Wowed by wedding gowns

Israeli designers’ bold and beautiful designs take center stage at Tel Aviv Fashion Week

The end of the first full day at Tel Aviv Fashion Week treated guests to a glittery, bold and beautiful nightcap.

While Fashion Week guest Iabel Moschino had made a strong, colorful impact with the debut of its Spring/Summer 2013 collection on Sunday night, most attendees knew that it is the local Israeli designers who are the heart and soul of this three-day event. After a day of casual ready-to-wear, the evening ended on a strong note from two designers who give new meaning to Israeli bridal and evening wear.

The romantic look of Yair Germon's gowns (Courtesy Yair Germon) — The romantic look of Yair Germon’s gowns (Courtesy Yair Germon)

Designer Yair Germon makes wedding dresses that fulfill young girls’ dreams. The designer, who currently has a studio in the poshly gentrified Neve Tzedek neighborhood, has been designing statement bridal gowns since January 2000. He uses his Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) background to create two custom-made, ready-to-order lines each year.

The designer said he was inspired by the glamorous and iconic retro chic style of Hollywood for his Spring/Summer 2013 collection. While the Hollywood retro chic was less obvious, he wowed the crowd with a mix of silk and Swarovski crystals, floral embroidery, French lace and a slew of luxurious fabrics such as muslin, georgette, and silk.

An ethereal gown wrapped in a gray belt by Galit Levi (Courtesy Galit Levi)

It was hard to tell whether designer Galit Levi was aiming for a hopping nightlife or a summery daytime dress theme. Her Spring 2013 collection offered both, with leathery shifts and sparkly mini-dresses in black and red parading down the runway alongside flowing orange gowns, a one-shouldered fuchsia number and a turquoise maxi gown.

The designer, who started the show off with a rousing dance beat and a singer wearing a cage-dress, is especially known for her wedding dresses, though she showcased only one wedding gown during Monday night’s runway show.