Israel's Fashion Students Put Their Best Foot Forward

The most exciting new work in fashion can most often be found at the graduate design shows. Just think of the now legendary and infamous tales of graduate collections scooped up by one big name to make legend of another: Alexander McQueen's 1992 collection was given the mark of approval by Isabella Blow, and Kim Jones had half of his 2002 showcase bought by John Galliano.

The end of year shows are holy grail moments for students who have spent endless hours slaving away on their final creations, and that's why when COVID-19 hit and lockdowns ensued in 2020, the cancellation of the traditional end of year show hit the industry hard. However, fashion has sprung back fast, whether that online fashion weeks, showcases such as SHOWstudio's Class of 2020, or immersive digital exhibitions by the likes of Central Saint Martins. Tel Aviv Fashion Week, which took place just a few days ago, was no different.

Teaming up with Kornit Digital, who offer fully sustainable production through technology which reduces energy usage and waste, participating designers were able to utilise their production model, making Tel Aviv Fashion Week a potentially key platform for sustainable fashion design.

This forward-facing fashion stage also opened its arms to the students of the revered Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. The college encompasses the dual approach of fashion and technology which Tel Aviv Fashion Week and Kornit Digital's partnership represents, offering courses from Chemical Engineering to Fashion and Textile Design. Based in Israel, the Business of Fashion ranked them the sixth best fashion school in the world in 2017.

A selection of designers from the school have been highlighted in a short film. Shot at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, the film was created to give some insight into the student behind each garment, whether that be their creative process or a flavour of their personality.

'We educate students to doubt, not take things for granted and ask questions - about identity, gender, society and the environment. Students create and act in the physical and digital space: no matter where they are, they are connected to what is happening in the world - even when reality hits their dreams and forces them to stay at home', explains Ilan Beja, the head of the fashion design department at Shenkar.