she aroused when she visited my parents' apartment in order to choose some olive-wood earrings and wide decorative pony-tail or braid pins for her trip to Paris for the international competition organized by Elle magazine.

No wonder, then, that a portrait of her, in her typical Israeli look, with her braid and a Yemenite embroidered dress, which she gave me, upon my request, many years ago is featured in the book.

                                                      ************                                          
A few days ago, Israel celebrated its 63rd Independence Day. I would like
to take this opportunity to thank dear Victoria Dolinsky Vice General Manager of Radio Reka for broadcasting on this special holiday an interview about the book in Russian for the benefit of the country's Russian newcomers.

Photos from the book (of a Gideon Oberson 1963 gown) were featured on that holiday in a Yaara Yaacov article in "Maariv"'s "Signon" magz. & in
http://www.nrg.co.il/
and in Merav Crystal's article (of a "Rosh Indiani" and a "Topper"
80s designs) in the website of "Yedioth Ahronoth": http://www.ynet.co.il/
Thank you both dear Yaara and Merav.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Royale Wedding and "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008"

Hi, I had the pleasure and honor to view the fantastic Royal wedding of Prince charming William and his beautiful Kate Middleton from Israel's Channel 1 television broadcasting studio since I was invited by the broadcast producer Maya Talmon to join the channel's two major stars David Vitstum and Oren Nahari and commentate alongside them about the wedding's guests' fashion.

Upon returning home I was very happy to see the great responses my Facebook friends left me on my wall about the "excellent" and "captivating" way my comments were presented. The next day another pleasant surprise awaited me at the Walla website

מצב רוח מרוממה: ערוץ 1 - המנצח הגדול של סיקור החתונה המלכותית
http://e.walla.co.il/?w=%2F269%2F1819198   in which Avner Shavit announced that
channel 1 gave the winning royal wedding broadcast mentioning me as well as the best among the various t.v. fashion commentators of the wedding.

What does all this has to do with my album book "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008"?
Firstly, I was introduced on the t.v's screen as the author of the book. So, the book participated in the celebration too.  The book was also on the commentators' table since
I was hoping to show during the broadcast a lovely photo of the mother of the groom, Princess Diana, which is featured in it. The reason being: Diana Queen of Hearts was a fan of Israel's Gottex beachwear and in all her beach and yacht pictures published in all of England's newspapers during the months prior to her tragic death - she was wearing the Lea Gottlieb for Gottex swimsuits.

A 92 beachwear by Lea Gottlieb of Gottex in a Patrick Demarchelier photo modeled by Naomi Campbell

Princess Diana with Lea Gottlieb of Gottext in an exclusive photo
of "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" album book by Nurit Bat-Yaar
Photo: Pauline Lewis.

The photo appears in the book's chapter about the success stories of Israeli fashion around the world while the story about Princess Diana and Mrs. Gottlieb's meeting, as it was told to me by Mrs. Gottlieb in her fantastic garden-like Tel-Aviv apartment, opens the beachwear's chapter. Although, finally I didn't show the photo during the broadcast - I did mention the fact that my father served in the British army during WWII and that several years ago the three medals he was granted for it by the British government were incorporated in a special military inspired jacket which designer Shalom Hai Halevi designed for me. This being another British story mentioned in the book
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל".
Now, I'm trying to put my hands on a recording of television's channel 1 broadcast of the Royal Wedding so I can share with you guys at least a part of it.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

"Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" in Reality TV's "Mrhubarot 2"

Hi, If you missed the Surprise appearance of "Israel Fashion Art 1948-2008" album-book on television - here is the relevant scene. In chapter 8 of the reality show "Mehubarot 2" Dina Avramson, one of the shows stars, decides to give her mother
"שיכרון עיצובים - אמנות האופנה בישראל".
Her mother who, in her youth, dreamed of becoming a fashion designer receives the
gift, unwraps it and discovers the lush album-book greeting it with WOWS. She then leafs throughout its pages saying that the pictures are beautiful and daring and that she is going to enjoy the book very much.
The short scene ends with a dedication Dina is writing to her mom on the book's first
page, saying that for her - her mom would always be on top of things in fashion.

Leafing through the book's photos the mother observes some colorful hand-knitted
creations modeled by Galit Guttman, a Diva piercing-iinspired bikini modeled by Bar Refaeli, a Moshe Amar Egyptian inspired overall modeled by Yafa Grebenau, a Maskit circular crochet maxi dress modeled by Batia Dissenchik and a picture of Alber Elbaz hugging Sarah Jessica Parker.