Only in Israel

May 8, 2007 - 10:09 AM by Israelity

Yesterday, I ventured into trendy Tel Aviv to visit a few fashion boutiques on Dizengoff St. I’m hoping to feature in an article for an American fashion website. The article also required me to take photos of various pieces from designer collections. I visited Sigal Dekel, Dorin Frankfurt, and Ronen Chen stores and snapped photos of crisp trousers and draping shirtdresses without a problem. (All are top designers in Israel.)

Funny thing though, the salesperson at a dainty boutique by a designer named Hagit Tassa (located at the same address as Sigal Dekel) wouldn’t let me take pictures of her cute 60’s mod print halter top dresses, khaki pants and lace blouses. I specifically mentioned that Sigal, Dorin, and Ronen (as if I knew them personally!) had all let me take pictures of their chic creations and asked if I could speak with a manager.

The salesperson called the manager who told me she would make sure it was ok with the designer herself. I was taken aback when Hagit Tassa herself called and said I had permission.

Mind you, this might be easy to pull off at a small designer no-name shop in the corner of Greenwich Village or SoHo, NYC but most designers in America are quite unapproachable – it usually requires a little finagaling and a few phone calls to a PR person who speaks on behalf of the designer just to snap a picture or two of the store.

But here in Israel even on a street as recognizable as Dizengoff, even the bigger name designers are involved with all aspects of their business right down to permission to use a camera. No need to make appointments or go through unnecessary drabble with public relations firms. One tiny phone call and you’re talking to the designer herself! Perhaps Daphna Levinson and Sigal Dekel will be next on my list.

Share with others